How the average American bra size has increased from 34B to 34DD over the past 30 years



The average national bra size has increased by three cup sizes over the last 30 years, according to a new study by Intimacy.

The lingerie retailer reported a bulging 34DD average today. This compares to the 34B bra-size average in 1983.



As Intimacy pointed out, this can be traced to women being more aware of their bodies and in turn, the market's support.



Bigger than ever: Average American bra sizes are at an all time high, increasing from 34B (left) to 34DD (right) over the past 30 years, new research has revealed



'Instead of forcing D+ breasts into A to D cup bras, women are beginning to purchase larger cup sizes (G cup, for example) that actually fit properly,' a spokesperson said to Racked.



Compared to twenty years ago, 'the American market carried less than 20 sizes, so women with bigger breasts squeezed into bras that were two or more cup sizes too small.'

Of course, the growth of women's breasts has been a known trend in recent years - Florence Williams published a book on the subject last year Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History.

British retailer Debenhams also conducted a study demonstrating similar results last year - however Intimacy's research reveals the most dramatic results to date.

'Instead of forcing D+ breasts into A to D cup bras, women are beginning to purchase larger cup sizes that actually fit properly'

Racked spoke with competing lingerie retailers and found supporting results. Figleaves.com reported the company's best selling bra to be a 34E, while also admitting plans to increase its sizing up to a 38G in an upcoming collection.



Similarly, Italian brand Cosabella relayed an increase in its sizes over the past year to include a 38 band for C, D and DD cups.

These testimonials attest to a spike in bra-size, but the question remains: are women asking for larger bras because their breasts are actually growing, or because the stigma toward wearing a larger size is lessening?

Guido Campello, VP of Sales, Branding and Innovation at Cosabella is in the latter camp.

