by Jennifer Haubrich
If you’ve wondered what the average bra size in the US is, you definitely aren’t alone, my friend—I have too. But just a reminder: it doesn’t matter if you wear an XS triangle bralette, a 3XL racerback bralette, or you sometimes enjoy going braless, discovering that you may not be “average” shouldn’t be cause for alarm, disappointment, or insecurity! You certainly don’t need to be average to be beautiful, healthy, or happy. I’m not average and there’s a good chance you aren’t either. And that’s a-ok, pal!
Plus, after doing a bit of digging, I’ll tell ya that the answer to that question is not even the most interesting part about women’s bra sizes. There’s a lot to know about the average breast size for women that’ll take ya by surprise… So without further ado, let’s get to all your burning questions about breasts and bra sizes!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WHAT’S THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE IN THE US?
2. WHAT’S THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE IN THE WORLD?
3. HAS THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME?
4. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST FACTORS DETERMINING BRA SIZE?
5. WHY HAS THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE CHANGED SO MUCH?
6. HOW MANY BREAST AUGMENTATIONS ARE THERE IN THE US EACH YEAR?
7. WILL YOUR BRA SIZE CHANGE NATURALLY?
8. ARE THERE MEDICAL CONDITIONS RELATED TO BRA SIZE?
9. ARE 80% OF WOMEN REALLY WEARING THE WRONG BRA SIZE?
10. HOW DO YOU MEASURE TO FIND YOUR BRA SIZE (REALLY)?
1. WHAT’S THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE IN THE US?
According to a survey of 40,000 women conducted in 2013 by lingerie retailer Intimacy, the average bra size in the US at that time was 34DD.
This means the average rib cage measurement is 34 inches and the average cup size is DD. Surprised? (Umm… I was!) However, other sources report that the average cup size in the US is a C. So the answer may not be that simple to determine. (Intimacy has since gone out of business and didn’t conduct any more surveys.)
There are reasons that this number may not be easy to identify (and I’ll get into that in a minute), but one thing we do know is that this number is not static. Since surveys like this were first conducted, the answer to this question has changed. A lot. And the average breast size for women in other countries is not the same either.
2. WHAT’S THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE IN THE WORLD?
This question is very hard to answer, because there’s a wide range of averages in individual countries. In general, the average bra size in the US and in European countries are reported to be the largest. Average breast size for women is much smaller in African, Central American, and Asian countries.
One source claims that the average bra size worldwide is between a large A and small B cup, according to American sizing. In individual countries that average ranges from AA in many southeast Asian and central African countries to C or D in the US, UK, and Scandinavian countries. This makes it clear that being “average” really depends a lot on where you are! (And since it is largely determined by location, it isn't something you should drive yourself crazy shooting for or feeling bad about.)
The other reason this question is difficult to answer is that there have been no worldwide surveys where women have been measured or asked their size using the exact same scale of measurement. Like did you know there are at least SIX different bra sizing systems around the world?! Another thing the human population can’t seem to agree on, I suppose.
3. HAS THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME?
The answer to this question is a definitive “no.” In 1983 the average bra size in the US was reported to be 34B. This suggests a very large change in average breast size for women in the US in only twenty years!
Very likely, though women have not always worn bras, the average bust size has also changed in response to nutrition, activity level, and the genetics of the population throughout history. (As has the notion of any “ideal” size, which, remember my friends, is always a social construct!) Regardless of what the average is or ever has been, there are several factors that influence a woman’s resulting bra size.
4.WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST FACTORS DETERMINING BRA SIZE?
There are two primary factors that influence a woman’s natural bra size. One is out of our control and one we have a degree of control over.
1. GENETICS
The biggest influence on the size of your natural breasts is likely genetics. This is obviously not something you can change or do anything about! But just like determining your hair or eye color, your genetics influence the size of your breasts when you reach adulthood.
2. WEIGHT AND ACTIVITY LEVEL
In studying the average breast size for women in different countries, there is a high correlation between BMI (body mass index) and average cup size. While BMI is an imperfect way of determining if someone is overweight or obese (especially if you lift weights and have built up your muscles!), women with a higher BMI do tend to have a larger average cup size.
