Bra Myth Buster: Cup Sizes

One of the top bra myths we bust on the daily is that all bras labeled with the same cup size have the same amount of cup volume.  Most people think that a 34C bra will have the same cup volume as a 36C and 38C, however, this is NOT TRUE!  As you go up in the band size, the cup volume increases as well.  The cup and band sizes are inter-related.

30D bra (right) compared to a 38D bra (left)

These photos shows you that just because two bras are labeled with the same cup size, doesn't mean that the cup volume is the same.  It changes with each band size!

Something that will blow your mind: the cup volume of a 30G=32F=34DD=36D=38C=40B=42A. These are known as sister sizes. And yes, all of those are bra sizes that real women wear!

Fitting Room Scenario: A woman fills out the cup volume of a 34D perfectly, but is not getting enough support from the band because it's a bit loose.  What now? 

 

Bump down a band size to a 32 so that it's more snug and supportive, then add a cup size (go up to a DD) in order to make up for the loss in cup volume when you go down a band size.  About half the time this will end up working, and the other half it will not because most 32DD's will actually have slightly less cup volume than a 34D.  What do you do if this does not give you the perfect fit?

 

Try a different style!  Professional bra fitters will know their inventory and will be able to grab you something that runs differently than the bra you're working with.  Just to complicate things more, a 34D in one style will have a different cup volume and a different band size than another style in 34D.  This is one of the many reasons why women do not ever have one bra size- there are nuances from bra to bra that only a well trained bra fitter will be aware of .  This may frustrate the average women while shopping without assistance, but this really is a beautiful thing.

 

Some bras just wont fit your body when you want them to.  You should never compromise on the fit of a bra because you WILL find a bra that fits you if you try hard enough and get the proper help.

 

Next time when bra shopping, please note: Just because the sister size bra of the best bra size for your body might be the right cup volume does not mean it's the right fit - so always check the rest of your fit points to be sure that you're getting the best support in all areas.  And if you're still not sure, stop in to see The Bra Boss and we will get you all fixed up!