What's the Average Bra Size in the US Vs. the World?

In “America the Boobiful,” it isn’t just our mountain ranges that have impressive peaks and valleys, but also our breasts. It’s true what they say, everything’s bigger in America—including our average bra size. 

How big are our bosoms? The answer may surprise you. 

Read on to find out what the average bra size is in the United States, and to see how our breasts stack up against the rest of the world’s.

What’s the Average Breast Size in the US?

According to sales data, the average American woman’s bust size has grown exponentially over the years: from 34B in 1983 to 34DD in 2013.

That’s a HUGE jump. 

Other sources have also reported on the astounding growth of American breasts. Florence William in her 2012 book, Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History, found that the average bust size had grown from a 34B to a 36C in just 15 years. 

With busts that big, it’s undeniable that American women have some of the largest breasts in the world. 

Related: 7 Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Bra 

What’s the Average Breast Size in the World?

While American women on average have double Ds, that’s not the case for the rest of the world.

In fact, the average bra size, taking into account every country in the world’s statistics, is an “A” on the American measurement system.

Of course, breast sizes greatly vary from country to country. Below are the average cup sizes for some countries around the globe: 

• Norway= DD
• Sweden= DD
• Russia= DD
• United States= DD
• Denmark= D
• Switzerland= D
• Hungary= D
• Venezuela= D
• Germany= D
• Costa Rica= C
• Greece= C
• Australia= C
• Canada= C
• Argentina= C
• Italy= C
• France= C
• United Kingdom= C
• Brazil= C
• Botswana= B
• New Zealand= B
• Ireland= B
• Cuba= B
• Spain= B
• South Africa= B
• Iran= B
• Egypt= B
• Ethiopia= B
• Mexico= B
• India= B
• Lebanon= A
• Peru= A
• Uganda= A
• Philippines= A
• Japan= A
• Nigeria= A
• Indonesia= A
• China= A

 (source)

While America’s busts are impressive, they aren’t the biggest in the world. Our bosom buddies in the Nordics and Russia have slightly bigger breasts on average than we do.

On the other side of the spectrum, the countries with the smallest breasts are in Central Africa and Southeast Asia. They tend to mostly have B and A cups in those regions.

How Do Countries Measure Breast Sizes? 

From country to country, the way breasts are measured can greatly differ, however, for the most part, cup sizes are used.

Cup sizes are determined by comparing the measurements of the fullest part of the breast and the underbust. The greater the difference between the two, the bigger the cup size.

Why Are These Average Bra Sizes Different? 

Why is it that different countries have such wildly different average bra sizes? Below are some factors that contribute.

Genetics

The biggest factor that determines the size and shape of someone’s breasts is genetics.

In Southeast Asia and Central Africa, women generally have genetics that make them smaller and lighter, so they have smaller breasts. 

Weight

Being heavier makes the likelihood of having larger breasts greater because our weight plays a huge role in the development of breast tissue.

People who are overweight will often have larger breasts, while those who are underweight will have smaller breasts. Because of this, higher average bra sizes often correspond with countries that have higher obesity rates. 

Climate

Climate can also affect the development of breasts.

In hot areas, the body consumes far more energy to cool itself down and stay balanced. Since breasts are mostly fatty tissue—and therefore an energy store for the body—if energy is always being used up, then no or little fatty tissue will form.

This explains why colder regions, like the Nordics and Russia, have larger breasts while hotter places, like Southeast Asia and Central Africa, have a smaller average bra size. 

What Breast Size is Most Attractive?

Breasts are bigger than ever in America, but what bra size do we find the most attractive as a country?

Zava conducted a survey of over 2,000 women and men asking what they consider to be the ideal breast size. They found that: 

• 60% of women and 54% of men voted for an average breast size. 
• 31% of women and 35% of men said they preferred larger busts. 
• 9% of women and 11% of men said they prefer smaller breasts. 

When they asked about specific bra sizes, they found that: 

• A little more than half of the women polled said that they thought a C cup was perfect, while 26% said they prefer a B cup. 
• Men also agreed that they prefer C cups, although slightly more men preferred D and DD cup sizes than women. 

This might be because women know what a burden bigger breasts can be, leading to problems like back issues. The same survey found that 78% of American women with breasts bigger than DD cups suffered from discomfort as a result of their breasts’ size. 

For women with bigger breasts, having a good, supportive bra is extremely important to help avoid such issues, which is why the recent movement to offer more bra options has been revolutionary. 

Related: How to Find the Perfect Sexy Bra 

Browse Plus-Size Bra Sets →

Why Have Bra Sizes Changed Over the Years?

The jump from 34B to 34DD in 20 years is a huge one, and there is obviously a reason behind it—but it might not be what you think.

The reason behind the jump, as identified by industry experts and leaders, is that women are no longer settling for poorly sized bras.

The Oprah Effect 

A huge boost to bra education occurred in 2005, when Oprah Winfrey dedicated a whole show to helping women find a bra that actually fits them. Following that show, the bra industry exploded, growing by $700 million in just one year. 

Women realized that they shouldn’t have to put up with uncomfortable, unflattering bras anymore and that they should put the time into finding the perfect fit for them. 

More Bra Sizes Are Now Available 

As a result of this movement, there are now far more sizes available for women, especially those with bigger bosoms. Brands that previously didn’t carry larger sizes now are so women with bigger breasts don’t have to force themselves into smaller bras. 

Twenty years ago, there were only 20 bra sizes, Now, there are countless options. 

Shop Plus Size Lingerie →

Related: History of Lingerie 

Where to Shop Bras for All Sizes 

alittlebitoflifestyle carries an assortment of bras, balconette bras, cupless bras, and bra sets that fit women of all sizes, complementing their unique shapes. 

If you're looking for a bra that fits correctly, looks incredible, and doesn't break the bank, check out alittlebitoflifestyle’s large collection of bras today!

Shop Bras & Bra Sets →

Shop Cupless Bras & Lingerie →

Shop Sexy Plus Size Bras →