Independent guide. We are not paid by any brand listed. The ranges below are the brands' broad published ranges at the time of writing. The largest cups are offered in selected styles and bands only, so always check the size list on the product page.
Where the UK cup ladder goes after H
H, HH, J, JJ, K, KK. There is no I cup in UK sizing. Each step is one inch of bust measurement. A J cup is a thirteen-inch difference between bust and band. The whole upper range is explained in GG cup and above.
Brands and retailers
| Brand | Upper cup limit, broadly | Bands | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bravissimo (own label and stocked brands) | L | Varies by style | Specialist retailer; fits in store |
| Freya | K | 28–38 | Larger cups often in a separate version of a style |
| Panache | K | 28–40 in core styles | Sports bras to J in selected styles |
| Curvy Kate | K | 28–44 | Widest band span of the group |
| Elomi | Upper cups vary by style | Larger bands | Designed for fuller figures |
| Fantasie | Upper cups vary by style | Varies by style | Sister brand of Freya and Elomi |
How the range narrows
A brand that "goes to K" does not make every style in a K. Expect the following.
- Core, continuity styles in plain colours have the fullest size range.
- Fashion colours and seasonal styles often stop a few cups lower.
- The smallest and largest bands have fewer cups available than the middle bands.
- Moulded and T-shirt bras usually stop earlier than seamed ones.
- Sports bras, strapless bras and swimwear have narrower ranges again.
When shopping online, filter by your exact size before you look at anything.
Before you order
- Be sure it is UK sizing. All the brands above use it. A J in American or European lettering is a different, smaller cup.
- Check the band first. At these cup sizes a loose band is the commonest reason a bra fails. See how tight a bra band should be.
- Order the cup either side. One letter is a small proportion of the total at this volume, and brands differ.
- Count the double letters when you move. From HH, up is J, and down is H. See sister sizes for a larger bust.
- Check returns.
What to look for in the bra
- Seamed cups of three or four panels, in firm fabric
- Side support panels
- A deep band with three or four hooks
- Wide straps and a stable back
- Strong wires that sit behind all the breast tissue at the side
Where to be fitted
Go where your size is in stock. Bravissimo shops and specialist independent boutiques carry these sizes on the shelf and have fitters who see them every day. See bra fitting for large busts.
Beyond K
Options exist and are fewer. A small number of retailers list KK and L cups. European full-bust makers, sold online, produce larger cups in their own sizing systems, which need careful conversion from each brand's chart. Made-to-measure and custom bra makers work to your measurements. A specialist fitter is the best person to point you to what is currently available.
Frequently asked questions
Which UK brands make J cups?
Full-bust brands including Freya, Panache, Curvy Kate, Elomi and Fantasie make cups up to J and K in at least some styles, and Bravissimo lists sizes to an L cup. Availability depends on the style and the band.
Is a UK J cup the same as a US J cup?
No. A UK J is a thirteen-inch difference between bust and band. In the most common American lettering that is an M, though US brands vary widely at this size. Buy from UK brands in UK sizing where you can.
What if I need bigger than a K cup?
A small number of brands and retailers list KK and L cups. Beyond that, made-to-measure bra makers are the usual route. A specialist fitter can advise.
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