What's the fuss with bra letters, band numbers, and all these fitting techniques??!! I have found that bra fitting is not a math, but more of an art. Some brands are a bit tighter around, or the cups larger, but most of the time sizes are universal. What can be tricky is the conversion of bra sizes across countries. The US, UK, Europe, and Germany all label their bras differently.
Golden Pear refers to UK cup labels more often because both brands we carry are labeled this way. I find the UK bra alphabet to be easier to use than the U.S.A. cups that go in this order........
A, B, C, D, DD, DDD/F, DDDD/G, DDDDD/H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O.
Here we have the U.K. Cup Alphabet................
A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K.
Cups A through DD are labeled the same in both American and UK brands, though beyond a DD cup the letters do not match up.
I have had some interesting reactions to the fact that I carry up to a "K" cup, some thrilled, while others quite confused. If you compare the two bra alphabets above, you'll see that an American "K" is the eleventh cup letter, while the U.K. "K" cup is the fifteenth. This makes the two quite different in size, and you can see why beyond a DD can get a bit confusing when converting across different bra alphabets.
So yes, E-K cups do exist and are needed by many women. Isn't it wonderful how we're all so different in shape and size!
What do the cup letters mean, and why are people always saying things like, "Wow, she's a DD!", when in reality, a cup letter has no significance unless a band size is put with it. A "30DD" for example, is the same in breast volume as a 32D, 34C, and 36B. These are all the same in breast size, just placed on a different torso width. Also, the same breast size can look larger or smaller depending on the woman's build, underbust measurement, and even breast position on her body. Therefore you can never judge a breast by its cup letter. (see the first photo below for sister sizes, or bras equal in cup size.)
As you also know, brands can run a bit different in cup depth, so most women can wear around three different cup sizes depending on the designer.
But WHY, this is so Confusing???!!!!
Well there are different styles for different body and breast types. A full-busted bra for example is for a large or full bust. This does not mean plus sized, but large in breast volume. This type of bra usually offers more coverage, padded straps, and a wider band for support.
Demi cups, half-cups, and push-up bras are usually made for the petite, or more bottom heavy breast. These cups have less material at the top so that there is no gapping. A 34DD full bust bra may not fit the same as one that is low cut. So now you know why a particular cut may not fit you even though it's in your size.
How does one come up with a breast volume or cup letter?
The cup letter as we said earlier has no significance without a band number. A 30B breast is much less than that of a 38B. The cup letter simply stands for the difference between your underbust and bust measurements. 0-1 inch difference will equal somewhere from a AAA-A cup. Once you match your cup letter with your band number (underbust measurement), you'll have a good starting point for trying on new bras. (click the link to read more about our fittings, http://undressingdrama.weebly.com/1/post/2013/09/lingerie-trials.html
Golden Pear Lingerie offers bras for women having up to a 15-16 inch difference, or who need up to a K cup. A 32K cup for example, would be a woman most likely measuring somewhere between 30-33 inches around the underbust, and her bust being 15 inches greater than that measurement. Still band size depends a lot on a woman's build and personal preference. Larger breast volumes need more support, therefore these women usually prefer a more firm band. Athletic or slim torsos may want a bit more room in their bra band for comfort.
So that is why one fitting technique can't be used for every body type..........
We are not simply made, but complex and beautiful. We also have different needs and wants in our lingerie and that is ok. Still we should never feel we have to look a certain way to wear beautiful well fitted undergarments. Every woman deserves to feel happy and confident in her bras, no matter her size!
Above you see three very different size labels that all equal the same in breast volume.
Why do you need to know this????
Well let's say you've worn a 38D for years, but have recently lost inches around your torso. You should try a 36DD, and if that is still too loose, you would try a 34E. When you go down in the band you'll go up in the cup. These will fit around your smaller torso, yet hold the same amount of breast tissue.
All "D" cups are not created equal. You can see how the cups get smaller as the band size decreases.