Pictures Of The Biggest Breasts In The World? The 13 New Answer

aa

A

B

C

D

Wrong self-assessment

bra size and obesity

Small cup sizes in Africa and Asia

database and sources

Many studies also asked women about their own cup size. In most cases, the answer was just a hint. Some of the answers were fictitious and often had little to do with the actual size. The most common reason for this is that women often wear a bra that is too small with a correspondingly larger breast band. There are financial reasons for this, especially in poorer countries. In the more developed countries, women are more likely to use the services of specialty stores, leading to appropriate sizing of clothing sizes. Conversely, it has been noticed time and again that women in the USA often buy noticeably larger bras with correspondingly smaller breast straps (e.g. 75E instead of 80C). This could be one of the reasons some surveys have found oversized breasts among US women. Overall, it is striking that increased breast sizes are common in countries where obesity is also a problem. For illustrative purposes, the average BMI (body mass index) of women is shown in an additional column in the table. The female breast consists largely of fatty tissue and glands. The shape of the breasts also depends not only on genetic factors, but also on the fat content and composition of the connective tissue. There are various reasons for the conspicuous regional distribution, especially small sizes, in Central Africa and Southeast Asia. On the one hand, a genetic cause is often mentioned. Females on these subcontinents are generally smaller and lighter. The average Southeast Asian woman is about 1.53 m tall and weighs less than 55 kilos. In Central Africa, too, women are smaller than the global average, at less than 1.60 m and weighing less than 60 kg. This alone leads to a connection to the then logically smaller breasts with the same body proportions. In addition, another climatic connection is suspected. In particularly hot regions, the body uses much more energy to cool down and keep bodily functions in balance. The breast consists mostly of fatty tissue, i.e. the body’s energy store. If the body is quickly deprived of energy, no fatty tissue can form. There are numerous listings online that illustrate bra and bust sizes by country. Unfortunately, almost all of them are based on an individual evaluation on the (currently no longer available) website targetmap.com, which appeared in 2010. Only “yarkko” is named as the author, sources are not named. Another study from 2013 (only accessible with login) was reportedly published in the “Journal of Female Health Science”. However, neither the authors nor the journal itself are known anywhere. The enormous size specifications for the USA are particularly striking here. The truthfulness can therefore be at least partially doubted. The statistics on this page are based on several dozen sources – including these two – without evaluating the obviously exaggerated figures for about a dozen countries. In addition, other independent surveys were included. In order to get an internationally comparable amount of data at all, it was also necessary to include manufacturer information on their sales figures for each individual size. Almost all sources have in common that they are hardly comprehensible and sometimes contradict each other. There is also the problem that cross sizes (e.g. 70C, 75B, 80A) are often perceived as fitting, but do not correspond to the actual cup size. This assessment cannot and should not be scientifically reliable, but only offers an approximate international comparison.

Have you ever wondered how America compares to other countries when it comes to sex, alcohol and penis size? The answers are actually found in a series of maps drawn by a 17-year-old graphic artist from Slovakia.

Martin Vargic first made headlines in 2014 with a map he created called “Map of the Internet 1.0” that illustrated the different aspects of life online, reports the Daily Mail. The map went viral for its depiction of Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Apple as sovereign countries. But now he’s making waves by revealing some of the most interesting features of the world’s countries in Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps: Mapping out the Modern World.

Biggest penises

Men in African and South American countries have the largest penis size – especially men in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The average size of a penis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 7.1 inches. That’s two inches longer than the world average penis size of 5.1 to 5.9 inches.

On the other hand, parts of Asia including China, South Korea and Thailand have the smallest average penis size. The map shows that the average penis size in these countries was 4.5 to 5.5 inches.

Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps – amazon.com

Biggest Boobs

Undoubtedly, women in Russia and parts of Scandinavia have the largest breast sizes. Women in these countries have an average breast size larger than D cup size. While in America the average breast size is only a D cup.

Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps – amazon.com

Highest alcohol consumption per capita

European countries, including most of Western Europe, Russia and parts of Scandinavia, consume the most alcohol at 425 fluid ounces per year. But Belarus has the highest alcohol consumption rate in the world at 4.6 gallons per capita, according to the New York Post. The map shows America with the third highest average alcohol consumption per capita at 255 to 340 fluid ounces per year.

Although 30 percent of Americans don’t drink alcohol at all and another 30 percent average less than one drink per week, the top 10 percent of American adults consume an average of 74 drinks per week, according to the Washington Post.

Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps – amazon.com

Most sex partners

According to the New York Post, Finland is the most sexually active country in the world, with the average person having more than 14 partners in their lifetime. The map also shows that people living in Australia and the tip of Africa have had more than a dozen sex partners over the course of their lives. In addition, men in Europe have an average of nine sexual partners and women an average of five.

The map shows Americans with an average of 10 to 12 sex partners over their lifetime.

Vargic’s Miscellany of Curious Maps – amazon.com

Meanwhile, Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto, is undergoing a dramatic downsizing.

Japanese cosmetics manufacturer Love Cosme conducts an annual study of bust sizes in Japan and, after evaluating the data, publishes a list of the most common sizes in each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. In the most recent iteration of the study, which included 33,813 participants, researchers found that busts have grown in the vast majority of Japan’s geographic area, with a staggering increase in breast mass in one prefecture in particular.

First of all, data collected between January and August last year showed that D cup was the most common, being the average size in 27 prefectures including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Nagano. Osaka and Kanagawa were among the four prefectures at the top of the scale with an E average, while Kyoto and Nara were among the six at the smallest end with a B cup. In the remaining 10 prefectures, such as Hokkaido and Aichi, C-cup breasts were most common, and no prefecture emerged from the survey with an A-cup breast representing study participants.

