Tabs

Monday, May 21, 2012

Bra School: Not all D cups are the same size

From Left to Right 30D, 32D, 34D, 36D, 38D. Five different band lengths, five different cup volumes. All D Cups.
I know that bras can be confusing little minxes. When I try and explain to someone that besides their 34G bra they could also wear a 32GG they look at me with bewilderment. This post aims to give you an easy-to-understand guide to how cup sizes work.

Most people think that all D cups hold exactly the same volume of boob and then that cup size is just sewn onto different lengths of band to make the 30D, 32D, 34D etc. This is not true. 

In my world of D-K bras* you may think there are only 11 cup sizes (D, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K) However, there are actually SIXTEEN different cup sizes, or more accurately, cup volumes (volume refers to the amount of breast tissue a cup can hold).

In this table below I have colour co-ordinated all the D-K BRA SIZES THAT HAVE CUPS WITH THE SAME VOLUME.

The volume of each cup increases as the 'Cup Volume Number' increases. E.g. #1 is the smallest cup volume and #16 is the biggest cup volume.
You'll notice that there are six band sizes for each cup letter and as the band size increases on each cup letter the cup volume also changes. So for example, a 28D has a #1 cup volume, a 30D has a #2 cup volume, 32D has a #3 cup volume and so on.

Real Life Example
Imagine you wear a 36D; your cups fit well because they encase your breasts but your band keeps riding up. Instead of thinking of your boobs as a D cup you can think of them as being a cup volume #5. When you realize your band keeps riding up because you actually need a 32 band not a 36 then you can see that a #5 cup volume on a 32 band is actually an F cup.

What is Sister Sizing?
When people talk about sister sizing what they're referring to is all the bras with the same cup volume but on different length bands. In our chart all the bra sizes with the same cup volume number are sister sizes. For example, 28JJ, 30J, 32HH, 34H, 36GG and 38G are all sister sizes to each other because they're all cup volume #10.
 
This is the basic logic behind how cup sizes work but as always you should learn how each bra style and brand fits (we have a How This Bra Fits tab on each of our product pages). When you put on your bra be sure to look for the Five Fit Signs to make sure you're in the right size for you.

I hope this has helped (I expect I've confused a few people too). If you have any questions leave a comment below and I'll get back to you xx

*A footnote for anyone wondering why I don't use UK DD cups; it's because they are the same equivalent as US D cups so to avoid confusion I don't use the DD size.

77 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks K. Line! I hope it helps a few women to understand why they've leapt from a D cup to an F cup in one easy band move :) xx

      Delete
    2. I was wondering if the cup volume you talk about is the same as the sizing on silicone breast forms? For example, I have size#8 silicone breast forms from Amoena. So would a 38F bra ( in yellow on your chart),which is #8 cup volume, be the right bra size for size#8 breast forms?
      I wear bras size 40D with my forms which isn't on your chart.

      Delete
    3. Hi Dariana - there isn't an exact bra size for breast form numbers because it depends how the breast form sits on your body. If your 40D is comfortable and encases the breast form correctly then the sister sizes are 38E, 36F, 34FF. Hope that helps xx

      Delete
    4. Your Chart is wonderful, just one small thing, could you consider adding a few more sizes. I'm still abit confused on what I can wear as a size 42DD. Different sizes. different brands,different nationality's... I'm finally starting to enjoy wearing nice looking lingerie, companies are making larger sizes and that's a wonderful thing for someone who always had to hunt and dig for the store's one bra that might be large enough. This new change in sizes is a whole new world filled with joy for me.

      Delete
    5. I will definitely look at getting a larger size range sister size chart together as so many people have asked about it. I'm so glad you are finding joy in lingerie, that's wonderful! xx

      Delete
  2. I knew all this about band sizing, but there's no mention of DD which suddenly adds confusion to the mix. A UK DD is the same volume as a French E(going by the brand Lise Charmel. I wear a UK 32DD but I buy a 32E in Lise Charmel and they fit exactly the same) BUT a UK DD is NOT the same volume as a UK E... because I had to return a 32E UK bra because the volume was massively too big.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try a 30E, I find that I can wear a 36DD but when I go to an E cup I have to get a 34 band :)

      Delete
    2. Think of it this way, if you're putting on a larger cup size then choose a smaller band size.

