A bra that fits well provides comfort, support, and a boost of confidence. Yet, many women wear the wrong bra size, unaware of how much better a properly fitted bra can feel.
This article is a guide to understanding and comparing bra cup sizes. We’ll cover the basics of measuring your bra size, deciphering what those cup size letters actually mean in terms of volume, and how to find the perfect fit for your unique shape.
Ultimately, this guide will help you find a bra that feels as good as it looks. So, let’s dive into the world of breast cup size comparison and find your perfect fit!
Bra Basics: Band and Cup Size
Bra sizes are made up of two parts: the band size and the cup size. The band size refers to the measurement around your torso, just under your breasts. The cup size indicates the difference between that underbust measurement and the measurement around the fullest part of your bust.
Bra sizes are written as a number followed by a letter, like 34B or 36C. The number is the band size, and the letter is the cup size.
It’s important to remember that bra size isn’t just about how big your breasts are. It’s about the relationship between the size of your breasts and the size of your ribcage. Someone with a small ribcage and proportionally large breasts might wear a smaller band size with a larger cup size than someone with a larger ribcage and proportionally smaller breasts.
How to measure your bra size accurately
Getting an accurate measurement is the first step to finding a bra that fits well. Here’s how to measure yourself at home:
Measuring Band Size
To measure your band size, take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your torso, just underneath your breasts. Keep the tape parallel to the ground and pull it so it’s snug, but not too tight.
If you get an odd number, round up to the next even number. That’s your band size.
Measuring Bust Size
To measure your bust size, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your breasts. Be sure you’re wearing a bra that’s unpadded, and keep the tape parallel to the ground.
To figure out your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust measurement. If the difference is less than an inch, you’re an AA. If it’s one inch, you’re an A, two inches is a B, three inches is a C, and so on.
Decoding bra cup sizes
Bra sizes can be confusing, but they’re actually based on a pretty simple calculation. The cup size refers to the difference between your bust measurement (around the fullest part of your breasts) and your band measurement (around your ribcage, directly under your breasts).
Here’s a quick guide:
- A cup: A 1-inch difference
- B cup: A 2-inch difference
- C cup: A 3-inch difference
- D cup: A 4-inch difference
Cup sizes continue beyond D. Each letter represents an additional inch of difference between your bust and band measurements. So, a DD cup is a 5-inch difference, a DDD or E cup is a 6-inch difference, and so on.
Cup Size Comparison: A Detailed Breakdown
It can be tricky to figure out how different breast cup sizes stack up against each other. Here’s a more detailed look at the differences between them.
A Cup vs. B Cup
An A cup generally means a smaller breast volume, whereas a B cup is a little bit bigger. People with A cups and B cups may need support during exercise and should consider wearing a sports bra during high-impact activities.
Great bra styles for A and B cups include bralettes and lightly padded bras, which can enhance the natural shape without adding too much bulk.
B Cup vs. C Cup
As mentioned above, a B cup is generally a smaller breast volume. A C cup is noticeably larger than a B cup. C cups are versatile, and many women find that C cup bras are comfortable and supportive.
Bra styles to consider for B and C cups include t-shirt bras, which offer a smooth look under clothing, and balconette bras, which provide a lift and a rounded shape.
C Cup vs. D Cup
A C cup is a medium volume, whereas a D cup is a larger breast volume that often needs more support. D cups can benefit from extra support, especially during physical activity.
Good bra styles for C and D cups include underwire bras, which offer support and lift, and full-coverage bras, which provide maximum coverage and support.
Why band size matters
The band is arguably the most important part of a bra, because it provides the majority of the support. A band that’s too loose won’t be able to do its job, and a band that’s too tight will be uncomfortable.
Here’s how to tell if your band fits correctly:
- It should sit horizontally around your torso, neither riding up in the back nor digging into your skin.
- You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably underneath the band. If you can fit more than two fingers, the band is probably too loose. If you can’t fit two fingers, it’s too tight.
If your bra band is riding up in the back, it’s a sign that it’s too big and you need to go down a size. If the band is digging into your skin, try loosening the straps first. If that doesn’t help, you may need to go up a band size.
Understanding sister sizes
Bra sizes that have the same cup volume but different band sizes are called “sister sizes.” Knowing how sister sizes work can help you find a bra that fits well, even if your ideal size isn’t available.
Here’s how to find your sister sizes:
- If the band feels too tight, go up one band size and down one cup size. For example, the sister size of 34B is 36A.
- If the band feels too loose, go down one band size and up one cup size. For example, the sister size of 34B is 32C.
Sister sizes are especially useful when your preferred size isn’t in stock or when a particular bra style seems to run small or large.
Common Bra Fit Problems and Solutions
Finding the right bra fit can be tricky. Here are some common issues and what they mean:
- Cup Too Small: If your breasts spill over the top or sides of the cups, or if the underwire digs into your breast tissue, your bra cup is likely too small.
- Cup Too Large: Gaping in the cups usually means the cup size is too big.
- Band Too Big: When the bra band rides up in the back, it’s a sign the band is too large and isn’t providing enough support.
In Summary
When it comes to finding a bra that fits, accurate measurement is essential. Understanding how cup sizes differ and how they relate to band size is also crucial.
The right bra should be comfortable and supportive. When you find a bra that fits well, it can give you a boost of confidence, too.
Use the information you’ve learned here to take measurements, understand cup sizing, and find a bra that is the perfect fit for your body.