The full list of results is:

● B cup: Fukui, Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, Oita, Saga

● C cup: Aichi, Gifu, Hokkaido, Ibaragi, Ishikawa, Kumamoto, Mie, Miyagi, Tochigi, Yamanashi

● Cup D: Akita, Aomori, Ehime, Fukushima, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kochi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Niigata, Okayama, Okinawa, Saitama, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori , Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi

● E Cup: Chiba, Kanagawa, Fukuoka, Osaka

Comparing the most recent results to those of Love Cosme’s 2012 study (which included 24,819 participants), seven prefectures showed their average height decreased and 10 remained the same, with Kyoto experiencing the largest reduction, gaining from an E im Transitioned to a B in 2012 in 2018, the only drop in three sizes. Previously, D-cup Fukui, Nara, and Shizuoka all went down two sizes, as did Gifu, who went from E to C.

On the other hand, bust size has increased for 30 prefectures compared to 2012 statistics. Saitama, Tokyo’s northern neighbor, saw the biggest increase, becoming the only prefecture to have an A-cup average in 2012. According to the latest study, however, Saitama has grown into a D-bust, the biggest gain of any single prefecture (something Love Cosme attributes to an increase in the average hours of sleep per night for Saitama teenage girls in recent years).

Tokyo itself went up from C to D, and bust size in 10 prefectures (Aichi, Fukushima, Hiroshima, Ibaragi, Ishikawa, Mie, Niigata, Okayama, Oita and Saga) remained the same compared to 2012.

Finally, it is worth remembering that the data in both studies were collected from participants who completed a survey, and the respondents representing each individual prefecture in the last survey may or may not have been the same from 2012. It is possible that the increase or decrease in bust size is caused not only by health and diet factors, but also by population redistribution (such as theoretically an unusually large number of busty women moving from Kyoto or to Saitama in recent years). For this reason, it’s probably best to think of the Love Cosme poll results as a passing snapshot of Japan’s ever-changing upper body topography.

Source: Love Cosme (1, 2) via Hachima Kiko

Top image: Pakutaso (edited by SoraNews24)

Insert pictures: Pakutaso (1, 2)

Measure (usually 2 factors) to determine the correct fit of the bra

Bra size measurement: around the torso in the underbust crease and across the bust

Bra size (also known as brassiere measurement or bust size) indicates the sizing characteristics of a bra. While a number of bra sizing systems are used around the world, bra sizes typically consist of a number, indicating the size of the band around a woman’s torso, and one or more letters, indicating the size of the breast cups. Bra cup sizes were invented in 1932 while band sizes became popular in the 1940s. For convenience, bra cup volume or cup size is based on the difference between the band length and the measurement across the breast due to the impracticality of determining the size dimensions of each breast.

Manufacturers attempt to design and manufacture bras that will properly fit the majority of women, while individual women attempt to identify correctly fitting bras under different styles and sizing systems.[1]

The shape, size, position, symmetry, spacing, firmness, and sag of each woman’s breasts vary significantly. Manufacturers’ bra size labeling systems vary from country to country as there are no international standards. Even within one country, a study found that bra size labeling is consistently different from measured size. Due to all of these factors, approximately 25% of women find it difficult to find a bra that fits properly[3] and some women choose custom bras because of the unique shape of their breasts.

Origins of the measurement method[ edit ]

1932 advertisement by H.H. Camp and Company, the first to correlate A through D cups with breast volume

On November 21, 1911, Parisienne Madeleine Gabeau received a US patent for a brassiere with soft cups and a metal band that supported and separated the breasts. In order to avoid the prevailing fashion, which created a single “monobust” [citation needed], her design envisioned: “…that the edges of the material d may be worn closely along the inner and under the contours of the breasts in order to avoid them to preserve their shape I use a metal contouring band b that is curved to conform to the lower curves of the breast.”[4]

Origins of mug design[edit]

The term “cup” was not used to describe bras until 1916, when two patents were filed.[6]

In October 1932 H.H. Camp and Company was the first to use letters of the alphabet (A, B, C, and D) to indicate cup size, although the letters represented how saggy the breasts were, not their volume. Camp’s advertisements in the February 1933 issue of Corset and Underwear Review included lettered profiles of breasts. Cup sizes A through D should not be used on women with larger breasts.

Warner’s 1944 advertisement for its Alphabet bras in cup sizes A through D

In 1935, Warner’s introduced its Alphabet bra with cup sizes up to D cup only. Their bras took breast volume into account when sizing[8] and is still the system used to this day. These mug sizes were soon given nicknames: egg mugs, tea mugs, coffee mugs and hiking mugs. Two other companies, Model and Fay-Miss (renamed the Bali Brassiere Company in 1935) followed, offering A, B, C, and D cup sizes in the late 1930s. Catalog companies continued to use the designations small, medium, and large through the 1940s. Britain did not adopt American cup sizes in 1933 and resisted the use of cup sizes on its products until 1948. The Sears Company finally used cup sizes for bras in their catalog in the 1950s.

Although different manufacturers used the same descriptions of bra sizes (e.g. A through D, small, large, etc.), there was no standardization of what those descriptions actually measured, so each company had their own standards.

Origins of tape measurement [ edit ]

Several hook and eye closures were introduced in the 1930s, allowing for adjustment of the straps. Before the widespread use of bras, the underwear of choice for western women was a corset. To help women achieve the perceived ideal female body shape, corset and girdle manufacturers used a calculation called hip spring, the difference between waist and hip measurements (usually 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)).[12]

The tape measuring system was developed by US bra manufacturers shortly after World War II.

Other innovations[edit]

The underwire was first added to a strapless bra in 1937 by André, a custom bra company.[13] Patents for underwire devices in bras were granted in 1931 and 1932, but were not widely used by manufacturers until after World War II, when metal shortages eased.[14]

In the 1930s, Dunlop chemists were able to reliably convert rubber latex into elastic thread. After 1940, “whirlpool” or concentric sewing was used to form the cup structure of some designs. Due to their easy-care properties, the synthetic fibers were quickly accepted by the industry. Since a brassiere has to be washed frequently, an easy-care fabric was in great demand.

