13 Bra Tips You Need to Know (2024)

Bras are the foundation of every outfit women wear, but there's so much that goes into understanding how they are sized, what makes a good fit, and how US and UK sizing differs. Here are our top 13 tips every women needs to know about bras.

1. Bra size 101

The number: 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 is the band size.
The letter: A, B, C, D, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K is the cup size.

2. Going down band sizes

There's an important rule that every woman needs to know when it comes to going down band sizes from your original size.

For every band size you go down, you have to go up a cup size to compensate the difference.

Let's say you wear a 34B, the cup fits but the band is too big.

You measure a 30 band size. A 30 band is two band sizes smaller than the 34 band.

This means you need to go up two cup sizes from the 34B to get the right cup size in the 30 band. So you would be a D cup in the 30 band size, so a 30D.

3. Going up band sizes

The same type of rule applies if you go up band sizes, but it's a littledifferent.

If you go up a band size, you need to go down a cup size to compensate the difference.

Let's say you wear a 36DD and the band is too small but the cups fit. In order to go up to a 38 band size you need to go down a cup size. You would want to try a D in the 38 band, or a 38D. The 36DD and the 38D are the same cup size, the only difference is the 38 band is bigger around then the 36 band.

4. Sister sizes

Did you know bras have sister sizes? What this means is if you have a bra size that fits, but you want to adjust the band fit, you can find the sister size in a band size smaller or larger and get the correct cup size. Remember, when you go up and down band sizes your cup size changes.

For an example, a 32C and a 34B are the same cup size.The only difference is the band size.The 34 is a bigger band size than a 32.

Another example is a 34B and 36A are the same cup size. The only difference is the band size. The 36 is a bigger band size than the 34.

Here's an example of some other sister sizes. All of these cup sizes are the same. The only differences are in the band size.

28DD
30D
32C
34B
36A
38AA
28F
30DD
32D
34C
36B
38A
28G
30F
32DD
34D
36C
38B
28H
30G
32G
34DD
36D
38C
28I
30H
32G
34F
36DD
38D

5. Cups and band too small

If your band and cup sizes are too small, you'll need to go up one band and cup size.

Let's say you wear a 34D and the cup and band feel too small. You'll want to try a 36D. This jump in band and cup size is one cup size and band size larger.

6. Cup sizes aren't stagnant

Cup sizes aren't stagnant in band sizes. This means a 34G and 36G aren't the same cup size. The 36G is a cup size larger then the 34G because it's a band size larger.

Another example. Let's say you have a 32DD and 38DD bra size. Because the 38 band is three band sizes larger then the 32, the 38DD is going to be three cup sizes larger then the 32DD.

7. How to fit lopsided breasts

It's normal to have one breast that is larger than the other. What you do is you want to fit the larger breast because we don't want that one coming out of the top of the bra. If there's a significant difference between the two breasts, you can always use a thin molded cup insert in the smaller side to fill it out. We find if you have the right brand and bra style for your breast shape, you shouldn't have to do this.

8. Red marks on skin is ok

When you wear a new bra in a new size, I like to compare it to wearing a new pair of shoes. Sometimes you need to break in your new bra and sometimes it can feel a little snug at the beginning. It's completely normal to have red marks on your skin after wearing your newly fitted bra. Red marks arenot a bad sign unless the red marks are painful. Bras are made from elastic and are meant to be snug on your body in order to support your bosoms. Your bra will stretch with wear.

9. How to put on your bra on

There's no wrong way to put on a bra. You can hook your bra behind your back with your hands. You can hook the back of the band in the front and twist it to the back and put your hands through the straps. It doesn't matter, whatever is easiet for you.

10. Scoop those bosoms in

When you put your bra on, make sure to "scoop and swoop" your breasts into your bra. You'll find your breasts are coming out of the top of the bra. Then take the top of the cups and lightly shake the breasts back into the bra. This makes sure the bra is in the correct position and your breast tissue is in the bra.

11. UK vs US cup sizing

Did you know there's a difference in US and UK cup sizing? To know if your bra is
US or UK sizing, check the tag on your bra to see if it says UK or US sizing.

As you can see not knowing there's a difference can make bra shopping hard and confusing. At Bra Fittings by Court, we let you know the US/UK size in every bra so there's no confusion. We've got your back ANDfront, ladies!

