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smallest bra size
By Alicia Drinkwater on

Smallest Bra Size: Most Common Questions

  • Lingerie Lowdown

Smallest Bra Size

So, you’re searching for the smallest bra size. Whether you’re trying to figure out if your bra size is ‘normal’, you’ve got a specific question about bra sizes, or you’re just really curious, you’ve come to the right place.

In today’s post, I’m going to talk you through everything you need to know about the smallest bra size, answering all of your questions and working my magic to make you feel good about your boobs.

Firstly, if you’ve been googling ‘smallest bra size’ because you’re unsure about your own size, I want to quickly redirect you to my guide on How to Measure Your Boobs. Have a look through this, take your measurements, then head back here. 

Whilst the point of this post is to answer all of your questions, it’s also to reassure you that there is no one way that your boobs should look. We’re all beautiful in our own unique way and this is something that I like to celebrate everyday. 

What is the Smallest Bra Size?

The smallest bra size is generally 28AA, but some places (particularly specialist retailers) will produce AAA cups. 28AA means that the bra band is 28 inches and the bust is less than one inch larger than the ribcage. 

Is A Cup the Smallest Size?

The answer is no, A cup is not the smallest size. AA cups are smaller than A, with AAA being the smallest bra size out there (although AAA is not as widely available). 

This might sound confusing when you go up through the cup sizes, as double letters usually mean a bigger cup (DD is larger than a D, FF larger than F etc). For some reason, the As are the exception here, with AAA being the smallest, then AA, then A. I have no explanation for this and can only offer my sincerest apologies. 

What is the Smallest Size in a Cup?

Whilst the smallest size in a cup varies between brands from A-AAA, it’s also essential to understand that cup size and band size go hand-in-hand. Simply put, a 34A bra is going to be much bigger in volume than a 28A bra, meaning that you always need to consider band size too.

Is 28 the Smallest Bra Size?

Whilst a 28 inch bra underband is typically known as the smallest bra size, this is only when the full bra size is 28AA (or 28AAA). A 28F is much bigger than a 28A, which is why it’s so important to always think of the cup and band size together - as the cup size increases, the volume increases. 

Is 32 a Small Bra?

The scale of bra band sizes ranges from roughly 28-52 inches (although it’s obviously possible for people to have smaller or larger measurements than this). Therefore, 32 is on the smaller end of the scale, but most people will average between 30-36 band sizes.

How Do Bra Sizes Work?

To reiterate (you can also find a more in-depth explanation on my How to Measure Your Boobs guide), bra sizes are the combination of your band size (the number) and your cup size (the letter). 

Your band is measured from your ribcage and your cup is your bust. The two measurements work together to make your size. You take your rib cage measurement directly (rounding it up if it’s an uneven number), then use the difference between that measurement and the circumference of the largest part of your bust to work out your size. 

For example, if your rib cage circumference was 30 inches, you’d use this as your band size. Then, if your bust measured at 38 inches, you’d work out the difference of 8 inches, making you a 30FF. If you’re not good at maths, don’t panic, there’s a bust to cup conversion table over on the guide. 

What is the Average Bra Size?

Average Bra Size UK

In the UK, the average bra size is 36DD. There is no right or wrong bra size though: we are all unique, with bodies (and boobs) coming in all different shapes and sizes. 

Our boob size is dictated by a wide variety of factors (you can find the full explanation for this on my Boob Shapes guide), so please don’t ever compare yourself to the ‘average’. 

I’ll let you into a secret: in a lingerie company with predominantly female employees, not a single one of us is a 36DD bra size. Not so average after all! 

Average Bra Size US

Whilst the average bra size in the UK is around 36DD, in the US, the average bra size is 34DD. 

I’ll let you into another secret: in a lingerie company with predominantly female employees, there's also not a single of us with a 34DD bra size. Although, we are in the UK, so I can’t knock this statistic too much. 

Small Bra Recommendations: Best Bra For Small Bust

Gossard Glossies Bra

If you've read more than one of my blogs, you know that I'm a Gossard girl (I would like to clarify however that I adore all of our brands, I am just a big Gossard fan).

So, when the question of what is the best bra for a specific boob type (in this case, what is the best bra for a small bust), comes around, I'm always going to recommend what I genuinely know and believe to be the best one for that type. 

In this case, it's Gossard. Whilst our Gossard bras are fantastic for all bra sizes (I'm a 36FF and wear them religiously), they do start from an A cup, making them great for smaller busts. The collection I'd recommend is Glossies Lace Sheer, which offers plunging necklines with padded or unpadded support, giving you the option to enhance your cleavage and coverage. 

Not only is this collection designed from stunning Chantilly lace, it's also lightweight, supportive and fabulously feminine. The perfect range to accentuate and support a small bust.

gossard glossies lace sheer bra black

Marie Jo Noorah Bra

Next up, the Noorah Half Padded Balcony Bra from Marie Jo. This bra comes in sizes A-E and works to gently support and boost the cleavage. Designed with recycled materials and an oversized floral print, it's not only stylish, but good for the environment too. Whilst it's on the higher end of the price scale, it is fantastic quality and completely worth the money - a good bra is really worth investing in!

marie jo noorah padded balcony bra

Freya Idol Bra

For my final recommendation, I've got Freya's Idol Moulded Balcony Bra. Whilst it doesn't cover the smallest bra size, it does cover cups B-HH. It's the perfect bra for wearing daily, with a seamless design leaving it invisible underneath tight clothing. It also provides good coverage, creates a natural rounded shape and has fully adjustable straps, so it's got everything you need to stay supported and comfortable all day long.

freya idol moulded balcony t shirt bra

Smallest Bra Size

Hopefully you're now an expert on smallest bra sizes. If you're still unsure about anything, feel free to contact us here and we'll get right back to you! Make sure to check out our collection of bras where you can find over 150 size variations.

Psst. Did you know? We ship internationally! No matter where you are, we can provide you with your dream bra. Check out our shipping policy for everything you need to know about timings, prices and returns.

 

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