Consumer Customization[edit]

For best results, breasts should be measured twice: once when standing upright, once at the waist and with the breasts hanging down. If the difference between these two measurements is more than 10 cm, the average is taken to calculate the cup size. [citation needed] A number of reports, polls and studies in different countries have found that between 80% and 85% of women are wearing incorrectly fitting bras. [unreliable source?]

In November 2005, Oprah Winfrey produced a show about bras and bra sizes, in which she discussed research that showed eight out of ten women were wearing the wrong bra size.[17]

Larger breasts and bra fit [ edit ]

A woman wearing an Australian brand, Elle Macpherson, with a bra size 30E has a correct band fit (30) with a cup fit (E) that is too small for her. Her bra band is parallel to the floor and her breasts don’t protrude under her arm, but there is plenty of breast tissue above the cup top.

Studies have shown that the most common mistake women make when choosing a bra is choosing a back band that is too big and a cup size that is too small, for example 38C instead of 34E or 34B instead of 30D.[18][19]

The heavier a person, the more difficult it is to get accurate measurements as the tape measure will sink into the flesh more easily.

In a UK study of 103 women wanting mammoplasty, researchers found a strong link between obesity and inaccurate back measurements. They concluded that “obesity, breast hypertrophy, fashion, and bra fitting practices combine to make those women who need the most supportive bras the least likely to get properly fitting bras.”

One issue that complicates finding a properly fitting bra is that waistband and cup sizes are not standardized, but vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer, resulting in sizes that only provide an approximate fit.[21][22] Women cannot rely on labeled bra sizes to identify a bra that fits properly.[23][24] Scientific studies show that the current system of bra sizing can be inaccurate.

Manufacturers cut their bras differently so, for example, two 34B bras from two companies may not fit the same person.[26] Customers should pay attention to which sizing system is used by the manufacturer. The main difference is how the cup size increases by 2 cm or 1 inch (= 2.54 cm, see below). Some French manufacturers also increase the cup size by 3 cm.[27] Unlike dress sizes, manufacturers don’t agree on a single standard.

British bras currently range from A to LL cup (although Rigby&Peller recently introduced Elila bras ranging up to US N cup), while most Americans can find bras in A to G cups. Some brands (Goddess, Elila) go as high as N, a size roughly equivalent to a UK JJ cup. In continental Europe, Milena Lingerie from Poland produces up to R cup size. Larger sizes are usually harder to find in retail. As the cup size increases, the stated cup size of bras from different manufacturers tends to vary more in actual volume.[24] One study found that label size was consistently different from measured size.

Even medical studies have confirmed the difficulty of getting a proper fit. Research by plastic surgeons has shown that bra sizing is inaccurate because breast volume is not accurately calculated:

The current popular bra sizing system is so often inaccurate as to be useless. Add to this the many different styles of bras and the lack of standardization between brands, and one can understand why finding a comfortable, well-fitting bra is more a matter of educated guesswork, trial and error than precise measurement.

The use of cup size and band measurement systems has evolved over time and continues to change. Experts recommend women get fitted by an experienced person[31] at a retailer that offers the widest range of bra sizes and brands.

Bad bra fit symptoms [ edit ]

Rear view of a properly fitting bra band worn parallel to the floor

If the straps dig into the shoulder, leave red marks, or cause shoulder or neck pain, the bra band is not providing enough support.[32] When breast tissue extends past the bottom of the bra, under the armpits, or above the top of the bra cup, the cup size is too small.[32] Loose fabric in the bra cup indicates that the cup size is too large.[33] If the underwires push the breasts below the armpits or if the center panel of the bra doesn’t lie flat against the breastbone,[34] the cup size is too small.[32] If the band rides up the back of your torso, the band size is too big. If it digs into the flesh and causes the flesh to spill over the edges of the band, the band is too small.[32] If the band feels tight, it may be because the cups are too small; Instead of increasing band size, a person should try increasing cup size. Likewise, if the cups are too large, a band might feel too loose. You can test if a bra band is too tight or too loose by turning the bra on your torso so the cups are at the back, then checking for fit and comfort. If the wearer has to constantly adjust the bra or experiences general discomfort, the bra generally does not fit well and she should be readjusted.[35]

Get best fit[edit]

Bra extender for the band

Bra experts recommend that women, particularly those with a D cup or larger, have a professional bra fitting done in the lingerie department of a clothing store or lingerie specialty store.[31] But even professional bra fitters in different countries, including New Zealand[36] and the United Kingdom[37], produce inconsistent measurements on the same person. There is significant heterogeneity in breast shape, density and volume. Therefore, current bra fitting methods may be inadequate for this area of ​​breast morphology.

A 2004 Consumers Reports study in New Zealand found that 80% of bra fittings in department stores resulted in a poor fit.[38] However, because manufacturer standards vary widely,[39] women cannot rely on their own measurements to obtain a satisfactory fit. Some bra manufacturers and distributors state that trying on and learning to identify a properly fitting bra is the best way to determine the correct bra size, much like shoes.

A properly fitting bra should meet the following criteria:[40][41]

When viewed from the side, the edge of the chest band should be level, not ride up the back, and be firm but comfortable.

The front underwire of each cup should lie flat against the sternum (not the breast) along the underbust crease and should not cut into, rub against, or protrude in front of the breast or breasts.

The breasts should be encased in the cups and there should be a smooth line where the fabric meets the top of the cup.

The top of the breast, the nipple, must be in the middle of the cups.

Even with a low-cut model like the balconette bra, the breasts should not protrude beyond the top or the sides of the cups.

The straps of a properly fitting bra shouldn’t dig into or slide off your shoulder, indicating an oversized band.

The back of the bra should not ride up and the bust band should remain parallel to the floor when viewed from behind.

The breasts should be primarily supported by the band around the chest and not by the shoulder straps.

The woman should be able to breathe and move easily without the bra moving around.

