New Bra Brand For Larger Cup Sizes

All around the world, the average bra size is getting bigger. It makes sense that lingerie makers would pay attention to this and start catering to this growing trend.

Auckland-based Bendon is getting on the bandwagon with a new label catering specifically to women wearing a cup size D or larger. Bendon is taking an approach that they say will “focus on fashion, not simply function.”

As someone who has been wearing a cup size C or larger for her entire adult life, I can tell you that I welcome these new companies who understand that even someone with larger breasts wants a pretty bra! Some of the bras that I’ve worn have more in common with combat armor than feminine lingerie.

Bendon general manager design, Sue Dunmore, has pointed out that the average bust size is much larger, especially with young teens. This younger set does not want to wear a bra that looks like something her great-grandmother wore: she wants something that works with the current fashions and yet still provides support.

Retailers know this: their interest in the new brand has exceeded Bendon’s expectations.

Ever wonder what the average size is for women’s bras? In Britain, the average is now 36C. Ten years ago, Britain women averaged a 34B. In the US, the average bra size as of 2006 was a 34D. Asian women have also experienced an increase in bust size: the average changed on the Asian continent from 34A to 34C between 1980 and 2000.

In Australia, women wearing a D cup and larger account for half of the Bendon bras sold. Frederick’s of Hollywood says that their average bra size based on sales is 36C.

While some of the increase can be attributed to the increasing girth in most industrialized countries (as obesity becomes more and more common), it seems that surgical breast enhancement is also behind some of the change.

Sources: Sydney Morning Herald; Calorie Count; Breast Options