Breasts are primarily composed of fatty tissue, so it makes sense that women who are heavier are more likely to have larger breasts. And women who are thin or underweight are more likely to have smaller breasts. Women in developing countries that are more physically active than women in the US are also more likely to have smaller breasts due to lower overall body fat percentage.
Interesting tidbit: while lifting weights and doing chest exercises can help lift your breasts and sometimes give the illusion of a larger bust, they can’t actually increase your breast size. Probably because exercise doesn’t increase fatty tissue and there are no muscles in breasts you can increase through exercise. The more you know!
5. WHY HAS THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE CHANGED SO MUCH?
These reported changes in bra size are much larger than what I experienced when my friends and I repeatedly chanted “we must, we must, we must increase our bust” in middle school. While there are some very real reasons for this increase, none of them is a chant learned in a Judy Blume book! Here are a few real possibilities:1. INCREASE IN AVERAGE BMI
In the last several decades, the average weight of American women has increased substantially. As the percentage of women who are overweight and obese has increased, it makes sense that average bra size has increased also.2. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF BRA SIZES AVAILABLE
The number and range of bra sizes available today are much greater than they were in past decades. This could mean that women who used to squeeze into smaller bras are now wearing the proper size. There has been a growing emphasis on the importance of size inclusive clothing, which is a very good thing! (And this is why both WAMA hemp bra styles come in sizes XS-3XL designed to fit traditional bras sizes ranging from AA cup to E cup!)3. BREAST AUGMENTATION
Yep, I mean “boob jobs.” As these kinds of procedures have grown more popular they have given some women larger breast sizes than they would have had naturally. And this has likely raised the average breast size in the US!
6. HOW MANY BREAST AUGMENTATIONS ARE THERE IN THE US EACH YEAR?
According to statistics published by the American Society for Plastic Surgeons in 2018, over 313,000 women had breast augmentation surgery that year. In 2017 it was just over 300,000.
Even when you take into account the approximately 70,000 surgeries each year for implant removal and breast reductions, that still results in a net of 460,000 boobs ending each year significantly larger than they began! And these bigger boobs all need bigger bras!
7. WILL YOUR BRA SIZE CHANGE NATURALLY?
Your bra size will likely fluctuate and change over the course of each month – and over your lifetime. This is completely normal! And there are a few reasons why:
- Your menstrual cycle: Fluctuating hormone levels can temporarily increase your breast size during that one week of the month. Underwires in conventional bras may feel more uncomfortable when your breasts are tender at this time. Ouch! (This is why bralettes are my BFFs this time of the month.)
- Sex: Likewise, hormones released during sex can also (very) temporarily increase your breast size. But there’s no need for a bigger bra for this short duration. (Maybe just don’t go bra shopping mid-orgasm.)
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: During pregnancy, breast size almost always increases due to weight gain and hormones. Post-delivery, as your milk supply comes in, their size increases even more. Then when you stop breastfeeding (or opt no to) they will reduce in size.
- Menopause: After menopause, your body’s estrogen production drops, and your bra size is likely to naturally decrease, too. You may find this a welcome change, or a complete bummer. Regardless, this is due to a loss of elasticity in your breasts' connective tissue and can’t be avoided. When it happens, reward yourself with some new proper fitting bras and bralettes (that’s what I plan to do)! And whatever you do, don’t feel bad about it. It’s natural!
- Birth control: Though not natural, hormonal birth control can also increase bust size.
8. ARE THERE MEDICAL CONDITIONS RELATED TO BRA SIZE?
Your first thought may be to wonder if larger breasts lead to a greater risk of breast cancer. Studies indicate that the answer is no, but there are two types of medical conditions related to bra size in women: physical and mental.
One study in the UK revealed that larger breasted women are slightly more likely to be dissatisfied with their wellbeing, health, and body image. In particular, larger breasted women are more likely to report upper back pain and have posture problems. Pain during exercise and difficulty getting comfortable to sleep are also more common for those with bigger busts.
