I'm a DD Cup Size—Here's Where I Shop the Best Bras

last updated 17 March 2021

I recently received an email from a bra company that revealed that more women are a true DD than they realise. How true is this, though? Have we all been wandering around in our B-cup bras—which used to be the average—when really we should be wearing a 32DD? I hadn’t been measured for a bra since having a baby over a year ago (the fluctuations post-baby mean I’d end up buying a new bra so regularly it would bankrupt me, hence the delay), so I decided to get measured. And what do you know? I’m a DD.

To investigate further, I spoke to two bra fitters: Elsa Gedion from Chantelle, who works across various department stores from Selfridges to John Lewis, and Clare Bosche, an in-house bra-fitter from Selfridges who’s fitted over 1000 women. Both told me, anecdotally, that the average bra size of women has gone up, and the most popular bra size they fit is DD. While this is just two bra-fitters, it’s worth noting that The Telegraph also reported similar findings earlier this year.

Both Clare and Elsa said there were several reasons why this is the case. From the whole nation being bigger in general to the rise in plastic surgery, our cups are changing. Not only that, but bra brands have also taken note. Even more fashion-led brands, says Clare, are now starting to offer DD cups. (Surprising, since it used to be much harder to find brands that stocked the size.)

Before I go on to tell you about the best bras for DD cups, it’s important to know why finding your cup size is so important. There’s one major problem women face when not wearing the correct bra: They’re not supported properly. Elsa said that means you end up with a backache, and, like Clare pointed out, that your breast shape can change (or become droopier). During my fitting, I discovered information I hadn’t previously known about finding the right bra.

For starters, Clare said you need to think about the kind of cups you want. It used to be that DD sizes only came in the full cup size (which can make you look a bit matronly), but thankfully there are DD bras that now come in half-cup styles. Why is this important? It means that those with a fuller bust can wear tops that are lower and more flattering. Another great tip I picked up is that it’s worth thinking about the material when it comes to support: The tenser the material, the more support you’ll get.

After being measured properly (I’d always suggest this, but you can always try our bra-size calculator too), I was able to try on some of the best brands for DD cups. From Chantelle to Panache as well as a couple brands you might not have heard before, I’ve sorted out some of the best DD bras around. I’ve even divided up the bras into four categories so it’s easier to shop. Keep scrolling for my edit.