D Cup Size Bras: What You Should Know?

What Is a D Cup Bra Size?

The cup size, ‘D,’ as the name indicates, is the size of a bra cup. In other words, it represents the volume of the bust. Bra cup sizes are usually represented by alphabets - A, B, C, D, E, etc. ‘D’ indicates one of the cup sizes.

The ‘D’ cup size indicates a difference of 4 inches between the underbust and overbust measurements, which are also known as the ‘band’ and ‘bust’ sizes, respectively. The D cup represents a breast size that is full and rounded. It also indicates a transition from smaller to larger breasts. Shyaway has a vast collection of bras of the D cup size, with varying band sizes.

NOTE: Any cup size, by itself, does not convey proper meaning. However, when it is mentioned along with the band size, it indicates your complete bra size. For example, ‘28D’ indicates a bra size, where ‘28’ is the band size (band sizes are represented by numbers) and ‘D’ is the cup size (cup sizes, as mentioned earlier, are represented by alphabets).

How Is the D Cup Size Measured?

Measuring your cup size involves a few simple steps. First, you must find out your correct band and bust sizes.

Things You Need

Measuring Your Bust Size

Follow the instructions below to determine your bust size:

  1. Wear the non-padded bra.
  2. Stand straight and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.
  3. Note down the measurement in inches. This is your bust size!

Measuring Your Original Band Size

Follow the instructions below to determine your original band size:

  1. Wear the non-padded bra.
  2. Stand straight and wrap the measuring tape around your torso.
  3. Note down the measurement in inches. This is your original band size!

Find Out the Final Band Size

To find the final band size, you need to add some inches to the original band size, which you have obtained using the measuring tape and noted down just now.

Why should you add extra inches to the original band size?

As the day progresses, women might feel that their bra band gets tighter. The bra becomes the tightest in the evening, by the end of the day. However, when you add some inches to the original band size, the bra that you buy will not be too tight and will rest comfortably on your body. So, if the original band size is an even number, add 4 inches. If it is odd, add 5 inches. By doing this, you will get the final band size as an even number.

Let’s explain the above concept with an example:

Consider the original band size as 36 inches. Now, you must add 4 inches to 36 because 36 is an even number. The result will be 40, which is the final band size.

Calculating Your Cup Size

Follow the formula given below to calculate your correct cup size:

Cup Size = Bust Size - Final Band Size

From the previous section, we have the final band size as 40. Now, assume that the bust size is 44 inches. So, the difference between the two is 4, which is represented by the letter ‘D.’

We have provided the differences between bust size and final band size, along with the corresponding cup sizes below for your reference:

  • If the difference between the bust size and final band size is 1 inch, the cup size will be ‘A’.
  • If the difference between the two sizes is 2 inches, the cup size will be ‘B’.
  • If the difference is 3 inches, the cup size is ‘C’.
  • For a difference of 4 inches, the cup size is ‘D’.
  • For a difference of 5 inches, the cup size is ‘DD’.
  • In case the difference is 6 inches, the cup size will be ‘E’.
  • In case the difference is 7 inches, the cup size is ‘F’.

Your Full Bra Size

From the above description, we know that the final band size is 40 and the cup size is D. Therefore, your full bra size is 40D.

NOTE: In case you are not comfortable with the above traditional method of finding your bra size, you can use the Shyaway bra size calculator to determine your correct bra size. Otherwise, you can get the help of a lingerie expert to find out your bra size.

Different Styles of Bras With D Cup Size

Shyaway has a variety of bra styles with the D cup size. Let’s look at a few of them!

1. Everyday Bras

As the name suggests, an everyday bra is a casual-wear bra that can be paired with your daily home or work outfits. These bras offer comfort and support to the breasts all day long. Everyday bras of D cup size can be wired or wirefree, padded or non-padded, etc.

2. Push-up Bras

They push the breast tissue inwards, thereby highlighting the cleavage. Push-up bras of D cup size offer better support and shape to the breasts, and can be paired with blouses and tops for a more glamorous look.

3. Balconette Bras

You can wear balconette bras of D cup size with wide or broad-necked blouses, tops and dresses.

4. Plunge Bras

You can pair plunge bras with tops having plunging or V-shaped necklines. They offer a stylish silhouette in any blouse, top or kurta.

5. T-Shirt Bras

Perfect for fancy tops and T-shirts, these bras usually come with seamless cups that offer a smooth look under outfits. Shyaway has many colours and patterns of T-shirt bras of D cup size, from which you can choose, based on your preferences.

6. Wired Bras

The underwires in a wired bra offer excellent lift to the breasts. They keep the breasts securely in place and provide additional support.

Difference Between D Cup Size and Other Sizes

As mentioned earlier, women belonging to the cup size D tend to have fuller, rounder breasts. So, D is one of the larger cup sizes. It can be worn by women having medium to heavier breasts.