A rare condition called breast hypertrophy occurs when a woman's breasts comprise over 3% of her body weight. This condition can result in all the problems noted above. However, the most common condition large breasted women are likely to experience is a mental one: women with large breasts are more likely to experience depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Similar feelings are also common in women with breasts of significantly different sizes.
Ladies, let’s not be so hard on ourselves! All breasts sizes and shapes deserve appreciation and respect!
9. ARE 80% OF WOMEN REALLY WEARING THE WRONG BRA SIZE?
It’s commonly said that most women are wearing the wrong bra size. This belief was verified by a small study conducted in 1998 and another one in 2008 that showed that 70% of women are wearing bras that are too small and 10% are wearing bras that are too big.
So it might very well be true that 4 in 5 women are wearing the wrong size bra. But of course, you want to be in the 20% of women who are wearing the right size! And the best way to avoid wearing the wrong size bra is to learn how to measure yourself properly to determine the correct size. (During all those alternately embarrassing and boring hours of high school health class why didn’t they spend a few minutes teaching us this? It’s actually very useful!)
10. HOW DO YOU MEASURE TO FIND YOUR BRA SIZE (REALLY)?
A 2011 study done in the UK found that most women do not know how to properly measure and evaluate if they are wearing the correct bra size. Even if a woman knows her bra size in one brand or manufacturer, because there aren’t industry-wide standards for sizing, this can still lead her to choose a bra that does not fit properly. (That explains a lot for me!)WAMA’s underwear size chart can help you find the right size bralette for you. And one of the nice things about bralettes is that due to their stretchiness and lack of structure, they’re much more adaptable to a range of sizes. No matter if you have raging PMS or if the needle on the scale is going up or down, they are like that true friend who supports you no matter what. (And reminds you that you always look fab.)
THERE MAY BE AN AVERAGE, BUT THERE IS NO IDEAL BRA SIZE
Sadly, one study revealed that worldwide a whopping 71% of women are dissatisfied with their own breast size! But hopefully, now you know that healthy breasts come in all shapes and sizes, the result of factors both within and beyond our control. Whether your bra size is smaller, larger, or average, that doesn’t mean it’s any more “right” or “wrong”. Please don’t compare and despair!
There’s no ideal bra size, there’s only personal preference. And no matter where you are in life and on the breast size continuum, I hope you give your ta-tas the love they deserve. And that includes a well-fitting bra or bralette! If it’s been a while since you’ve checked your current bra size or wondered, “how many bras should I own?”, think about it. They deserve your love and support (pun intended)!
Which of these facts related to the average bra size in the US and average breast size for women around the world surprised you the most? What tips do you have for other women to learn how to love and accept their breasts just the way they are? Drop ‘em like they’re hot in the comments!
FAQs
Why is the average bra size? ›
WHAT'S THE AVERAGE BRA SIZE IN THE US? According to a survey of 40,000 women conducted in 2013 by lingerie retailer Intimacy, the average bra size in the US at that time was 34DD. This means the average rib cage measurement is 34 inches and the average cup size is DD.
What are common bra sizes? ›Average Cup Size
According to a survey conducted between 1992 and 2013, the average bra size in the U.S. has increased from a 34B to a 34DD, and now just six years later, the average has shot up to a DDD — that's the largest compared to any of the other countries studied.
Bra sizes consist of a band size (the number) and a cup size (the letter). The band size is the measurement around your rib cage in inches, whilst the cup size reflects the difference between the size of your rib cage and the size of your bust.
What is an attractive bra size? ›Women had a similar opinion, with more than 60% voting in favor of C Cup as the ideal boob size. The second-best boob size, as identified in the survey, was D Cup and above, with more than 35% men stating their preference for larger boobs. Women who rated larger breast as ideal were more than 30%.
Does cup size mean bigger? ›Bra size has two measurements; the band (rib cage) and the cup (bust). Cup size does not represent breast size but instead represents the difference between the rib cage and the bust.
What is the largest bra size sold in stores? ›L, M, N Cup Size Bras Styles
Bras in these largest cup sizes: L, M and N are still somewhat of a rarity. Our selection represents both everyday bras in underwire and wire free versions as well as front closure, nursing and maternity bras.
