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Why Do Bras Have ABCD?

Published in Fashion History 2 mins read

Bras have ABCD and subsequent letters to designate cup sizes, primarily to indicate breast volume relative to band size.

Initially, the letters A, B, C, and D weren't about volume but rather how pendulous the breasts were. Here's a breakdown:

  • Early Days:

    • The term "cup" for bras gained usage around 1916.
    • In 1932, S.H. Camp and Company pioneered using A, B, C, and D.

  • What the Letters Represented (Then):

    • The letters indicated the degree to which the breasts drooped or were pendulous. So, an "A" was the least pendulous, and "D" the most.

  • What the Letters Represent (Now):

    • Today, cup sizes relate to the difference between your band size (underbust measurement) and your bust measurement (around the fullest part of your breasts). Each letter represents approximately a 1-inch difference.
    Cup Size Difference (inches)
    A 1
    B 2
    C 3
    D 4
    DD/E 5
    DDD/F 6
    G 7
    H 8
    I 9

  • Important Considerations:

    • Cup sizes are relative to band size. A 34B is designed for a different breast volume than a 36B.
    • Sizing varies between manufacturers, so getting professionally fitted is the best approach.

In summary, the ABCD cup system started as a measure of breast pendulousness but evolved into a system indicating the difference between underbust and bust measurements, helping women find bras that fit their breast volume.

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