Confirm bra fit [ edit ]

One method of confirming that the bra fits best is nicknamed the swoop and scoop. After identifying a well-fitting bra, the woman bends forward (the nosedive), lets her breasts fall into the bra, fills the cup naturally, and then secures the bra on the outermost hooks. As the woman stands up, she uses the other hand to gently place each breast into the cup (scoop) and then runs her index finger along the inner top edge of the bra cup to ensure her breast tissue does not overflow the edges .[32][44]

Experts suggest that women choose a bra strap that fits snugly on the outermost hooks.[42][43] This allows the wearer to use the tighter hooks on the bra strap as it stretches over its lifespan of approximately eight months.[43] The band should be snug enough to support the chest, but the straps should not provide the primary support.[45]

Difficulties with consumer measurements[edit]

A bra is one of the most complicated pieces of clothing to make. A typical bra design has between 20 and 48 pieces, including the band, hooks, cups, lining, and straps. Large retailers order from manufacturers in batches of 10,000. Jobs of this magnitude require a large scale operation to handle the cutting, sewing and packaging required.[46]

It is difficult to construct a bra that fits properly. Adelle Kirk, formerly an executive at global management consultancy Kurt Salmon, which specializes in apparel and retail stores, said that making bras is complex:

Bras are one of the most complex pieces of clothing. There are many different styles, and each style has a dozen different sizes, and there are many colors in it. In addition, there is a lot of product development. You’ve got hooks, you’ve got straps, usually each cup comes in two parts, and each one requires a lot of sewing. It is very component intensive.[47]

Asymmetrical breasts[edit]

Finding the right size is made difficult by the fact that up to 25% of women’s breasts have persistent, visible breast asymmetry,[48] which is defined as a size difference of at least one cup size. In about 5% to 10% of women, their breasts are vastly different, with the left breast being larger in 62% of cases.[49] A minor asymmetry can be corrected by wearing a padded bra, but severe cases of developmental breast deformity — commonly referred to by doctors as “Amazon syndrome” — can result from morphological changes caused by deviations in the shape, volume, and position of the breasts , requiring corrective surgery for the submammary crease, the position of the areola complex on the breast, or both.

Breast volume variation[edit]

Finding the right size is further complicated by the fact that the size and shape of women’s breasts change throughout the menstrual cycle and may experience unusual or unexpected rapid growth in size due to pregnancy, weight gain or loss, or medical conditions.[51] Even breathing can alter the measurements significantly.

Some women’s breasts can change shape by up to 20% per month:

“The shape of breasts changes fairly consistently from month to month, but they change volume by a different amount individually… Some girls change less than 10% and other girls can change up to 20%.” That would be it then Better not to wear a bra at all? “…In fact, there are very few benefits to wearing existing bras. Having a bra that is generally supportive would make a significant improvement, especially in terms of not going south…The skin gives the breast their footing.”[51 ]

Increase in average bra size [ edit ]

In 2010, the top selling bra size in the UK was 36D.[18][52] In 2004, market research company Mintel reported that bust size in the UK had increased between 1998 and 2004 among both younger and older consumers, while a more recent study showed that the top selling bra size in the US in 2008 was 36D was. [53]

The researchers ruled out an increase in population weight as an explanation, instead suggesting that it was likely due to more women wearing the correct, larger size.

Consumer Measurement Methods[edit]

Bra retailers recommend several methods of measuring waistband and cup size. These are based on two main methods, either under the breast or over the breast, and sometimes both. Calculating the correct bra band size is complicated by a variety of factors. The American National Standards Institute states that while there is a voluntary consensus on sizes, there is much confusion as to the “true” dress size.[39] Therefore, bra measurement can be considered both an art and a science.[1] Online shopping and in person bra shopping experiences can differ as online recommendations are based on averages and in person shopping can be fully personalized allowing the shopper to easily try on band sizes above and below between the measured band size. Women with a large cup size and an intermediate band size may find that their cup size is not available in local stores so they may have to shop online where most large cup sizes are readily available on certain websites. Others recommend rounding to the nearest whole number.[54]

Tape measurement methods [ edit ]

There are several ways to measure the chest.

Underbust +0 [ edit ]

A measuring tape is pulled around the upper body at the underbust crease. The band is then pulled taut while remaining horizontal and parallel to the floor. The inch measurement is then rounded to the nearest even number for the band size.[55][56] As of March 2018, Kohl’s uses this method for its online fitting guide.[57]

Underbust +4 [ edit ]

This method starts the same way as the underbust +0 method, where a tape measure is pulled tightly around the torso under the bust while remaining horizontal. If the measurement is even, 4 is added to calculate the band size. If odd, 5 is added. Kohl’s used this method in 2013.[58] The “War on Plus Four” was a name for a campaign (circa 2011) against this method, with underbust +0 supporters claiming that the then-ubiquitous +4 method was not suitable for the majority of women.[ 59] Underbust +4 method generally only applies to US and UK sizes.

Size table [ edit ]

Currently, many major US department stores determine underbust measurement by starting with the measurement taken under the bust, similar to the underbust +0 and underbust +4 methods mentioned above. A size chart or calculator then uses that measurement to determine band size.[60] Band sizes calculated using this method vary between manufacturers.

Forearm/upper chest [ edit ]

A tape measure is pulled around the torso under the armpit and across the chest. Because band sizes are most commonly made in even numbers, the wearer must round to the nearest even number.