While it's really difficult to precisely determine the standard breast size in the U.S. (or anywhere in the world, for that matter), wedo know that the average breast size in America is a 34DD.
What is the average natural bra size in America? ›Your breasts are unique
The average bra size in the United States is 34DD.
There's no difference in the spacing between single and double letter sizes, a DD is one full size larger than D, just like E is one full size larger than DD.
Do men prefer small or large breasts? ›Given the choice, "medium" was the most common that men desired, while a quarter chose "large" and a quarter chose the smaller end of the spectrum.
Which bras show bigger breasts? ›
Padded bras:
If you want to look bigger in the bust try wearing a padded bra. A padded bra contains padding along the cups to add some volume to your breast size and make them look bigger. There are various types of padded bras depending on how much enhancement you want such as lightly padded and heavily padded.
Globally, a natural female breast has an average size somewhere between a large "A" and a smaller "B" in the US size system. According to European or Australian classifications, this would be a "B".
What's the smallest bra size? ›The smallest size of bra that is widely available is a 28AA. This bra has a 28 inch band, along with a bust that is less than one inch bigger than the ribcage. You'll find this size manufactured by many different brands, including Royce.
What is the most popular bra size? ›When our participants were asked what their ideal breast size would be, the C cup was considered the most popular, with 39% choosing it above other sizes. In second place, was the D cup, which was the first choice of 29% of people who completed our survey.
How big are a cup breasts? ›For less than one inch you are a AA cup, for one inch you are an A cup, for two inches you are a B cup, for three inches you are C cup, for four inches you are a D cup and for five inches you are a DD cup.
Is DDD the same as F? ›The difference is truly in the name… DD or DDD are the US standard; E and F are used more internationally. As our range continues with a G cup, for example, we'll call it just that, a “G.” Was this article helpful?
What happens if your cup size is too big? ›When your bra cup is too big you may find that your breasts bounce around inside the cup. This may be more noticeable in molded cups than in unlined cups. If the band still stays in the same position, this means that your cups are too big.
What is the biggest natural breast size? ›1: Breasts Come in All Sorts of Sizes
There is a vast spectrum of different sizes and shapes. In fact, the Guinness World Record for largest natural breasts belongs to New York native Annie Hawkins-Turner. Her chest-over-nipple measurement is 70 inches!
Our bra sizes range from 30A to 44DD; however, we are not able to offer all bra styles in all sizes. When shopping our bras, we recommend using the available Filters to narrow to your desired size.
What is the biggest bra size at Target? ›At Target, we offer a variety of band and cup sizes—from AA, A, B, C, D, DD, DDD, E and more. Learn how to measure your bra size and find your fit by answering a few, easy bra-fit questions on Target.com.
What size breast Do men like the most? ›
More generally, men and women prefer bigger cup sizes, namely C, D, and DD. Over six out of ten women (60.4%) said that their ideal bust size is a C cup, compared with just over one in two men (53.6%). Overall, this mid-sized cup is popular with both men and women, in both Europe and the US.
What is the biggest breast size a woman can have? ›Annie Hawkins-Turner has the largest natural breasts in the world. Her bra size is 102 ZZZ.
Which breast size is more sensitive? ›A study conducted at the University of Vienna found that large breasts were about 24 percent less sensitive than smaller ones. This is probably due to the fact that larger breasts have more fatty tissue than glandular tissue, which is the more sensitive part, but that's not always the case.
How much does breast size affect weight? ›The correlation between total breast volume and percent body fat was r = . 40. Breast weight (mean = 484 grams) accounted for 3.5 percent of the total weight of body fat, and at most, 12 percent of the estimated quantities of sex-specific fat.
Is DDD the same as G? ›Yes, in American bra sizes, a G cup would similar to a DDDD. Victoria's Secret currently offers select styles with this cup size.
How to increase breast size? ›No food or diet plan has been clinically proven to increase breast size. There are also no supplements, pumps, or creams that can make breasts larger. The best natural way to enhance the look of your breasts is to do exercises that strengthen the chest, back, and shoulder area. Good posture also helps.