      Delete
    3. Hello MissLizzy - DD/E cups are some of the trickiest to get right because some brands fit like a UK DD cup and others fit like an E cup. You will need a DD cup in most UK brands and an E cup in European ones. It doesn't make life easy for you that there is so much discrepancy across brands in the DD/E range. You have my sympathies xx

      Delete
    4. The French and other European makes do not make a DD (or FF,GG etc) hence the E fits you the same as the UK DD, the UK E would of course be one cup bigger, the French G is UK F and H is UK FF - hope this helps!

      Delete
    5. Alright, I'm speaking (typing) from across the pond in the US and this whole DD business has left me fairly confused. I know in the US, a 28F (which is not sold here, but it is my size so I am familiar) is the equivalent of a 32DD, and an E is also known as a DDD (which would be my size if I had a 30 in. back). This makes me wonder how a DD of other countries compares to a US DD, and all the nonsense, like are there even DDDs in other countries? Does anyone have a grasp on this?

      Delete
    6. Hi Teresa - we're actually in Canada but we sell mostly UK brands so it makes sense to use the British sizing method because, like you say, very few North American brands make big cups and get bogged down in the multiple D stuff. Lots of UK blogs and stores say that an E cup is the equivalent of a DDD cup but we simply haven't found that to be true. We find that a UK F cups fits like a US DDD, a UK E cup fits like a US DD and a UK DD fits like a US D cup. This is generally speaking, of course differences occur brand to brand and style to style. Generally speaking though your 28F would have the same cup volume as a 30E and 32D in UK sizes. A 28DDD (if it existed would be the US equivalent of a 28F) would have the same cup volume as a 30DD and a 32D.

      It can all be confusing and you don't need to get too bogged down in the details because if you're wearing a 28F then you know your size really well and you're wearing a great size for you! xx

      Delete
  3. I have to try and explain this to customers all the time, I call it cross grading ( not sure where I picked that term up from). But even then I find some high street own brand bras * coughs Marks & Spencer * don't have the same depth so give the breast a squished look. I like the way you describe it :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad it's helpful Kitty. I really love my customers to understand their breasts, I think it gives them a fuller bra experience. xx

      Delete
  4. The chart only goes up to band size 38...if you need band size 40 can you still apply this? For instance, your calculator says I need a 40G so I could also wear a 38GG, 36H, 34HH, or 32J right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Yes you're totally right! Sorry I didn't make the chart bigger but you have taken the logic and used it correctly. i hope it helps. xx

      Delete
  5. And what about C cups or smaller?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The rules still apply (the chart is limited because we only deal with D-K cup bras here). So for example a 32D, 34C, 36B, 38A and 40AA are all sister sizes. Hope that helps. xx

      Delete
  6. I wonder if adding a photo of those D cup bras to show their height might help people visualize the change in volume as well- ie you show how D cups under-wires get wider as the band size goes up, but the cups also get deeper (volume being 3D and all that)
    Otherwise it's a beautiful illustration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good idea. I'm in the UK right now (a few days away from getting married!!) but I'll do it when I'm back :) xx

      Delete
  7. I am convinced that I'm a 36DD as the band stays in place and the cups fit better than a D,which I shmmoze out of, but DD's aren't listed. How do I find my cup 'volume"?
    thanks
    Reva

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Reva - it depends which brand you're a DD in. If it's a UK brand then you can read it as a D on this chart. If it's a US DD then you can read it as an E on this chart. Most people will tell you that a UK DD is like an E cup in North America but is isn't, it's like a D cup. I hope that helps, it's definitely confusing having so many different country systems! xx

      Delete
  8. I still don't really get it, at least how it applies to me. I usually wear a 36DD (which might be a smidge small in the cup)...I have some 38D but the cups are visibly too small (and the band is on the tightest setting, LOL). The chest measurement for the 36DD is 41" but the 38D is 42"...yet the cups are too small.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tracy - there are a few other factors to consider (sister sizing is just a guide to understanding how bra sizes are created). It's tough to compare two bras in different styles or from different brands as they all fit so differently. Even though a 34H would encase my bust I can't wear this size because the band is useless on me. It sounds as though a 36 is a good band size on you but you need a DDD cup (we list this as a 36F). The cup volume on your 36DD and 38D is approximately the same and the cups are too small on both so you need a larger cup on a snug band. We can always help you out with a size consultation too http://www.butterflycollection.ca/free-bra-size-consultation/ I hope that helps! xx

      Delete
  9. Shouldn't it be that one band size = 2 cups sizes? I was thinking about this since band sizes are measured every two inches (32,34,36...) but cup size is determined by one inch difference in overbust measure.

