Bra Sister Sizes

Find equivalent bra sizes with the same cup volume. Use our bra sister sizes calculator and comprehensive charts for US, UK, EU, and Australian sizing.

What Are Bra Sister Sizes?

Bra sister sizes are different bra sizes that share the same cup volume. When you go down a band size, you go up a cup size to maintain equivalent volume—and vice versa.

Example: 34D Sister Sizes
32DD 34D 36C

All three sizes have identical cup volume

Bra Sister Size Calculator

Enter your current bra size to find all your sister sizes instantly.

Bra Sister Sizes Chart

Each row shows sizes with the same cup volume. Find your size and look left/right for sister sizes.

283032343638404244
28AA30A
28A30AA32A
28B30A32AA34A
28C30B32A34AA36A
28D30C32B34A36AA38A
28DD30D32C34B36A38AA40A
28DDD30DD32D34C36B38A40AA42A
28G30DDD32DD34D36C38B40A42AA44A
28H30G32DDD34DD36D38C40B42A44AA
28I30H32G34DDD36DD38D40C42B44A
28J30I32H34G36DDD38DD40D42C44B
28K30J32I34H36G38DDD40DD42D44C

← Smaller band, larger cup | Larger band, smaller cup →

How Do Bra Sister Sizes Work?

Many people think cup sizes are fixed volumes—that a "C cup" is always the same size. This is a myth. Cup size is actually relative to band size.

📐

Cup Size = Difference

Your cup size is determined by the difference between your bust and underbust measurements. Each inch of difference equals approximately one cup size.

📊

Relative, Not Absolute

A 32D and 38D are not the same cup volume. The D on a 38 band holds significantly more volume than the D on a 32 band.

🔄

The Trade-Off

When you change band size, you must adjust cup size to maintain volume. Band down = Cup up. Band up = Cup down.

Visual: Same Cup Volume, Different Sizes

30DD
=
32D
=
34C
=
36B

The circles represent band size (not cup volume). Cup volume stays constant across sister sizes.

When to Use Bra Sister Sizes

🏷️

Brand Runs Small or Large

If a brand's 34 fits like a 32, try your sister size with a larger band. Victoria's Secret, for example, often runs small in cups.

🛒

Size Unavailable

Your exact size is sold out? Sister sizes give you alternatives with the same cup volume.

⚖️

Between Band Sizes

If your measurements fall between 32 and 34, you might wear 32D in some brands and 34C in others.

💪

Support Preference

Want more support? Try a sister size with a smaller band. Prefer comfort? Try a larger band sister size.

👗

Different Bra Styles

Sports bras often work better in a sister size down (tighter band). Bralettes may work better sized up.

🌍

International Shopping

Shopping from UK or EU brands? Use sister sizes to adapt when conversions aren't exact.

Bra Sister Sizes by Country

Sister size logic works the same globally, but band numbers differ. Here's how sizes compare:

US/UK Band EU Band AU/NZ Band FR/ES Band
2860675
3065880
32701085
34751290
36801495
388516100
409018105
429520110
4410022115

Cup Size Comparison: US vs UK

US and UK cups match until D, then diverge:

US Cup UK Cup
AA
BB
CC
DD
DDDD
DDD/FE
GF
HFF
IG
JGG
KH

Victoria's Secret Bra Sister Sizes

Victoria's Secret uses US sizing and is known to run small in cups. Many VS shoppers find success using sister sizes:

  • If VS cups feel small: Try your sister size with a larger cup (go down a band, up a cup). Example: If 34C cups overflow, try 32D.
  • If VS bands feel tight: Try a sister size with a larger band. Example: If 32D band is too tight, try 34C.
  • Common VS adjustment: Many people wear one cup size larger in VS than in UK brands like Panache or Freya.
Example: If you're measured as 34D but VS 34D cups are too small → Try VS 32DD (sister size) or simply 34DD.

Bra Sister Sizes: Reddit Community Insights

The r/ABraThatFits community (2M+ members) frequently discusses sister sizes. Key insights from Reddit:

"Sister sizes are great for troubleshooting fit, but your true size will always fit best. Use them as a tool, not a replacement for proper measurement."
"When trying sister sizes, remember that band support comes from the band, not the straps. A too-loose band won't provide the same support even if cup volume matches."
"I use sister sizes constantly when shopping sales. If my 32FF isn't available, I know 30G or 34F will work in a pinch."