Cup measurement methods [ edit ]

Pictogram for the European bra size 70B according to EN 13402-1

Bra wearers can calculate their cup size by finding the difference between their bust size and their band size.[60][62] The bust, bust line measurement, or overbust measurement is the measurement around the torso over the fullest part of the breasts, with the crest of the breast halfway between the elbow and the shoulder,[63] usually above the nipples[64]. ] ideally stand upright, put your arms to your side and wear a properly fitting bra.[54] This practice assumes that the current bra fits properly. Measurements are in the same units as band size, either inches or centimeters. Cup size is calculated by subtracting the underbust measurement from the measurement across the bust.[65][66]

The meaning of cup sizes varies[ edit ]

Cup sizes vary from country to country. For example, a U.S. H cup not the same size as an Australian although both are based on measurements in inches. The larger the cup size, the greater the variation.[67]

Difference Across Bust/Waist Measurement and Cup Size [68][69] Difference (inches) <1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Cup Size US AA A B C D DD/E DDD/F DDDD/ G H I J K L M N O P Q R Cup Size Australia AA A B C D DD E F G H I J K L M N O P Cup Size UK AA A B C D DD E F FF G GG H HH J JJ K KK L LL M Bra size surveys tend to be highly dependent on the population being surveyed and how they were obtained. For example, a US study reported that the most common size was 34B, followed by 34C, that 63% were a size 34 and 39% were a B cup. However, the survey sample was drawn from 103 Caucasian student volunteers at a Midwestern US university aged 18-25, and excluded pregnant and lactating women. Triumph Survey Country D C B A UK 57% 18% 19% 6% Denmark 50% 19% 24% 7% Netherlands 36% 27% 29% 8% Belgium 28% 28% 35% 9% France 26% 29% 38% 7% Sweden 24% 30% 33% 14% Greece 23% 28% 40% 9% Switzerland 19% 24% 43% 14% Austria 11% 27% 51% 10% Italy 10% 21% 68% 1% Measuring system for plastic surgeons [ edit ] Measuring cup size Measuring cup size inches cm 7.0 17.8 A 7.5 19.1 A 8.0 20.3 B 8.5 21.6 B 9.0 22.9 C 9.5 24.1 C 10.0 25 .4 D 10.5 26.7 D 11.0 27.9 DD Bra wearers who have trouble calculating a correct cup size may be able to find a correct fit using a method used by plastic surgeons. Using a flexible tape measure, position the tape measure on the outside of the chest under the arm where the breast tissue begins.[71] Measure across the fullest part of the breast, usually across the nipple, to the point where the breast tissue ends at the sternum.[72] Conversion of the measurement to cup size is shown in the Measuring Cup Size table.[72] Note that countries that use metric cup sizes (as in § Continental Europe) generally have their own system of 2cm increments that result in cup sizes that are different from those using inches, since 1 inch (2.5 cm) not equal to 2 centimeters (0.79 in). [citation required] These cup measurements are only correct to convert cup sizes to cm for a 34 inch (86 cm) band using this particular method as cup size is relative to band size. [citation needed] This principle means that bras with different band sizes can have the same volume. For example, the cup volume is the same for 30D, 32C, 34B and 36A. These related bra sizes with the same cup volume are called sister sizes. For a list of such sizes, see § Calculating cup volume and breast weight. Consumer Fit Research [ edit ] A 2012 study by White and Scurr University of Portsmouth compared a method that increases the band size across the bust used in many lingerie shops in the UK by 4 and compared this to measurements obtained using a professional method. [citation needed] The study relied on the professional bra fitting method described by McGhee and Steele (2010). The study used a five-step approach to determine the best-fitting bra size for a person. The study measured 45 women using the traditional selection method, adding 4 to the overbust method. Women tried on bras until they found the best fit based on professional bra fitting criteria. Researchers found that 76% of women overestimated their volume and 84% underestimated their cup size. When women wear bras with oversized waistbands, breast support is reduced. A cup size that is too small can lead to skin irritation. They found that "ill-fitting bras and inadequate breast support can lead to the development of musculoskeletal pain and prevent women from engaging in physical activity".[75] The study recommended that women should be educated on the criteria for finding a well-fitting bra. They recommended women measure under the bust to determine their band size, rather than the traditional measurement across the bust. Manufacturer design standards[ edit ] The bra labeling systems used around the world are sometimes misleading and confusing. Cup and band sizes vary around the world.[76] In countries that have adopted the European dress size standard EN 13402, the upper body is measured in centimeters and rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 cm. Bra fitting experts in the UK say that many women who buy off the shelf without professional help are up to two sizes too small. Manufacturer Fruit of the Loom tried to solve the problem of finding a well-fitting bra for asymmetrical breasts by introducing Pick Your Perfect Bra, which allows women to choose a bra with two different cup sizes, although it only fits in available in cup sizes A through D.[77] Approximate (waist) size equivalents between different systems 118-122 123-127 128-132 133-137 138-142 Underbust (in) 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37 38 –39 40–41 42–43 44–45 46–47 48–49 50–51 52–53 54–55 56–57 EU, Iran 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 FR , BE, ES 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 IT 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 60 UK, RoI 24 26 36 3 40 3 28 3 40 3 28 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 AU, NZ 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 UK dress 4 6 8 14 10 12 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 342 36 A very noticeable discrepancy between sizing systems is the fact that inch-based US band sizes do not match their centimeter-based EU counterpart. E.g. 30 inches equals 76 cm, which would indicate that US band size 30 equals EU band size 75. However, this is not correct. Instead, US band size 30 corresponds to EU band size 65 and UK band size 34. This discrepancy arises from the fact that US band sizes were originally based on the measurement across the chest and armpit, while band sizes in the EU and in the United Kingdom based on the measurement under the breast. This causes confusion and led to the Underbust +4 measurement method.[78] There are several sizing systems in different countries. Cup size is determined using one of two methods: in the US and UK, cup size increases with each inch; and in all other systems by increasing the cup size every two centimeters. Since an inch equals 2.54 centimeters, there is a significant discrepancy between systems that becomes exaggerated as cup size increases. Many bras only come in 36 sizes.[31] United Kingdom[ edit ] These are UK Cup equivalent volumes Great Britain and the USA use the customs system. Der Unterschied im Brustumfang zwischen den Körbchengrößen beträgt immer ein Zoll oder 2,54 cm. Der Unterschied zwischen 2 Bandgrößen beträgt 2 Zoll oder 5,08 cm. Führende Marken und Hersteller wie Panache, Bestform, Gossard, Freya, Curvy Kate, Bravissimo und Fantasie, die die britischen Standard-Bandgrößen (wobei das Unterbrustmaß gleich der Bandgröße ist) 28-30-32-34-36-38-40-42 verwenden -44 und so weiter. Körbchengrößen werden mit AA-A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-FF-G-GG-H-HH-J-JJ-K-KK-L bezeichnet.