    So I've now measured myself with +4 to be 38C (underbust 34+4, overbust 41), if I go toward my true band size (34), my overbust difference is 7 inches bigger which would make me a 34FF. Yet based on your chart sister sizes for 38C (cup volume #5) would be 36D and 34E, putting me into a cup too small.

    I'm confused!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello! You're comparing two different measuring methods (they have different band starting points). Adding inches to your underbust measurement puts you in a bra that doesn't fit so you're comparing two different methods, that's why you're getting different results.

    Your 34FF has the same cup volume as a 36F and a 38E. When you distort the starting band size (by adding pointless inches) the sister sizing will just give you more wrong results because you're starting in the wrong result, that's why we don't add inches. Hope that helps xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Does the sister sizing mean you can go to a different size close to your preferred size?

    For example, there is a bra garment I would dearly love to purchase but they don't go above a (UK) F cup. I'm a G or GG (depending on brand) with a 32 band. What size could I go to then using the "sister sizing"?

    Many thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a good question. Sister sizing sounds like you should be able to wear any of the sizes that are 'sister sizes', but the term really just means "bra sizes that share approximately the same cup volume."

      You could buy a 34 or 36F and get the same cup volume as your 32 G/GG but other parts of the bra would change, namely the band would be too loose.

      If you really want the piece of lingerie that only comes in an F cup then you should set aside some budget to have the bra tailored so that the band is tight enough and the gore lies flat.

      Sister sizing is really useful to explain to women wearing a 38DD that they can get the same volume from a 32G but better band support.

      Hope all that helps! xx

      Delete
  12. Hi myladyswardrobe,

    I work in a retail store (unfortunately I haven't yet been trained how to do bra fittings), and one of the girls I work with is quite petite with a reasonable bust. She tells me that she usually buys her bras in her next sister size up and then gets a tailor/someone who's good at sewing to take the band in a little at the back to fit her band size. There are a few tutorials on it on the internet (I have a similar problem to her in that my bra size is quite difficult to find where I live), my suggestion would be to take a look at some of them. Generally they advise not to use bras that are too big in the band, as the piece in between the cups tends to be a bit bigger with larger sister sizes.

    If you were a 34G, I'm guessing your next sister size up would be a 36FF, then a 38F, etc. If you're closer to a 34GG, it'd be 36G, 38FF and 40F. Hope this helps a little!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great point about the online tutorials, I know some of the small back, full bust bloggers have used those. Thanks for sharing the idea Jayne! xx

      Delete
  13. Okay, I am confused. Under this theory when I lose weight shouldn't I be able to go down cup sizes as well as band sizes? But I don't. No matter what band size I am wearing I always have to have a U.S. DDD cup. My band size does change when I lose weight though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello - I know it can be a bit confusing but when you come down a band size and your cup doesn't change letter you have actually come down a band size. A 32DDD cup has a smaller cup than a 36DDD. So when you lose weight your band and cup are both getting smaller. If you were only losing back sizes but not cup sizes you would see an increase in your cup letter and a decrease in your band size. For example if you were a 36DDD and you lost body weight but not boob size you would come down to a 34FF, a 32G, a 30GG etc.

      Hope that helps. xx

      Delete
  14. Such a helpful post and reflects the conversations we have with our customers too. Also shows just how much confusion there still is out there! It's great that people can use on-line forums/blogs to ask the questions that they might not feel confident enough to ask a shop assistant in person.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great post. I do see the different size D's when I look at my 30D to 44D bras, all laid out, it's an amazing site to see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a great way to see the band to cup ratio at work. There are 7 cup sizes between your 30 and 40 D cups so you can easily see what a difference the band makes! xx

      Delete
  16. Am buying a bra on site and they have stated the sizes in A B C D and so on but am 34D so i don't know which size to choose from their size chart.Can you help me out here?Thank You

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi - If you're a 34D then ordering a 34D should be fine but it depends on the particular bra. Are you ordering from our site? If so then you can email support@butterflycollection.ca otherwise it's a good idea to contact the site you're ordering from and ask how the bra you want fits. xx

      Delete
  17. I think I am still confused:

    If I am a 40 DD, then would I get a 38F or 36 G? I don't see the 40 band sizes with some of these brands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, a 40DD would translate as a 38F, 36FF (which is a 36G in bras made by an American manufacturer) 34G, 32GG etc. No single brand carries all the sizes that are available. A 40DD (or 40E in UK brands) is considered plus size so brands that don't make plus size bands won't carry this size. xx