Popular Bra Sister Sizes Searched

36C Sister Sizes

34D • 32DD • 38B • 40A

34B Sister Sizes

32C • 30D • 36A • 38AA

34C Sister Sizes

32D • 30DD • 36B • 38A

34D Sister Sizes

32DD • 30DDD • 36C • 38B

36D Sister Sizes

34DD • 32DDD • 38C • 40B

38C Sister Sizes

36D • 34DD • 40B • 42A

30C Sister Sizes

28D • 32B • 34A

32D Sister Sizes

30DD • 28DDD • 34C • 36B

Bra Sister Sizes FAQ

Bra sister sizes are bra sizes that have the same cup volume but different band sizes. When you decrease the band size by one, you increase the cup size by one to maintain the same cup volume (and vice versa). For example, 34C, 32D, and 36B are all sister sizes—they have identical cup volumes despite different band and cup letter combinations.

Sister sizes work because cup size is relative to band size, not absolute. A "D cup" doesn't have a fixed volume—it represents the difference between your bust and underbust measurements. When you change band size, the cup letter must change to represent the same physical volume. Think of it as: Band down + Cup up = Same volume and Band up + Cup down = Same volume.

Yes, sister sizes are mathematically accurate for cup volume. However, the fit experience will differ because the band tightness changes. A 32D will feel tighter around the ribcage than a 34C, even though the cups hold the same volume. The wire width and cup shape may also vary slightly between sizes.

Yes! Sister sizes work well for many purposes: when a brand runs large or small, when your exact size is unavailable, when you're between sizes, or when you prefer different support levels. However, your "true size" will always provide the best overall fit. Sister sizes are a valuable tool, not a replacement for proper sizing.

36C sister sizes:

  • 34D - One band smaller, one cup larger
  • 32DD - Two bands smaller, two cups larger
  • 38B - One band larger, one cup smaller
  • 40A - Two bands larger, two cups smaller

All have the same cup volume as 36C.

30C sister sizes:

  • 28D - One band smaller, one cup larger
  • 32B - One band larger, one cup smaller
  • 34A - Two bands larger, two cups smaller

Note: 28 bands are less common in stores but available from specialty retailers.

Victoria's Secret uses US sizing, so standard US sister sizes apply. However, VS is known to run small in cups. If your VS bra cups are too small, try a sister size with a smaller band and larger cup (e.g., if 34C is small, try 32D). Many VS customers find they need to size up one cup compared to UK brands.

US and UK band sizes are identical (32, 34, 36, etc.). The difference is in cup progression after D cup:

  • US: D → DD → DDD → G → H
  • UK: D → DD → E → F → FF → G

Sister size logic works the same in both systems. A US 34DD = UK 34DD, but US 34DDD = UK 34E.

EU uses centimeter bands (65, 70, 75, 80...) where each size is 5cm apart. The conversion: 70≈32, 75≈34, 80≈36. Sister sizes work identically—70D = 65E = 75C. EU cups progress linearly (A, B, C, D, E, F, G...) without the DD/DDD naming convention.

Australia and New Zealand use unique band numbers (8, 10, 12, 14...) but UK cup letters. Conversions: AU 8=US 30, AU 10=US 32, AU 12=US 34, AU 14=US 36. Sister sizes follow the same pattern: AU 12D = AU 10DD = AU 14C.

Sister sizes mean you have options! While cup volume stays constant:

  • Smaller band sister: Tighter fit, more support, may feel more secure
  • Larger band sister: Looser fit, more comfort, may feel less restrictive

Choose based on your preference and how the specific brand fits.

The mathematical relationship is the same, but brand sizing varies. A 34D in Brand A might fit like a 32DD in Brand B. This is exactly why sister sizes are useful—they help you adapt to different brands' interpretations of sizing. Always try on when possible.

Not Sure of Your Size?

Use our comprehensive bra size calculator to find your perfect fit, then explore sister sizes for flexibility.

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