Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s easy to underestimate the importance of wearing a properly fitted bra if your breasts are on the petite side or you believe you have the smallest cup size.
No matter what your shape or size, a bra is one of the most important items of clothing that you’ll own. Not only does a well-fitted bra provide you with much-needed support to ensure your comfort, but it can also help to enhance your natural shape.
So, what is the smallest bra size? How do you know whether the one you are wearing is exactly right? In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about the smallest cup size, as well as discuss how to check whether you’re wearing a well-fitted bra.
Is An A Cup The Smallest You Can Buy?
You might think that an A cup is the smallest bra size you can buy, but you'd be mistaken. Actually, AA cups are a smaller cup size and are readily available. Some brands even offer smaller cup sizes still of AAA.
Remember, it's not just the cup size that counts when you're shopping for a bra. The band size is equally crucial. Why? Because an A cup paired with a 36-inch band is vastly different in volume from an A cup with a 28-inch band. The two bits together give you the whole picture.
So, what's the smallest bra size out there, and how do you figure out which size is right for you? Understanding the interplay between band size and cup size is key to finding your perfect fit.
The Smallest Size Of Bra: Uncovered
The smallest size of bra that is widely available is a 28AA. This bra has a 28-inch band, along with a bust that is less than one inch bigger than the ribcage. You’ll find this size manufactured by many different brands, including Royce.
It is possible to find bras with smaller bands than 28 inches, as well as smaller cups than AA. However, these are few and far between and are usually only available from specialist retailers. There is the option to have a bra custom made, but this is usually costly.
How Bra Sizes Work
The most important thing is to ensure that you are shopping for the right size of bra. But before you can work out what size of bra you require, you need to understand exactly how bra sizes work.
A bra size is made up of a number and a letter. The number represents your band size. This is the measurement around your ribcage in inches. So, if your band size is a 30, this means that your ribcage measures 30 inches in circumference.
The letter in your bra size represents the cup size. This is the difference in size between the circumference of your ribcage and the circumference of the fullest part of your bust. A cup size of A represents a difference of one inch between your ribcage and bust, whilst a cup size of F represents a difference of seven inches.
So, if your bra size was 32E, this would mean that your ribcage measures 32 inches, whilst your bust measures 38 inches.
Learn more about how bra sizes work here
The Importance Of A Properly Fitted Bra
Unfortunately, many people are wearing the wrong size of bra. The most common fitting mistake is to wear a band that is too big and a cup that is too small. This has been caused by poor fitting practices of some high street shops, who add inches onto the band size measurement.
A poorly fitted bra can be highly uncomfortable. This can lead to rubbing and potentially even pain in your back, neck and shoulders. By getting the fit of your bra correct, you can achieve all-day comfort and support, as well as accentuating your natural silhouette.
Does Your Bra Fit Properly?
So, you've measured yourself and bought a bra you think will fit well. But each brand and style has its nuances, making your ideal size a bit elusive at times. That's why it's crucial to check if your bra genuinely fits you properly once you've got it on.
Start off by doing the 'swoop and scoop'. Reach into your bra cup and gently move any breast tissue from under your armpit into the cup. This action ensures that all your breast tissue is properly contained and not bulging out, giving you the comfort you need.
Got a bra with an underwire? Make sure it's not digging into you. Uncomfortable wires don't just ruin your day; they could harm your breast tissue too.
Next, stand in front of a mirror and focus on your bra band at the back. It should stay level, not ride up. If it's creeping upwards, it's probably too big. A quick test is to slip two fingers under the band. If it's a good fit, your two fingers should fit snugly when the bra is fastened on its loosest hook.
Don't forget the straps. They should stay on your shoulders without digging in. Remember, your bra band should be doing most of the heavy lifting – around 80% of it, in fact. If you've got the straps too tight, you're setting yourself up for back, neck and shoulder pain.
By making sure your bra is the right size, you'll be comfy all day and your natural shape will look its best. What more could you ask for?
Related Questions
Is 32B Small?
Whilst 32B would be considered to be on the smaller size of average, it’s important to remember that the size of your breasts is individual to you and is relative to the size of your body. If your bra size is a 32B, this means that your ribcage measures 32 inches in circumference whilst your bust circumference measures two inches larger. It’s also useful to understand that a B cup in a 32 band will hold more volume of breast tissue than a 28 band, but less than a 36 band, so the cup size is also relative to the band size.
What Is Normal Breast Size?
There is no “normal” when it comes to breast size – only what is normal for you as an individual. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, which is what makes us unique as humans. Your breast size will be influenced by your genetics, weight, age, exercise routine and even your menstrual cycle.
Find The Perfect Bra – Whatever Your Size
There’s no “smallest” when it comes to bra sizes. This makes it extremely challenging to define the smallest cup size, as there is no such thing as the smallest size. You are only limited by the sizes manufactured by brands.
At Uplifted Lingerie, we stock bras in sizes ranging from 28AA to 40L and everything in between. If you’re ready to discover the perfect bra for your body shape, we are here to help. You can reach us by simply sending an email or giving us a call. In fact, we’re so confident that we can help you to find the perfect bra that we are happy to offer an exchange or refund if your new bra isn’t quite right for you.
So, next time you’re wondering ‘what is the smallest bra size’, take a look at our wide range of bras and discover how we can help you.
Discover our full range of bras here