      Delete
  18. Hi,

    I am a little confused. I have a nursing bra that is a 36 DDD. Can you tell me the sister sizes??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We find that most DDD cups fit like an F cup. If the cups on your 36DDD fit you then your sister sizes are 34FF, 32G and 38E, 40D. Ideally you want to wear a bra band as close to the measurement around your torso. E.g. If you measure 33 around your torso (where you bra band lies) then you can wear a 34FF or a 32G depending on how snug you want your band. xx

      Delete
    2. Thank you!!! I am printing this out!! Where do you recommend we find bigger bra cups? Having a hard time finding the bigger cups.

      Delete
    3. Our store only carries bigger cup bras, this is the blog for our store. www.butterflycollection.ca If you're in Canada or the US then we have free shipping options available every day xx

      Delete
  19. Hi, I have a question. I have 34.5" band and 42.5" bust. I have been sized at 34DDD, 34FF, and 34G, all by professionals, just at different stores. What the hell is my base size? I have never found a bra that fits comfortably, and I'm only 22 years old. Help!?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ally - Based purely on your measurements I would put you at a 34G. However, things like your height and breast shape affect size and fit so it's worth using our Free Size Consultation to get a more in depth fit conversation with one of our fitters http://www.butterflycollection.ca/free-bra-size-consultation/

      If you've tried a 34G then it's worth letting the fitter know what was uncomfortable about the style (and brand of bra) you tried in a 34G. One thing for sure, in your size range there are lots of bra shapes so the chances are very high that you can find a comfortable fit once you narrow down what features you need in a bra xx

      Delete
  20. It still seems to make no sense.

    According to your bra size calculator the 38D above has an underbust of 38 and an over bust measure of 42 (that's what makes a 38D per the calculator). That's a 4" difference. In this case a 4" difference makes a D cup?

    But the 30D with an underbust of 30 and an overbust of 36 is a 6" differential. In this case a 6" difference makes a D cup.

    If I enter a 38 underbust with a 44 overbust (6" difference) then I get a 38F.

    Shouldn't a 6" differential produce a more voluminous cup than a 4" differential? The projection must be less with a 4" difference so why more volume in the cup? According to your picture above, the breast diameter got significantly wider with each size, but yet the proportional projection is less. It does not follow that the cup should have more volume.

    I think the overbust measurement is meaningless as nothing is fitting around that part of the body. Only the band matters circumferentially speaking. The breast mound itself should be measured for diameter and measure from the breast tissue at the side to where it ends near centre front. That should be breast volume.

    A sister size bra would have a longer band, the straps and cups/bust apexes would be further apart and technically should still not fit, especially since the band is the most important part. I think once the band size is correct, you should not deviate from it as it is probably 80% of the bra's support.

    I would like to see the data that shows breast diameter changing as the underbust changes. Many times these two are unrelated. ie: a woman with a wide back and small breasts, or a woman with a small back and large breasts - the current system would have them in the same size bra.

    I know that bra manufacturers created sister sizing but it has little to do with women's actual sizes and more to do with convenience in bra grading. I'm not sure it's built on any kind of human data.

    This problem will always exist until we measure the actual breast mound as a separate component from the band size. While we are still relating band to cup size, the issue will keep confounding.

    Thanks for the great discussion - there is growing recognition that the entire system is flawed.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm not sure if you entered the 30 ribcage and 36 overbust measurements into our calculator but you would have got a result of 30F standard, 32E loose and 28FF tight. A 6 inch difference between the apex and the underbust measurements would rarely be a D cup (however, it can be if the breast root is wide and the projection is shallow). No calculator or single bra rule will ever apply to every woman's breasts. In this blog you'll find article about all the unique features that affect cup size from height and ribcage shapes to breast root widths and heights.

    The sister sizing guide is a good starting place for understanding that as the band gets shorter the relationship of band length to cup volume changes (the same cubic volume of breasts on varying widths of band equate to different cup letter/band number combinations).

