american bra size chart

Created with Sketch.

american bra size chart

Deciphering the American Bra Size

As the bra size system is the same in the US and the UK, the only difference is the terminology used in the both systems. It can be said about both systems that what they do is provide a measure of the rib cage directly under the bust, providing an array of numbers followed by letters. When following this logic, it can be said that bra size refers to the measurement of the rib cage right below the mammary glands. Hence, the bra size format X followed by Y means that X is the band size around the rib cage and Y indicates the cup size. For example, “34B” means the circumference of the rib cage is 34 inches, and the difference of measuring the bust and the circumference of rib cage since there is a 3 inch difference in this case, means it is a B cup.

Bear in mind that these sizes tend to differ due to brand and style of the bra; take a look at the description of each product to alleviate such situations. But yes, getting familiar with the basic set of sizes makes it more straightforward to locate a size that would fit you and place an order. This enhances the level of support and comfort even further.

How To Measure For An American Bra Size

What Crate&Barrel needs for this is a double set of measurements, the first being the rib cage measures that form the base of computer program and the second is the bust measures. So for starters, use a measuring tape to get the measurement around your bust and then follow over to measuring for your band size.

So now with a measuring tape, wrap it around your rib cage, under the bust:

  • In case your tape measurement is even, it would be your fitting band size (i.e., 32, 34, 36 etc.).
  • When your tape measurement is odd, round it off to the closest even figure like 31 inches becomes 32 inches.

Bust Size Measurement:

When measuring for the bust, wrap the measuring tape around the widest section of the bust making sure it isn’t too tight and is level throughout.

Ensure to record the measurement in inches as this is needed to calculate the cup size.

Finding The Difference:

With measurements in hand, subtract the band measurement from the bust measurement.

To determine your cup size find out the difference

  • 1” = A cup
  • 2” = B cup
  • 3” = C cup
  • 4” = D cup
  • 5” = DD/E cup.
  • 6” = DDD/F cup.

If your band size is 34 inches and your bust is 37 inches, the difference is 3 inches thus your cup size is 34C.

American Bra Size Measurement Chart

Below is a normal american bra size measurement chart which shows the band sizes and the cup sizes they correspond with in inches. These measurements are related to the bust size and the ranges.

Band SizeUnderbust (inches)Cup SizeFullest Bust (inches)
3028-30A30-31
3230-32B32-33
3432-34C34-35
3634-36D36-37
3836-38DD/E38-39
4038-40DDD/F40-41
4240-42G42-43
4442-44H44-45

So, for instance, if you see ‘34C’, this means the band size is 34, and the bust size is 37, meaning it corresponds to a C cup.

Band Size and Cup Size Differentiation

Band Measurement: This is referred to as the measurement situated just below the breasts around the rib cage, and which has the lower number of the combination of numbers in the bra size. For example, in 34B, the 34 refers to the band size, which is the measurement around the ribcage.

Cup Measure: This is defined as the opposite sex breast measuring. This is achieved through calculating the difference between the fullest part of the chest and the shoulder band. In the above cited example 34B, the B cup means the 34 bust or chest circumference is 3 inches greater than the band measurement of 34.

How To Convert American Bra Sizes to Other Countries

There exists a difference, as per the country, in the size of a bra. Orthodoxy dictates to always know how the American size is in relation to the rest of the world size, which is especially useful while traveling. In what follows, American bra sizes will be compared with other sizing systems:

US SizeUK SizeEU SizeFrench SizeAustralia Size
30A30A70A85A8A
32B32B75B90B10B
34C34C80C95C12C
36D36D85D100D14D
38DD38DD90DD105DD16DD

For instance, this is what the bra size looks like: US=34C, UK=34C, EUROPE=80C, FRANCE=90C.

Common Bra Size Mistakes And How To Avoid Mistakes

Some common mistakes that people do when trying to ascertain what size of bra to wear are:

  • Over Looking the Band Size: Quite a number of women place too much emphasis on the cup and do not give considerable regard to the band. A good band is said to provide 80% support, the cups the remainder.
  • Cup Size Error: A bra which is too small will create spillage or discomfort, or one that is too large will create gaps and lack of support.
  • Not Taking Frequent Measurements: Bra size can also change due to time of day, weight changes, or pregnancy. Consider resuming the practice of measuring your torso every now and then, as both the fit and cup size may be affected.
  • Wearing The Wrong Sort: Wearing a different style of bra say a sports, plunge, or balconette would still require you to have a different fit especially if its the same size. So, irrespective of your body’s physical characteristics ensure optimal ease of wear and fashion by selecting the correct shape.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Bra Style

Different bra styles have been created with the purpose of being worn under certain types of clothing. So the following size guide will help you to select the right size and style of your garment:

  • Full coverage bras are best for giving support and cover to large sized cups.
  • Push-up bras are best for providing extra lift to the bra and adding curves.
  • A sports bra is best designed for support during rigorous activities as well as to offer comfort.
  • Plunge bras work wonders under vests, as it has a low neckline that goes well with clothes such as deep cut tops and dresses.
  • Balconette bras are helpful in making your chest appear round and raised, and are best worn with strapless tops.

What Should Be The Correct Fit of a Bra

When talking about a bra, it is safe to say that it should be the right size otherwise it may do more harm than good. Wearing the wrong size can lead to discomfort, poor posture and chronic pain in the back and shoulder. On the other hand, a good bra provides support and confidence while also improving the way your clothes fit.

Why Bra Sizes May Differ

Bra sizing is more than just measuring your chest size. It varies according to the type of bra you want to wear. For example, if you were to wear a strapless bra, you would measure the size of your rib cage because the band is what holds the bra in place. Another example is sports bras – if you have a larger breast size, it’s best to look for bras that provide solid support during exercise.

Bra Sizes in Correlation With One’s Body Shape

It’s a no-brainer that everyone’s body is different so not all bras fit the same. Depending on your body shape, you may need to wear a larger or smaller band size. A good bra is one that fits the body perfectly, does not cause any discomfort and does not inhibit movement.

Tags on how to care for your bras

  • Fully wash your brasserie using hands or put them in a lingerie bag and then machine wash it.
  • Be cautious and do not apply a fabric softener as it will ruin the elasticity of the fabric.
  • Always air dry your bras while placing them flat or hanging them to keep the shape of the fabric intact.

Bra Size Questions and Answers

Questions on why to size a bra and how do I know if my bra size is right? The band ideally should not dig into your ribs and should be a slightly firm around a wider ribcage and these cups should comfortably encompass your breasts without leaving any gaps or bulging.

Can my bra size change over a period of time? Yes, changes in weight, pregnancy and even hormones can cause a change in your bra size. Therefore it is a good practice to periodically take measurements of your undergarments.

What do I do if my bra rides up at the back, or the straps are not firm enough? If your bra is riding up adjust the straps, it means the band size is too big for you, if this is the case fit into a smaller band size.