When it comes to your bra, size does matter!
May 7, 2010 by Alison
With brands increasing their cup sizes and articles such as ‘Why Don’t More Designers Make Plus Size Bras?‘ on the increase, we should be rejoicing; but it seems women are still confused and disillusioned when it comes to bra sizes.
Changing Times
With a US lingerie site introducing a 12D cup (instead of using K), we’re increasingly thinking that in the case of bra sizing there’s some sort of phobia about the letters that follow D. To illustrate how ridiculous this is, a 12D is literally a DDDDDDDDDDDD. Why is it so difficult for people to get their heads around a K cup? Big boobs ain’t going to bite, but those suffering with back, neck and shoulder pain due to ill fitting and non-supportive bras, may well do!
One of Knickers’ most read articles, America’s Denial of Larger Cup Bras, is still being found and commented on, three years after it was posted; judging by the comments, the problem is still very much alive for far too many women. But it’s not just the denial of cup sizes that is the issue, it’s also the outdated measuring method so many stores use for bra-fitting, and it’s not just the US who are getting it wrong. I’ve just entered my measurements into a UK bra-sizing calculator and incredibly, it came up with a 36A when I’m actually a 32E. Given the scale of inaccuracy for my own size, I’m quivering at the thought of someone actually going by these results and spending money on a bra. It’s no wonder there doesn’t appear to be a shift in the ’85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size’ statistic.
Get Real!
It doesn’t help that well-known busty women have publicly claimed completely wrong bra sizes. The UK’s national ‘boob treasure’ Jordan, aka Katie Price, apparently claimed to only be a G cup, but only after her self-named D-G cup lingerie range was introduced. Other famous busts like Pamela Anderson and Dolly Parton claim to be DD cups, which should put my E in the realms of fantasy. But I’m perfectly real; I’m a fairly slender UK size 12, with a bust that fits into size 12 clothes (if you need to be convinced, check out the photo here).
Although the message of needing larger cup bras is important, it’s the availability and the ability to properly fit a bra that now needs to happen as well. Bra fitting isn’t just about larger cups, it’s about achieving a good fit for any size. If you want to find out your correct bra size, our advice is, don’t use a bra calculator; use your dress size as a guide and check out our DIY bra-fitting guide, which will help you to decide whether you’re wearing the right bra size. We also like the video below, which perfectly demonstrates how much better a proper-fitting bra looks and feels, without the hindrance of a bra calculator or measuring tape!
Getting Fitted Properly
If you go to a store to get fitted, remember to go to one where larger cup bras are sold (look for sizes like G and H); this will make it more likely for you to come out with the right size, as stores won’t suggest a size that they don’t stock!
And remember, size does matter because once you find the right size, you’ll never look back!
Get it at
Homepage image Elle MacPherson Artistry (up to a G cup), available from Boudiche.
Check out Bravissimo good sizing and buying advice and a wide variety of sizes. And Curvy Kate (images above) for band sizes from 28-40 and cup sizes up to a J.
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Filed Under Bras, Sizing, U.K., U.S.
Tagged: Boudiche, Bravissimo, Curvy Kate, Elle Macpherson
I see this in my boutique all the time, there seems to be a mental barrier about going above a D cup and the perception that D cup is huge. When I fit customers I won't tell them the suze until we are both happy that it fits perfectly. My biggest selling bras are all E cup and above!
I see this in my boutique all the time, there seems to be a mental barrier about going above a D cup and the perception that D cup is huge. When I fit customers I won't tell them the suze until we are both happy that it fits perfectly. My biggest selling bras are all E cup and above!
That's a great idea Kitty Plum – to get around the size issue and focus on the fit!
Absolutely Kitty Plum, in the end a size is just a number and a letter.
I also think the fact that there are no sizing standards across brands, makes choosing the correct bra size even harder. It highlights the importance of service staff being up-to-date and well trained, who have empathy and understanding.
I totally want to visit Bra Smyth and ask for a 36DDDDDD or a 366D just to see the expression on the sales associates face. When I go locally to get fitted my first question is: What size cup do you think I where? The moment I hear C/D (and I hear it a lot) I'm outta there. I'm still waiting for a local fitting -I'm a 34G
It's funny how the large cup sizes seem to be thought of as "fat" in the UK – I think in the US large band sizes have more of that reputation, while large cups suggest "porn star" or implants. The fact that so many stores don't sell larger than a D cup here seems to contribute to the idea that no one actually wears these sizes, so women just go with the band size that gives enough room in a D cup. I've seen women ridiculed for wearing a small band/large cup before, with the implication they want to imagine they're thinner and bustier than they actually are, and the totally useless "add four inches" calculators don't help that impression, either. This twelve D business, though, I really don't understand. Maybe it makes the size seem more familiar? Or, conversely, emphasizes that it's not a "normal" size, because those end at D? It makes no sense.
How I wish I could be like this. I am a little bit embarrassed especially when I on bath. Criminal Minds dvd That's so important for women.
When I go locally to get fitted my first question is: What size cup do you think I where? The moment I hear C/D (and I hear it a lot) I'm outta there. I'm still waiting for a local fitting -I'm a 34G