    I know it's frustrating that there isn't a single rule you can follow to explain all breast fits. Understanding how the manufacturers create bras then narrowing down the features that are relevant to your bust is our primary objective.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was truly upset when i read this and realized ive been wearing the wrong size for over a decade. i went from a 36C to a 34DD, i am finally comfortable in a bra, im sharing this with everyone i know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you feel better in your fit Haley, that's what we hope for every woman xx

      Delete
  23. I fluctuate between 33" and 34" underbust where the band hits and 38"-39" at the fullest part of my bust. I am comfortable in my 34Ds most of the time but sometimes even worn on the smallest hooks makes my band feel a little loose. I have found only a few bra manufacturers (I'm in the U.S.) will fit well, and I have wider breasts rather than more front and out projection, am only 5'1", so my options are even more limited after factoring in which styles I can wear (demi-cup will cut in over the nipple usually giving me quads, strap position can't be too close to the shoulder or I'll have the choice of either constantly falling straps or a slightly odd appearance from having the strap moved in away from where it's supposed to sit...) then there's the matter of the center panel between the cups being too high or the position of my breasts making it tip away from the breastbone instead of laying flush. I wish that more people (especially those who work for or run an internet bra retail business) would pay attention to charts like the one in this post - it gets frustrating when trying to explain that a D isn't always just the same D, and sometimes even a 34D is not a 34 D across the board with all manufacturers.

    And one quick question...based on the info provided above, what size would be recommended for the days when the 34 band feels a little loose on the innermost row of hooks?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is a really good description of your bra fit needs: Short, wide wires with close set straps. I recommend trying a 32E as well as a 34D. I recommend looking at Claudette, Lunaire, Parfait and some Panache Superbra styles like Idina and Envy xx

      Delete
  24. I have a Claudette all cotton bra (one black one white) in a 34DD that isn't terribly snug in the band on the tightest row of hooks...and I only say tightest row because they're supposed to be in relation to the others...but the top edge of the cups cut in and create quads. I've been wearing a Bali back smoothing 34D and I like the back fit and full front coverage but despite losing about 15 lbs in the last year and only hand washing/hang drying I'm starting to wonder if the cup is large enough in width, though I don't want to sacrifice having just the right amount of material where the cup connects to the center part. I stocked up on the Bali's 2.5 years ago after hearing that they were discontinuing this particular style, and just started to wear a 'new' group of 5 and got rid of the 5 that needed retiring. When I was in my later teens, I kept being told that the bra I was wearing was too big in the cup simply because the wire was positioned to accommodate where my breast starts - which is practically under my arm. Despite the lack of extra fabric and comfortable level of strap adjustment since the band is providing most of the support. That and a few 'interesting' (to say the least) experiences with having a bra fitter do their thing in person made me decide that all I really needed to learn about was how to fit myself using whatever resources and guidance I can find and it's a journey that has made me truly appreciate the work of bloggers like yourself. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ola,my name is Luciana.
    my measurements in inches:
    30-31 'back
    39' bust
    what size should I buy?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Luciana - sorry we missed this comment. Your measurements are just a starting point. Your best size and fit depends on the shape of your breasts, height and other factors. Based purely on your measurements I would start with a 30GG or a 32G xx

      Delete
  26. I went to a plus size clothing store by the name of Torid and was told im a 44DDD what would that be in a E,F or G

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Cleo, we equate a DDD to an F cup. Remember that for plus size bra fit you most often need a band size smaller than your raw underbust measurement. This is covered in this post http://blog.butterflycollection.ca/2012/09/plus-size-bodies-dont-necessarily-need.html xx

      Delete
  27. I am a 38 DD but a couple of years ago I had an accident that I injured my right breast pretty bad and now it has stopped growing like the other so needless to say my right breast is almost a complete cup if not a cup in a half smaller than my left what do i need to do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Teresa - I'm so sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. I took some time off over the holidays. The first thing I have to check is that you have spoken to your doctor about the damage to your breast. Most women have one breast larger than the other but if the growth change has been caused by the accident then you must speak to your doctor in case there's a hormone/gland issue.

      I don't want to suggest any physical options because your doctor will have the best knowledge of the damage from your accident. However, there are lots of bra inserts available that you slide into the cup on your smaller side that will even out the volume in your bra. You always need to buy a bra where the cups fit your largest breast because you can always pad out a smaller side but you can't make a small cup fit a larger breast.

      I really hope that you are recovering well from your accident and that you have a good doctor who can help you understand what is happening with your breasts. It's important to say that size difference is completely normal and you can pad your smaller side or choose not to. Making sure you're healthy is the most important thing xx

      Delete
  28. Hi
    back band.39 "
    Bust 45"
    What size would i buy plz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Your measurements are just part of the information to find your size (it depends on your height and build and breast shape too) but based purely on your measurements I would start with a 38FF.

