Average Bra Size
Ever wonder what the average bra size is for women today? Turns out, the answer is a lot more involved than simply determining the median cup and band sizes worn by women around the world. For example, did you know that several factors, including age, weight and where you live all influence the measurement? We think the stats may surprise you!
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. Part of it could be attributed to American women’s comparatively higher body-mass index, an increase in the number of breast augmentations nationally or a general uptick in body positivity, culturally. However, another important consideration is that over the years, American women have finally realized they’ve been buying the wrong-size bras.
Average Band Size
By getting an education on proper fit before adding to cart (as in getting pre-measured to determine the right band and cup size), the general trend has been toward a sizing increase. In other words, American women’s bodies have been changing, but so has their approach to bra shopping. Also, worth noting, is that bra cups actually have greater volume capacity the higher the band size, meaning that the cup of a 38D bra is a bit larger and roomier than the cup of a 36D bra. This is attributed to a variance known as “sister sizing,” so in order to determine band size average, it would require working backward from the size of the average cup. Bra sizes will fluctuate a bit among bra styles and even from one manufacturer to another, plus every woman’s body is unique. Because there are so many variables to consider, a woman really should try on a size range when bra shopping, including her sister sizes, to determine her best fit.
Breakdowns of Average Bra Size
Average Bra Size by Age
In the space of a woman’s lifetime, she’ll undergo a variety of hormonal changes that directly influence not just the size, but also the shape and volume of her breasts. Survey a woman in her early teens, just beginning to develop, then again during milestone moments such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you’ll definitely note some significant changes. By the time she reaches her fifties, an overall increase in breast size will likely be brought on by fluctuations in metabolism and weight, which typically come with age.
Average Bra Size by Country
According to the global study, France, Italy and many Asian countries, where padded and push-up bras tend to be more popular, have a reported average cup size of A. These include Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan. Next up are Brazil, Mexico and Russia, which clock in at a B and further west, in places like Australia, Germany, Ireland and New Zealand, the average cup size increases to a D. We already know that geographically speaking, Americans — specifically Caucasian women — have the largest average bra size, but again, cup volume fluctuates in relation to band measurements because of sister sizing. This explains why not all DDDs are created equal.
So, what’s the average bra size? Turns out, there really is no one clear answer. After considerations like age, weight and country are taken into account, all we can say with certainty is that there’s no true global standard. Bigger or smaller doesn’t translate into a measurable scale of what’s natural or normal — it simply comes down to what feels best on a woman’s body.
FAQs
Average Cup Size
Is 34B average breast size? ›
Did you know that the average breast size in America is a 34DD? According to Medical Daily, this is a big leap from the 34B it was twenty years ago. Believe it or not, squeezing your double D's into C cups doesn't promote good breast health.
Is 32C bra size big? ›
Since 32c is a medium bra size; there won't be much problem with saggy busts due to heaviness. Still, a padded or a Push-Up Bra is the wise choice because of the fullness and lift the pads provide to the bust retaining the natural shape.
Is 34C small or medium? ›
With standard sizing, you can expect a 32C and a 32D to be bracketed together as a Small, a 34C and a 34D to both be Medium, a 36C and 36D to equate a Large, and so on, up through the fit range.
Are D cups big? ›
If C cups are the midpoint or medium breast size indicator on the cup size scale, then D cups mark the transition towards larger breasts and DD cups are the exact opposite of A cups.
What is the ideal bra size? ›
In a functional and aesthetic sense, the ideal breast size for a woman is generally considered to be one that's proportionate to their height, shoulder, and waist diameter. So, for women who measure 5'3, their breasts should complement the frame of their body and allow them to move freely without discomfort.
What is the average bra size in the US? ›
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.
Is a 36 inch bust big? ›
In this case, 36 indicates a medium band size. The letter "B" represents the cup size, which is a measure of the difference between the band size and the measurement around the fullest part of the bust. In the sizing system commonly used in the United States, a "B" cup is considered a medium cup size.
Is 32C small for a 15 year old? ›
No, since your cup size is C- not A, the smallest, nor B, the next size up from A-! 32 is your band size, essentially the circumference around your rib cage. No 32C is not small.
Are 32B breasts small? ›
However, in the context of commonly recognized bra sizing conventions, a 32B breast size is typically considered within the range of smaller to medium-sized breasts.
The scale of bra band sizes ranges from roughly 28-52 inches (although it's obviously possible for people to have smaller or larger measurements than this). Therefore, 32 is on the smaller end of the scale, but most people will average between 30-36 band sizes.
Is 34B big for a 14 year old? ›
At 14 years old, the body is still developing and changing, and it's not uncommon for girls to experience a range of breast sizes. The 34B cup size is actually quite common among young girls, and it's important not to compare oneself to others or feel self-conscious about breast size.
Is 34C a big bust? ›
Most of the women who have a moderate structure come under 34 and 36 band size and B or C cup sizes. When it comes to 34c bra size, it gets fit to the woman with a medium bust size, neither small nor big. It is one of the outstandingly elegant bra sizes.
What is the world's largest bra size? ›
What is the Biggest Bra Size? Apparently, the biggest bra size ever recorded is 102ZZZ, which, to put it plainly, is absolutely crazy (that poor woman). However, the average biggest bra size is a bit smaller than that...
Is a 34 B bra size big? ›
A bra size of 34B is considered to be within the average range, but it's important to note that breast size can vary widely among individuals, and what is considered "average" can be subjective. Bra sizes consist of two components: the band size (34 in your case) and the cup size (B).
What is a 34B bra size equivalent to? ›
The larger the band size, the larger the cup. Therefore, the cup of 34B is the same as 32C or 36A. Knowing your sister size will help you in finding the right-sized bra for you.