USABCDDD(E)DDD(F)DDDD(G)H
UKABCDDDEFFF
USIJKLMNO
UKGGGHHHJJJK

12. Space between breast and underwire

There should be a little bit of space between your breasts and your underwires from the front of your the underwire, to the back (by your armpit). You don't want the underwire to lay right against your breast tissue, you want it to at at the base or right below your breast tissue. This will help prevent chafing and underwire irritation on your breasts and make it more comfortable.

13. Some back fat is ok and normal

You're going to get less "back fat" when your band fits and is fitting snug and low in the back. When the band is laying low in the back, this is less fleshy than right under your armpit area. When your band is riding up the back, it pushes out this armpit area which makes "back fat" more prominent. If you've had significant weight loss or have looser skin, you might have more of it. So love your back fat! It's normal and healthy. Remember, every woman has it, no matter how thin she is.

Ready to put these tips to the test? Click on one of the buttons below to find out your size and book an in-person or virtual fitting today!

USE THE BRA FIT CALCULATOR BOOK AN IN-PERSON FITTING BOOK A VIRTUAL FIT CHECK
13 Bra Tips You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

What should your bra size be for age 13? ›

Most girls start developing breasts around age 10 or 11, and their bra size will continue to change as they grow. A 13 year old's bra size can range from a 32A to a 34D, so it's important to get fitted by a professional in order to find the best fit.

Is 32A small for a 13 year old? ›

Yes, it is entirely normal for a 13-year-old to wear a 32A bra size. Breast development can vary widely among girls, and it's common for some to develop earlier or later than others. A 32A bra size means the band size is 32 inches, and the cup size is A, which is a relatively small cup size.

What is the average cup size for a 13? ›

Her AA or an A cup is more average, but your B cup is normal for you.

Is 36B normal for a 13 year old? ›

36B is totally okay for a 13 year old.

Should a 13 year old wear a real bra? ›

The average age for a girl to begin wearing a bra is 11. It may vary from one girl to another because some girls require to wear a bra at the age of 8 and some girls don't need to wear a bra even at the age of 14. It depends on the stage of breast growth.

Is it OK to not wear a bra at 13? ›

Don't worry if you don't need a first bra by the age of 13 or 14. It perfectly fine and some don't even start breast buds by the age of 15!

Is 4 inches hard small for a 13 year old? ›

It's DEFINITELY NOT “small”. At the age of 13, it's only slightly below average for an adult, and it's extremely likely that “IT” will keep growing for another 5 or so years. But 70–80% of women don't care about size unless you're under 4 inches. They care that you're CONSIDERATE.

Which breast size is smallest? ›

The Smallest Size Of Bra: Uncovered

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 do breast buds look like? ›

Breast buds are small, disc-shaped lumps felt under the nipple and areola. Any lump found under the areola is a breast bud until proven otherwise. Breast symptoms in newborns are also covered. Other symptoms: breast lump, breast redness and nipple discharge.

What is the nicest cup size? ›

Understanding “Ideal” Breast Size

Likewise, 49% of men and 52% of women concurred that a C cup is the ideal breast size, which is close to the average breast size of women in both the United States and Europe.

What is the world's largest bra size? ›

They Break Records - The world's largest natural breasts belong to Annie Hawkins-Turner. She wears a 52I bra and they weigh 56 pounds each.

Am I ready to wear a bra? ›

As soon as the breasts start growing breast buds, small (sometimes very tender) bumps below the nipples, is typically when girls start wearing training bras,” said Dr. Kronborg. “Normally, by the time a girl can fill a B cup is when she'll eventually require a standard bra.”

How big should my chest be at 13? ›

Click here to download
Age1113
Chest Size (inches)3234
Chest Size (cm)8186
Waist (inches)2628
Collar Size (inches)1314
1 more row

What is the size of a zero figure bra? ›

The concept of zero figure body is quite popular in Bollywood. Size zero is referred to the size where the size of the bust is 32 inches, the size of the waist is 24 inches and the size of the hips is 32 inches.

What is the average chest size for a 13 year old female? ›

Girls 11-16 yrs
size
age11-12 yrs13-14 yrs
chest (in)3133.5
chest (cm)7885
waist (in)2627
5 more rows

Should a 13 year old wear an underwire bra? ›

Should younger teens wear underwired bras? I would recommend that pre-teens and younger teens wear non-wired bras. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, it can take a little getting used to wearing a bra, let alone an underwired bra.