[79] Einige Bekleidungshändler und Versandhändler haben jedoch ihre eigenen Hausmarken und verwenden ein individuelles Größensystem. Marks and Spencer verwendet AA-A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-G-GG-H-J, wobei FF und HH weggelassen werden, zusätzlich zur Einhaltung der US-Bandgrößenkonvention. Infolgedessen entspricht ihr J-Cup einem britischen Standard-H-Cup. Evans und ASDA verkaufen BHs (ASDA als Teil ihres George-Kleidungssortiments), deren Größen A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-G-H sind. Ihr H-Cup entspricht in etwa einem britischen Standard-G-Cup. Einige Einzelhändler reservieren AA für junge Teenager und verwenden AAA[80][81][82] für Frauen. Australien/Neuseeland [ bearbeiten ] Körbchen- und Bundgrößen in Australien und Neuseeland sind in metrischen Zunahmen von 2 cm pro Körbchen ähnlich wie bei vielen europäischen Marken. Becherkennzeichnungsmethoden und Größenschemata sind uneinheitlich und es gibt große Unterschiede zwischen den Marken. Im Allgemeinen folgen die Körbchengrößen AA-DD den britischen Etiketten, spalten sich aber danach von diesem System ab und verwenden europäische Etiketten (keine Doppelbuchstaben mit fortschreitenden Körbchen von F-G-H usw. für jede 2-cm-Erhöhung).[83] Viele lokale Hersteller verwenden jedoch einzigartige Kennzeichnungssysteme. Die Größen von BH-Bands in Australien und Neuseeland sind in Kleidergröße angegeben, obwohl sie durch Messung unter der Brust ermittelt werden, während Kleidergrößen Brust-Taille-Hüfte verwenden. In der Praxis produzieren nur sehr wenige der führenden australischen Hersteller Größen F + und viele verbreiten falsche Größeninformationen. Die australische Nachfrage nach DD+ wird größtenteils von verschiedenen großen britischen, US-amerikanischen und europäischen Marken gedeckt. Dies hat zu einer weiteren Verwirrung der Größenschemata geführt, die selbst von Fachhändlern kaum verstanden wird.[2] United States[edit] Die BH-Größen in den Vereinigten Staaten sind denen im Vereinigten Königreich sehr ähnlich. Bandgrößen verwenden die gleiche Bezeichnung in Zoll und die Körbchen nehmen ebenfalls in 1-Zoll-Schritten zu. Einige Hersteller verwenden jedoch widersprüchliche Größenmethoden. Einige bezeichnen BHs jenseits eines C-Körbchens als D-DD-DDD-DDDD-E-EE-EEE-EEEE-F ..., einige verwenden die Variation: D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 ... aber viele Verwenden Sie das folgende System: A, B, C, D, DD, DDD, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O. und andere bezeichnen sie wie das britische System D-DD-E-F-FF ... Der Vergleich der größeren Körbchengrößen zwischen verschiedenen Herstellern kann schwierig sein. [citation required] Im Jahr 2013 bot der Unterwäschehersteller Jockey International eine neue Methode zur Messung der BH- und Körbchengröße an. Es führte ein System mit zehn Körbchengrößen pro Bandgröße ein, die nummeriert und nicht beschriftet sind, bezeichnet als 1–36, 2–36 usw. Das Unternehmen entwickelte das System über acht Jahre, in denen es die Brüste und Oberkörper von 800 scannte und vermaß Frauen. Die Forscher verfolgten auch die Verwendung ihrer BHs zu Hause durch die Frauen.[88] Um das System zu implementieren, müssen Frauen einen Satz Plastikbecher von der Firma kaufen, um ihre Jockey-Körbchengröße zu finden. Einige Analysten kritisierten die Notwendigkeit, das Messset zu kaufen, da Frauen zusätzlich zu den Kosten für die BHs selbst etwa 20 US-Dollar zahlen müssen, um Jockeys proprietäres System zu übernehmen. Europa / International [ bearbeiten ] Bundweite Unterbrustumfang Oberweite Unterbrustweite cm FR/BE/ES EU IT 58–62 75 60 0 63–67 80 65 1 I 68–72 85 70 2 II 73–77 90 75 3 III 78–82 95 80 4 IV , IIII 83–87 100 85 5 V 88–92 105 90 6 VI 93–97 110 95 7 VII 98–102 115 100 8 VIII 103–107 120 105 9 IX, VIIII 108–112 125 110 10 X Europäische BH-Größen basieren auf Zentimetern. Sie werden auch als International bezeichnet. Abkürzungen wie EU, Intl und Int beziehen sich alle auf dieselbe europäische BH-Größenkonvention. Diese Größen werden in den meisten Teilen Europas und in weiten Teilen der Welt verwendet. Körbchengröße Unterschied [cm] Körbchen 10–12 AA 12–14 A 14–16 B 16–18 C 18–20 D 20–22 E 22–24 F 24–26 G 26–28 H The underbust measurement is rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 cm. Band sizes run 65, 70, 75, 80 etc., increasing in steps of 5 cm, similar to the English double inch. A person with a measured underbust circumference of 78–82 cm should wear a band size 80. The tightness or snugness of the measurement (e.g. a tape measure or similar) depends on the adipose tissue softness. Softer tissue require tightening when measuring, this to ensure that the bra band will fit snugly on the body and stay in place. A loose measurement can, and often does, vary from the tighter measurement. This causes some confusion as a person with a loose measurement of 84 cm would think they have band size 85 but due to a lot of soft tissue the same person might have a snugger and tighter and of 79 cm and should choose the more appropriate band size of 80 or even smaller band size. The cup labels begin normally with "A" for an 11±1 cm difference between bust and underbust circumference measurement measured loosely (i.e. not tightly as for bra band size), i.e. the not between bust circumference and band size (that normally require some tightening when measured).[78] To clarify the important difference in measuring: Underbust measuring for bra band is done snugly and tight while measuring underbust for determining bra cups is done loosely. For people with much soft adipose tissue these two measurements will not be identical. In this sense the method to determine European sizes differ compared to English systems where the cup sizes are determined by bust measurement compared to bra band size. European cups increase for every additional 2 cm in difference between bust and underbust measurement, instead of 2.5 cm or 1-inch, and except for the initial cup size letters are neither doubled nor skipped. In very large cup sizes this causes smaller cups than their English counterparts. This system has been standardized in the European dress size standard EN 13402 introduced in 2006, but was in use in many European countries before that date. South Korea/Japan [ edit ] In South Korea and Japan the torso is measured in centimetres and rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 cm. Band sizes run 65-70-75-80..., increasing in steps of 5 cm, similar to the English double inch. A person with a loosely measured underbust circumference of 78–82 cm should wear a band size 80. The cup labels begin with "AAA" for a 5±1.25 cm difference between bust and underbust circumference, i.e. similar bust circumference and band size as in the English systems. They increase in steps of 2.5 cm, and except for the initial cup size letters are neither doubled nor skipped. Japanese sizes are the same as Korean ones, but the cup labels begin with "AA" for a 7.5±1.25 cm difference and usually precedes the bust designation, i.e. "B75" instead of "75B". This system has been standardized in the Korea dress size standard KS K9404 introduced in 1999 and in Japan dress size standard JIS L4006 introduced in 1998. The French and Spanish system is a permutation of the Continental European sizing system. While cup sizes are the same, band sizes are exactly 15 cm larger than the European band size. Italy[ edit ] The Italian band size uses small consecutive integers instead of the underbust circumference rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 cm. Since it starts with size 0 for European size 60, the conversion consists of a division by 5 and then a subtraction of 12. The size designations are often given in Roman numerals. Cup sizes have traditionally used a step size of 2.5 cm, which is close to the English inch of 2.54 cm, and featured some double letters for large cups, but in recent years some Italian manufacturers have switched over to the European 2-cm system. Here is a conversion table for bra sizes in Italy with respect other countries: Italy I II III IV V VI VII VIII Europe 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 UK & USA 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 France & Spain 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 Advertising and retail influence [ edit ] Manufacturers' marketing and advertising often appeals to fashion and image over fit, comfort, and function.