But here is an important piece of information: Cup sizes are relative to the band sizes. Therefore, a 36D will be of a different volume from a 40D (although both have the same D cup size).

The D cup size indicates a difference of 4 inches between the bust size and final band size. An ‘A’ cup points to a difference of 1 inch between these two sizes, ‘B’ indicates a difference of 2 inches, ‘C’ for 3 inches and so on. The D cup is larger than a C cup, but smaller than a DD cup. This is how a D cup differs from other cup sizes.

Problems Faced by Women With D Cup Size

Since the cup size D is associated with slightly larger breasts (larger than A, B and C), women with this cup size might experience fitting-related problems. If women are not wearing bras that fit properly, they usually experience issues while sitting or standing. These happen in situations where the bra size is right, but the fit is not correct. To solve this problem, you must make sure that you wear your bra the right way.

Yet another solution to the fitting problem is opting for different bra styles, patterns or designs because the design or construction of an everyday bra of the D cup size will be different from that of a plunge bra of the same size.

Common Band Sizes for D Cup Size

Since your full bra size consists of both the band and cup sizes, in this section, we provide the common band sizes that go along with the D cup size. These are the usual band sizes that Indian women choose if they belong to the D cup category.

Common Band Sizes for D Cup Size Full Bra Size
32D Bra Size Medium Band Size with Slightly Large Cup Volume
34D Bra Size Wider Band than 32D with a Little More Cup Volume
36D Bra Size Bigger Band than 34D, Larger Cup for Average Figures
38D Bra Size Wider Band Size, Larger Cup for Slightly Heavier Figures
40D Bra Size Bigger Band Size, Large Cup Size for Heavy Busts
42D Bra Size Much Bigger Band Size, Large Cup Size for Heavier Busts

Sister Sizes Related to D Cup Size

In some situations, bras of the usual size you purchase (your correct bra size) might not fit you properly. Many factors like the bra fabric, underwires, levels of padding, etc., can contribute to a discrepancy in the fitting of a bra, even though its size is perfect. This is when you can make use of the concept of sister sizing.

Sister-sized bras are not the same as your regular bra size. However, they are relatively similar. Sister sizing usually works fine, but it might have some limitations at times.

There are two types of sister sizing, which are described below in detail:

1. Sister Size Up

Here, the band size is increased by one size and the cup size is reduced by one alphabet.
Example:
If your bra size is 36D, your next size up will be 38C.

2. Sister Size Down

Here, the band size is reduced by one size, and the cup size is increased by one alphabet.
Example:
If your bra size is 36D, your next size down will be 34DD.

Sister Sizes for Common Bra Sizes With D Cups

Actual Bra Size Sister Size Up Sister Size Down
32D 34C 30DD
34D 36C 32DD
36D 38C 34DD
38D 40C 36DD
40D 42C 38DD
42D 44C 40DD

How Common Is the D Cup Size in India?

D cups are quite common in many parts of India. You will find that B and C cup sizes are more common, when compared to D cups.

D cups are used by a greater number of women in the south than those in the north. Generally, more office-going women and homemakers opt for D cup-sized bras, whereas college girls tend to fall in the B or C-cup category. This is because they tend to have smaller breast sizes, when compared to older adults.

However, many Indian lingerie brands like Shyaway sell bras of varying cup sizes, including D. Therefore, women of this cup size are usually able to buy bras easily at affordable prices from these brands.

Why Is Shyaway a Great Place to Buy Bras With D Cup Size?

You can buy your favourite bras with D cup size from Shyaway by choosing from a variety of colours, styles and designs from the vast collections available. All our bras are made from excellent quality fabrics that are durable and comfortable. They are soft on your skin and don’t cause any irritation or rashes. We ensure discreet packaging and fast shipping, along with 15 days’ easy returns and exchange policies.

D cup-sized bras (with varying band sizes) are available at affordable prices that don’t put a hole in your pocket. You can also make use of our discounts and special offers throughout the year!

FAQs

1. Are D cup bras rare to find?

D cup bras are not rare to find. They might be a bit less common than B or C cups. However, women can easily get D cup bras from popular lingerie brands like Shyaway.

2. What is the difference between D cups and DD cups?

DD cups are bigger than D cups. While a D cup indicates a difference of 4 inches between the bust and band sizes, a DD cup represents a 5-inch difference between these two sizes.

3. What type of bra with D cup size should I choose to have ultimate support and comfort?

You can experiment with different bra styles to determine the one that’s most supportive and comfortable. You must also consider your breast shape while choosing your bra to experience optimum support and comfort.

4. Do 32D and 36D represent the same breast volume?

No. A 32D bra represents a different breast volume from a 36D bra, although both have the same cup size - D.

5. Can you suggest a bra style that suits women with D cups?

If you are a woman with D cups, you can try different bra styles like everyday bras, T-shirt bras, wired bras and balconette bras to find out which style suits you best. The choice of bra styles also depends on the outfit you plan to wear and the occasion.