      Delete
  29. I'm wearing a 38D and my breasts bulge out of the top so it doesn't look good when I wear a t-shirt. I'm constantly 'tucking' my breasts back inside my bra. I tried a 38DD and my breasts don't quite fill out the cup.The bra itself seems like it's a much larger scale; more material, wider band and straps. The length of the band fits around my body just fine. I'm not sure what size should I try next. Can you help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a couple of suggestions. 1) It sounds like you might have shallow breasts which means that some styles will always gape on you at the top, even in the right size. You want to look for bras that are good for shallow breasts (good retailers will be able to tell you which of their bras are shallow friendly). 2) You might want to try a 36 band. A smaller band can often make a difference to the way your cups fit. I would try a 36DDD to see if that helps - again it might be a case of finding shallow friendly styles in a 36DDD

      Hope that helps! xx

      Delete
  30. Hi there, my mother who is 81 currently takes 40D but says the cup size is fine but the band is too tight - I can't get her to a store for a fitting. Any advise what size next? I need to order in day or so a reply would be great - thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A 40D has the same cup volume as a 42C, 44B and a 46A so any of those sizes will have the right cup volume it's just a case of finding the right band length for her. If she doesn't want to replace her bras then you could always get bra extenders for her current bras. They come in different hook numbers so you just need the number of hooks to match the hooks on your Mom's bras http://www.butterflycollection.ca/bra-accessories/ Hope that helps xx

      Delete
    2. awesome - thank you so much!!

      Delete
  31. I don't understand bras because I currently wear a 36D fully aware the cup doesn't fit me. I've tried 36DD bras on and then the band is too small..so I try a size up, still too small, to the point where a 40DD band is still too small but a 36D band fits!? I don't get it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Caitlin, I can imagine that this is really confusing. There are a couple of things to consider. Some brands are really stretchy in the band so if you're not trying on like for like bras then bands can feel tighter or looser depending on brand. If you've had your 36D a while (and especially if the cups are too small) then it's very likely that the band is really stretched out.

      Going up in just the band size isn't always the solution to a better fit. A 40DD might be WAY too big for you in the band but feels tight because the bra sits on you in the wrong places so digs into your breastbone and sides. A 36E, 36F, 36FF, 36G are each one cup volume bigger than the last so you could try going up in cup sizes rather than bands to get your extra volume.

      It's probably worth getting a size consultation to get a starting point for your bra size search http://www.butterflycollection.ca/free-bra-size-consultation/

      Delete
  32. This blog has been so helpful in trying to figure out my real size! One question, though. I measure 29" for the band size. I understand I can go with 28 or 30. When a bra's band size is given, does that mean on the loosest or tightest hook? If the bra potentially is going to stretch, this piece of info will make a big difference in whether I choose to go up or down in band size.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad the blog has been helpful! All bras stretch over time so it's vital that a brand new bra fits you well on the looset set of hooks. I recommend that you always go with your firmest band size and use bra extenders if necessary while the elastic breaks (usually takes about a month). This will ensure you get the longest life out of your bra investment. http://www.butterflycollection.ca/2-3-and-4-hook-bra-extenders/ xx

      Delete
  33. So if I could as measured and told I was a 40f in UK siz s what will I be in U.S. Size? 38 DDD?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You want to look at a 40DDD but remember that fit varies from brand to brand so be prepared to try a few sizes if the 40DDD doesn't feel right. xx

      Delete
  34. I’m impressed, I must say. I can wear (demi-cup will cut in over the nipple usually giving me quads, strap position can't be too close to the shoulder or I'll have the choice of either constantly falling straps or a slightly odd appearance.Arabia wasj company

    ReplyDelete
  35. I really see this site and get more informative data in here.It Was an Establishment Converted to a Company and the Company during this period passed through heavy challenges and Arabia wasj company Ltd. شركة وسج العربية

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the molded cups because they keep my nipple area smooth under my clothes and straps are very comfortable and the tension is evenly distributed through strap. I love this bra!
    Sexy Corsetslingerie

    ReplyDelete
  37. Academic Ads is the social media expert I go to when I want to understand in plain English what my "digital footprint" is and how important social media is to my business. I love the thorough written analysis by Digital Marketing Toronto provides as to how she will help me, what it will cost, and what impact it will have on my business. I highly recommend her!

    ReplyDelete