What is the youngest age to wear a bra? ›

What Age Should You Wear a Bra? Young ladies begin wearing a bra when they're 11 years. Nonetheless, different young ladies might need to begin wearing their first bra at 8 while others when they're 14 years of age.

What age is appropriate for a push up bra? ›

There's no age when you 'should' wear a push-up bra, it's completely at your discretion to what you feel comfortable and confident in. However, a push-up bra might be a daunting step if it's your first bra, or you may choose to never wear one and opt for a different style altogether.

What if a girl never wears a bra? ›

Your breasts might sag if you don't wear a bra.

"There's a ligament called Cooper's ligament that anchors around the breast tissue," he says. "This causes more movement and bouncing around. In my opinion, the breasts will sag and get loose if a bra isn't worn for a long time."

What is puberty bra? ›

A training bra (also trainer bra, starter bra, or first bra) is a lightweight brassiere designed for girls who have begun to develop breasts, at Tanner stage II and III. The training bra is intended to be worn during puberty when the breasts are not yet large enough to fit a standard-sized bra.

Is it OK if I never wear a bra? ›

Many factors can play a part in your breast cancer risk, but going braless isn't one of them. The bottom line: "Generally speaking, wearing or not wearing a bra really won't have a significant impact on your overall health," Dr. Sahni said, adding that it's entirely a personal choice.

Is 6 inches erect good for a 14 year old? ›

At 6″ erect, at age 14, you are doing just fine as far as size goes.

How long is the average size for a 13 year old? ›

Height by age
Age (years)50th percentile height for boys (inches and centimeters)
1156. 4 in. (143.5 cm)
1258.7 in. (149 cm)
1361.4 in. (156 cm)
1464.6 in. (164 cm)
7 more rows
Mar 8, 2019

Is 6 inches at 13 good? ›

Is this normal? yes, most 13 year olds are about 6–8 inches tall.

Which race has the smallest breast? ›

As a supplement to the average penis size chart, there is now an average cup size by country of origin chart. The largest breasts can be found in Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom and the USA, the smallest in Central Africa and Southeast Asia.

Do small breasts matter? ›

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong breast size. While some women are comfortable embracing a smaller chest (and may prefer them, depending on personal habits or hobbies), others are naturally more large-chested than others.

Which breast size is more sensitive? ›

According to a study conducted by the researchers at the University of Vienna, smaller breasts are likely to be more sensitive than their bigger counterparts. They are also more likely to get easily aroused for increased pleasure.

Why does my 11 year old daughter's breast hurt? ›

The breast bud may be a little tender. But don't worry — it's a normal part of puberty. It is also common to have sore breasts around the beginning of a girl's period, or menstruation. During her menstrual cycle, a girl's body produces lots of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone .

Why do breasts get bigger with age? ›

As females get older, their bodies start to produce less of the reproductive hormone estrogen than before. Estrogen stimulates the growth of breast tissue, while low levels of this hormone cause the mammary glands to shrink.

What does growing breasts feel like? ›

As the breast buds grow, you may notice tingling, aching or itching in your chest, and your nipples may swell or become tender. This is all normal. After your periods begin, the changing hormones may make the breasts feel tender, painful or sore a week or so just before your period starts.

What is the average bra size for a 21 year old? ›

The average bra size in the United States is 34DD.

Is it better to go up or down a cup size? ›

Proper cup fit is influenced by band size. As the band size changes, so does the cup size. For every band size you go down, you should go up one cup. If you are in a 34D with a good cup fit, but want to go down to a 32 band, you would go to a 32DD for a tighter band with the same cup fit.

Which breast size is good in inches? ›

Here's a detailed Bra Size Chart for Indian body types to help you with your right size
BAND SIZEUNDERBUST (In inches)OVER BUST (In inches)
3025-2633-34
3227-2835-36
3429-3037-38
3631-3239-40
7 more rows

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.

What is the average breast size in Japan? ›

First off, the data, collected between January and August of last year, showed a D-cup bust to be the most common, with that being the average size in 27 prefectures, including Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagano.

