Globally, a natural female breast has an average size somewhere between a large "A" and a smaller "B" in the US size system. According to European or Australian classifications, this would be a "B".
More generally, men and women prefer bigger cup sizes, namely C, D, and DD. Over six out of ten women (60.4%) said that their ideal bust size is a C cup, compared with just over one in two men (53.6%). Overall, this mid-sized cup is popular with both men and women, in both Europe and the US.
Surveys of bra sizes tend to be very dependent on the population studied and how it was obtained. For instance, one U.S. study reported that the most common size was 34B, followed by 34C, that 63% were size 34 and 39% cup size B.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the average bra size in Australia is between a C-cup and a D-cup, and we could see this increase. Sources like The Age, Target Map and bra-companies like Berlei and Bras N Things have found that the modern Aussie lady tends fall between the C and D cup range.
16 year olds: C cup or above.
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.
A 38b bra is a gorgeously generous bust size with a relatively average cup size.
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. They're not easy to find in Australia but they are out there.
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.
In order to determine if your cup size is too big or small, look to see if you have an extra bump of breast tissue at the top or at the sides of the cups or if you have a wrinkle in the cups or extra space in the cup.
Breasts are made up of milk systems, fat, lymph nodes, veins and nerves. They do not have muscles, but there is some fibrous tissue. Some lumpiness, tissue that feels like a rope or a thick cord, or dense masses of tissue are usually natural and normal.
Genetics: Some men and women are predisposed to having a fuller breast size. This can be inherited from both the mother's and father's side of the family. Hormonal Changes: Women develop their breasts during puberty as estrogen increases.
The smallest bra size is generally 28AA, but some places (particularly specialist retailers) will produce AAA cups.
Is C Cup Big or Small? Contrary to popular belief, a C cup is not a large size. It is the most common size among women who have breast augmentation or breast implants. Having a larger chest isn't ideal for women since it can affect their posture and cause shoulder and back pain.
For example, if the busts size comes to be within the range of 26inches to 31inches, it is considered in small size category of the bra. Likewise, from 32inches to 35inches is the medium size in bra and so on.
Our bra sizes range from 30A to 44DD; however, we are not able to offer all bra styles in all sizes. When shopping our bras, we recommend using the available Filters to narrow to your desired size.
The smallest size of bra that is widely available is a 28AA.
On the basis of published data and results from this study, it is recommended that patients with a cup size>or=D or a bra size>or=18 could be categorized as having large breasts, with all other patients considered average in size.
Bra sizes that share a row are called sister sizes, meaning they share the same cup volume (though they have different cup letters). For example, the row with bra sizes 36C, 38B, and 40A all have the same cup volume, but have different band sizes.
For example, a 38C means a chest measurement of 38 inches and a breast measurement of 41 inches. The difference between the two measurements is 3 inches which is a C cup. A 38D would be a chest measurement of 38 inches and a breast measurement of 42 inches.
To determine the cup size:
Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Subtract the band size from this measurement. Use this number to determine your cup size according to the table below.
Breasts that appear smaller can be caused by genetics, rapid weight loss, hormones, medical conditions, malnutrition, post pregnancy or a lack of breast tissue development.
The research found women with Nordic heritage topped the chart with size C to D breasts on average, while those from Vietnam had the smallest. American and British women came out fourth and fifth overall, having size C breasts. And Australian women ranked 20th globally with size B breasts on average.