[89] Since about 1994, manufacturers have re-focused their advertising, moving from advertising functional brassieres that emphasize support and foundation, to selling lingerie that emphasize fashion while sacrificing basic fit and function, like linings under scratchy lace.[90] Engineered Alternative to traditional bras [ edit ] English mechanical engineer and professor John Tyrer from Loughborough University has devised a solution to problematic bra fit by re-engineering bra design. He started investigating the problem of bra design while on an assignment from the British government after his wife returned disheartened from an unsuccessful shopping trip.[91][92] His initial research into the extent of fitting problems soon revealed that 80% of women wear the wrong size of bra.[citation needed]. He theorised that this widespread practice of purchasing the wrong size was due to the measurement system recommended by bra manufacturers. This sizing system employs a combination of maximum chest diameter (under bust) and maximum bust diameter (bust) rather than the actual breast volume which is to be accommodated by the bra. According to Tyrer, "to get the most supportive and fitted bra it's infinitely better if you know the volume of the breast and the size of the back.".[91] He says the A, B, C, D cup measurement system is flawed. "It's like measuring a motor car by the diameter of the gas cap." "The whole design is fundamentally flawed. It's an instrument of torture."[92] Tyrer has developed a bra design with crossed straps in the back.[citation needed] These use the weight of one breast to lift the other using counterbalance.[citation needed] Standard designs constrict chest movement during breathing.[citation needed] One of the tools used in the development of Tyrer's design has been a projective differential shape body analyzer for 40,000 GBP.[citation needed] Breasts weigh up to ~1 kg and not ~0.2 .. 0.3 kg.[91][93][94][95] Tyrer said, "By measuring the diameter of the chest and breasts current measurements are supposed to tell you something about the size and volume of each breast, but in fact it doesn't".[91] Bra companies remain reluctant to manufacture Tyrer's prototype,[92] which is a front closing bra with more vertical orientation and adjustable cups.[92] Calculating cup volume and breast weight [ edit ] The average breast weighs about 0.5 kilograms (1.1 lb). Each breast contributes to about 4–5% of the body fat.[citation needed] The density of fatty tissue is more or less equal to 0.9 g/cm3 (0.52 oz/cu in) for all women.[citation needed] If a cup is a hemisphere, its volume V is given by the following formula:[97] V = 2 π r 3 3 = π D 3 12 {\displaystyle V={\frac {2\pi r^{3}}{3}}={\frac {\pi D^{3}}{12}}} where r is the radius of the cup, and D is its diameter. If the cup is an hemi-ellipsoid, its volume is given by the formula: V = 2 π a b c 3 ≈ π × c w × c d × w l 12 {\displaystyle V={\frac {2\pi abc}{3}}\approx {\frac {\pi \times cw\times cd\times wl}{12}}} where a, b and c are the three semi-axes of the hemi-ellipsoid, and cw, cd and wl are respectively the cup width, the cup depth and the length of the wire. Cups give a hemi-spherical shape to breasts and underwires give shape to cups.[citation needed] So the curvature radius of the underwire is the key parameter to determine volume and weight of the breast.[citation needed] The same underwires are used for the cups of sizes 36A, 34B, 32C, 30D etc. ... so those cups have the same volume.[citation needed] The reference numbers of underwire sizes are based on a B cup bra,[98] for example underwire size 32 is for 32B cup (and 34A, 30C...). An underwire size 30 width has a curvature diameter of 3+5⁄6 inches (9.7 cm) and this diameter increases by 1⁄3 inch (0.85 cm) by size.[98] The table below shows volume calculations for some cups that can be found in a ready-to-wear large size shop.[99] Underwire size Bra size (US system) Bra size (UK system) Cup diameter[98] Volume of one cup Weight of both breasts 30 32A 30B 28C 32A 30B 28C 9.7 cm ( 3 + 5 ⁄ 6 in) 240 cm3 (15 cu in) 0.43 kg (0.95 lb) 32 34A 32B 30C 28D 34A 32B 30C 28D 10.6 cm ( 4 + 1 ⁄ 6 in) 310 cm3 (19 cu in) 0.56 kg (1.2 lb) 34 36A 34B 32C 30D 28E 36A 34B 32C 30D 28DD 11.4 cm ( 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 390 cm3 (24 cu in) 0.70 kg (1.5 lb) 36 38A 36B 34C 32D 30E 28F 38A 36B 34C 32D 30DD 28E 12.3 cm ( 4 + 5 ⁄ 6 in) 480 cm3 (29 cu in) 0.86 kg (1.9 lb) 38 40A 38B 36C 34D 32E 30F 28G 40A 38B 36C 34D 32DD 30E 28F 13.1 cm ( 5 + 1 ⁄ 6 in) 590 cm3 (36 cu in) 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) 40 42A 40B 38C 36D 34E 32F 30G 28H 42A 40B 38C 36D 34DD 32E 30F 28FF 14.0 cm ( 5 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 710 cm3 (43 cu in) 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) 42 44A 42B 40C 38D 36E 34F 32G 30H 28I 44A 42B 40C 38D 36DD 34E 32F 30FF 28G 14.8 cm ( 5 + 5 ⁄ 6 in) 850 cm3 (52 cu in) 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) 44 44B 42C 40D 38E 36F 34G 32H 30I 28J 44B 42C 40D 38DD 36E 34F 32FF 30G 28GG 15.7 cm ( 6 + 1 ⁄ 6 in) 1,000 cm3 (61 cu in) 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) 46 44C 42D 40E 38F 36G 34H 32I 30J 28K 44C 42D 40DD 38E 36F 34FF 32G 30GG 28H 16.5 cm ( 6 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 1,180 cm3 (72 cu in) 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) 48 44D 42E 40F 38G 36H 34I 32J 30K 28L 44D 42DD 40E 38F 36FF 34G 32GG 30H 28HH 17.4 cm ( 6 + 5 ⁄ 6 in) 1,370 cm3 (84 cu in) 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) 50 44E 42F 40G 38H 36I 34J 32K 30L 28M 44DD 42E 40F 38FF 36G 34GG 32H 30HH 28J 18.2 cm ( 7 + 1 ⁄ 6 in) 1,580 cm3 (96 cu in) 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) 52 44F 42G 40H 38I 36J 34K 32L 30M 28N 44E 42F 40FF 38G 36GG 34H 32HH 30J 28JJ 19.0 cm ( 7 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 1,810 cm3 (110 cu in) 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) 54 44G 42H 40I 38J 36K 34L 32M 30N 28O 44F 42FF 40G 38GG 36H 34HH 32J 30JJ 28K 19.9 cm ( 7 + 5 ⁄ 6 in) 2,060 cm3 (126 cu in) 3.7 kg (8.2 lb) 56 44H 42I 40J 38K 36L 34M 32N 30O 28P 44FF 42G 40GG 38H 36HH 34J 32JJ 30K 28KK 20.7 cm ( 8 + 1 ⁄ 6 in) 2,340 cm3 (143 cu in) 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) 58 44I 42J 40K 38L 36M 34N 32O 30P 44G 42GG 40H 38HH 36J 34JJ 32K 30KK 21.6 cm ( 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) 2,640 cm3 (161 cu in) 4.8 kg (11 lb) 60 44J 42K 40L 38M 36N 34O 32P 44GG 42H 40HH 38J 36JJ 34K 32KK 22.4 cm ( 8 + 5 ⁄ 6 in) 3,000 cm3 (180 cu in) 5.3 kg (12 lb) See also[edit] Notes [edit] References[edit]