How to get bigger breasts? ›The only way to permanently change breast size is through cosmetic surgery, which comes with its own risks (and expense). Doctors usually prefer that girls wait until development is complete before getting surgery.
Why do breasts get bigger with age? ›They Get Bigger
Thanks to the triple whammy of weight gain, swelling from estrogen spiking, and inflammation (which increases in the body in your 40s), you might have a sudden need to go bra shopping.
Make a subtle noise.
When you catch a guy staring at your chest, make a sound to indicate that you know what he's doing and you don't appreciate it. Clear your throat loud enough for him to hear you and don't continue the conversation until he looks up at your eyes.
We all have a different perception of size, but many women perceive their breasts to be smaller than average. Breasts that appear smaller can be caused by genetics, rapid weight loss, hormones, medical conditions, malnutrition, post pregnancy or a lack of breast tissue development.
Are large breasts healthy? ›
While some women long for bigger breasts, those with overly large breasts may inform them it's not always a blessing. Abnormally large breasts, also known as macromastia, have been linked to several physical health issues ranging from pain to migraines.
Is 34 or 36 bigger for bras? ›The 36 is a bigger band size than the 34. Here's an example of some other sister sizes. So all of these cup sizes are the same. The only difference is the band sizes.
Is DD bigger than D? ›Is D or DD cup bigger? There's no difference in the spacing between single and double letter sizes, a DD is one full size larger than D, just like E is one full size larger than DD.
Is 34B Small or medium? ›| Size | Bra Size |
|---|---|
| Small | 36A,34B |
| Medium | 36B,34C, 34D |
| Large | 34DD, 36C, 36D, 38B, 38C, 38D |
| X-Large | 36DD, 38DD, 40B |
Overall, a 32B bra is a small band size and moderate cup size.
What is the largest breast cup size? ›Annie Hawkins-Turner has the largest natural breasts in the world. Her bra size is 102 ZZZ.
What to do if your cup size is too big? ›Your cup size is too large. Go down a cup size (example: from a D cup to a C cup) while keeping the same band size. You can also try tightening your bra straps.
How do you tell if a bra is too big or small? ›As a guideline, you should be able to comfortably run two fingers under both sides of the bra at the same time. If the bra pulls away from your body easily, it is too loose. If you have trouble getting your fingers under the band and it feels uncomfortable, it is too tight. The band should be level front and back.
Is 32DD small? ›Small: 28D,28DD, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30DD, 32AA, 32A, 32B. Medium: 32C, 34AA, 34A, 34B, 36AA, 36A, 36B. Large: 32D, 32DD, 34C, 34D, 34DD, 36C, 36D. X Large: 36D, 36DD, 38AA, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38DD, 40AA, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40DD.
What is the smallest bra size? ›The smallest size of bra that is widely available is a 28AA. This bra has a 28 inch band, along with a bust that is less than one inch bigger than the ribcage. You'll find this size manufactured by many different brands, including Royce.
What cup size is considered average? ›
While it's really difficult to precisely determine the standard breast size in the U.S. (or anywhere in the world, for that matter), wedo know that the average breast size in America is a 34DD.
How tight should bra band be? ›“The band should be level all the way around, firm and secure but not too tight or too loose. The gore (the part in the middle between the cups), in a wired bra, should sit flat against your sternum.
How big is a cup D breast? ›For less than one inch you are a AA cup, for one inch you are an A cup, for two inches you are a B cup, for three inches you are C cup, for four inches you are a D cup and for five inches you are a DD cup.
Are B cups too small? ›Although small, a B-cup breast size is considered pretty average in most places around the world. If you are a b cup breast, then your overbust measurement will be 2 inches larger than the rib cage measurement. There are also various differences between the different B cups.
What sizes does Victoria Secret carry? ›- Our bra sizes range from 30A to 44DD; however, we are not able to offer all bra styles in all sizes.
- When shopping our bras, we recommend using the available Filters to narrow to your desired size.
- Measure your band. Wear a lightly lined (non-push-up) bra so your breasts are as close to natural as possible. ...
- Now measure your bust. Place the tape at the fullest part of your bust. ...
- Subtract the band size from your bust size to find the right cup size. Every inch equals one cup size up.