What is the average bra size for a 12 year old? ›

Bra sizes
Clothes Sizing AgeBra size
Age 9N/A
Age 10 - 1130A /30B
Age 12-1332A / 32B
Age 14-1534A/34B

How many days can you wear a bra without washing it? ›

How often you need to wash your bras isn't an exact science. But as a general rule, you should wash them after every two to three wears.

Do 14 year olds wear bras? ›

A teenager should normally go for a bra when her breasts need coverage to protect them from excessive motion and to keep them in shape. What is the right age to wear a teenager's bra? There is no right or wrong age to start wearing a bra. The breasts generally start to develop around puberty.

Is it OK to wear a bra at 14? ›

The average age for most girls to start wearing a bra is 11, some may need one from the age of nine whereas others may need one at 14. The foremost concern when fitting a first bra is comfort. This is because as breasts develop and grow, they can feel sore, tender, and sometimes a little painful.

Why is my chest saggy at 13? ›

Yes, it's normal, but it doesn't have to be. Loose saggy skin is really just a case of excess body fat covered by skin. It's subcutaneous fat just under the skin and it's soft and loose, even jiggly. Body fat is just an energy storage type of system, whereas muscle tissue has a purpose.

Why are my chest so big at 12? ›

What Is Gynecomastia? Sometimes, guys develop breasts during puberty. This is called gynecomastia (pronounced: guy-nuh-ko-MAS-tee-uh). It's usually due to normal hormone changes during puberty, and almost always goes away on its own within a few months to a couple of years.

Is size 0 skinny? ›

Size zero often refers to thin individuals (especially women and adolescent girls), or trends associated with them.

What is perfect body size for female? ›

The specific proportions of 36–24–36 inches (90-60-90 centimeters) have frequently been given as the "hourglass" proportions for women since at least the 1960s (these measurements are, for example, the title of a hit instrumental by The Shadows).

What is zero size weight? ›

Size zero has become a buzzword in the world of fashion during the recent past. Models with very low BodyMass Index (BMI) are regarded as size 0 models. It is a measure of body fatbased on height and weight of a person.

How small should a 13 year old waist be? ›

For adolescents and teenage girls, ages 13 to 19, the average waist size is 32.6 inches . This is the equivalent of a medium or large pant size, or about a size 12.
...
Dress size: 12.
AgeWaist size in inches
1330.3
1733.4
1833.3
1934.1
Jun 12, 2019

What size is 13 to 14 years? ›

Apparel for a 5-6-year-old is a number 116 for 44-46 inch tall boys while a 63-65 inch tall 13 or 14-year-old wears a 164.

Which size is perfect for 13 year girl? ›

915 Girl's sizes
Age (years)SizeHeight (cm)
9n/a134
10-11S140-146
12-13M152-158
14-15L164-170
1 more row

Is 34B big for a 13 year old? ›

Is 34B normal for a 13-year-old? Absolutely. There is no normal or abnormal when it comes to breast size, breasts come in a huge range of all different sizes. It is entirely normal for a 13-year-old to wear a 34B bra size, but it ultimately depends on each individual's body shape and development.

Is 32A bra size small? ›

Small: 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B. Medium: 32C, 34B, 36A, 36B, 36C. Large: 32D, 34D, 36D, 38A, 38B, 38C.

What is the average cup size for a 13 14 year old? ›

However, the most common bra sizes for girls around that age are usually AA, A, and B cups.

What is the smallest breast size? ›

Bra Cup Sizes

The further down the alphabet a letter is, the larger the cup volume, starting with AA as the smallest.

How tight should your bra band be? ›

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.

What is the smallest bra size in America? ›

Generally, the A cup is considered the smallest available but for some this is still too big and compensating with a smaller band size won't help. If you want something that's going to fit your form you'll have to go down a level to an AA or even AAA cup.

What is the smallest to biggest bra size? ›

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.

Is it normal to be a D cup at 13? ›

Totally normal! You are a person growing, so yes, your body is developing and it's supernormal. It might be uncomfortable right now, cause not everyone your age is developing at the same rhythm, so some might be A cup, some none, some B, and even some C, and they're all normal.

Is a D cup big for a 12 year old? ›

Is it normal for a 12-year-old to be D cup there is no normal breast size. Breast sizes vary . So the answer to your question is a D cup for this 12-year-old girl is normal for her. It might not be normal for a different girl because her genetic make up is different.

Is 32C normal for a 13 year old? ›

It is totally normal to have a size 32C at that age.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 6167

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.