You know what has increased significantly in size over the last 20 years, something of intimate importance to both women and men?

Unfortunately, it most likely isn’t the value of your home – if you still have one or have ever owned one!

Nor can it be your fortune.

We’re not going to count the massively increased number of responsibilities most of us have to deal with these days.

And let’s just pass the weight issue on!

So what is it?

The answer is the average bra cup size for American women.

According to a major survey of more than 60,000 women conducted by lingerie retailer Intimacy at its 16 retail stores, the average cup size in 1992 was 34B. Twenty years later, the average bra cup size is 34DD, a pretty substantial increase of three cup sizes. In addition, major bra manufacturers are reporting an increase in the number of much larger bras women are buying – 38 to 40 and larger, and cup sizes of G, H and larger.

There are several factors that have led to this bloat in bra cup sizes.

Some of this can no doubt be explained by the increasing popularity and number of women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery as well as breast lifts with implants. In this population it would be common to see 34DD and above.

Then there is the epidemic of obese women, whose breasts are also significantly enlarged due to their general increase in size. However, in this situation, the bra band size will also be proportionately larger and probably not close to the 34 range. Bra sizes would tend to be in the range of 38, 40 and up to 50 or more.

Additionally, some of this “bloating” in bra cups can be explained by more women being properly fitted by professionals who have found that women tend to buy bras that are undersized rather than carelessly oversized. Larger cup sizes are also more readily available today compared to 20 years ago, so women with larger breasts who have historically had to squeeze into inappropriately small cup sizes can now select the correct larger size.

Eventually, manufacturers improved band sizing so that a 38 today is actually larger than a 38 20 years ago. (This has also happened with clothing sizes and of course I’m not speaking from personal experience here!) That means a 38C from 20 years ago would become a 36D today.

After leaving all the guesswork and explanations behind, you might find that this is really good news in every way – and a win-win for men in particular.

Why?

Because either the average woman’s breast size is really bigger, or they just sound bigger, which is usually GOOD for most men (since we’re the predictable simpletons).

For more information on breast enhancement surgeries such as breast augmentation and breast lifts or any other plastic surgery I perform please call my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, MD P.C.

Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona