I promised in the comments of yesterday’s post that I’d try to track down the cup size graphs and charts I’d remembered seeing in Busted! by Ali Cudby that compared cup size measurements across many of the major brands. These charts are available as PDFs on the Busted! website– go to this link to subscribe (for free!) to access these and other fun bra-related materials. And now, to business!
For small-busted ladies (“petite” in the lingerie world doesn’t necessarily refer to overall stature, but to bust size specifically), here is a chart comparing how some of the major small-bust brands measure up against each other.
For average-to-full bust ladies, here is an extensive chart covering many of the major brands. Unfortunately, newcomers like Claudette and Curvy Kate aren’t included, and this chart won’t include some of the more popular independent labels, but it should be helpful in terms of navigating the major e-retailers and department stores (click to see slightly clearer/larger versions).
Bear in mind that there’s more to fit than the number and letter on the tag. Breast shape, cup construction, personal preferences, strap placement, and all sorts of other factors will affect your decision about whether or not a bra is right for you. Sometimes you’ll even prefer to wear two different sizes in the same brand, depending on the style of bra. Just as with most measuring systems, these charts should be taken as guides and not as absolute authorities.
Finally, here is another international cup size comparison chart, just so all your comparison/conversion questions can be answered in one place:
Again, this shouldn’t be taken as an absolute authority. For example, both Panache and Bravissimo offer KK cups, and many Polish makers follow the UK system. I hope this at least will help clarify why you might find yourself wearing an FF-cup in one brand and an H in another.
Happy shopping, and have a great weekend!
8 Comments on More Cup Sizes: Conversions and Comparisons
4Pingbacks & Trackbacks on More Cup Sizes: Conversions and Comparisons
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[…] clothes … it would seem that some brands’ cup sizes are more generous than others. Then I found this post from Sweet Nothings NYC talking about conversions and comparisons of cup size…. She also found this chart from BiggerBras.com, AND she found a chart from […]
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[…] in full-bust sizes. They use UK sizing, so remember to check the size chart (Sweets has one here) to be sure you’re getting the right size. This is the “Charlotte” set in red […]
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[…] 1. Once you find your size, you will not wear that size in every style or brand. It’s frustrating, I know, but learning your size is not a magic bullet. Learning about FIT will serve you best in the long run. It’s absolutely normal to have a lingerie drawer with 3-4 different sizes in it, all of which fit beautifully, especially if they’re all different brands (after all, US, UK, and European manufacturers use different cup sizing systems). […]
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[…] but with very few exceptions, that’s been the best size. The Maison Lejaby bra? A 36G. My Europe-UK conversion chart tells me that a Euro 36G “should” be a 36F in UK brands. AND OH, THIS BRA FITS SO […]
Jo
August 17, 2012 at 11:18 am (11 years ago)I so wish I could afford to have someone CUSTOM make bras. Maybe I’m a diva (I don’t think so), but I just want a bra that for my B cup gals:
1. Isn’t padded (WHY do they assume that us smaller busted ladies are pining for bigger boobs?)
2. Racerback (I know they aren’t sexy but regular straps WILL NOT stay on my shoulders and drive me insane)
3. Aren’t in colors or patterns that show through ever piece of clothes I own!!
Seems so dang reasonable but nearly impossible to find. I hate the padding they are putting in bras today, makes a B cup NOT fit, but a C cup is still too big. Just bloody uncomfortable. OK, sorry, petite lady rant over. (at least until the next time I have to go bra shopping in my store wasteland.)
Sweets
August 17, 2012 at 11:33 am (11 years ago)Hi Jo! I’m not sure of your back size, so some of these suggestions may not apply, but I ran a few quick searches to try to track down some options that might help.
1. Check out the “Avero” bra by Marie Jo. It’s a contour cup, which means it isn’t padded, but is instead molded into shape. The straps are convertible, so they can be worn halter-neck or crossed in the back (like a racer-back) and won’t slip. It’s usually released every season in both basic and fashion colors. Here’s one retail option: http://www.herroom.com/marie-jo-010-0416-avero-convertible-bra.shtml, and it’s also available at http://www.barenecessities.com/marie-jo-avero-plunge-multiway-t-shirt-bra-010-0416_product.htm?pf_id=MarieJo0100416
2. Check out the “Elizabeth” bra by the Little Bra Company. It’s techincally their “sports bra”, but it will be comfortable and supportive as a basic bra, and it’s a racer-back style. http://www.thelittlebracompany.com/bras/elizabeth-black-1958.html TLBC also offers their popular “Lucia” style with convertible straps, although it is a push-up style, so it may not be your cup of tea.
I’d also recommend investigating Etsy sellers, who frequently CAN custom-make a bra for you, which would be awesome! There are several suggested stores plus links, in this post: https://sweetnothingsnyc.com/2012/06/17/lingerie-for-smaller-busts/
I hope these help you get started! If you need any more suggestions or these aren’t quite right for you, just let me know.
tandaina
August 17, 2012 at 11:56 am (11 years ago)Sweets you ROCK! 🙂 (I’m a 36B at least in department store brands. So tired of Maidenform.)
Sweets
August 17, 2012 at 1:40 pm (11 years ago)My pleasure! Good luck with your search!