E cup measurements by band
| Size | Underbust | Bust | Same volume as |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28E | 28 in (71 cm) | 34 in (86 cm) | 26F and 30DD |
| 30E | 30 in (76 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) | 28F and 32DD |
| 32E | 32 in (81 cm) | 38 in (97 cm) | 30F and 34DD |
| 34E | 34 in (86 cm) | 40 in (102 cm) | 32F and 36DD |
| 36E | 36 in (91 cm) | 42 in (107 cm) | 34F and 38DD |
| 38E | 38 in (97 cm) | 44 in (112 cm) | 36F and 40DD |
| 40E | 40 in (102 cm) | 46 in (117 cm) | 38F and 42DD |
| UK | US | EU / France | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | DDD/F | F | E |
E is where labels start to disagree
Up to DD, UK and US labels match. E is the first cup where they do not, and it is also where European lettering falls out of step. One letter ends up meaning different sizes depending on the country.
- A UK E is a 6-inch difference.
- A European E is a 5-inch difference, which the UK calls DD.
- A US "DD/E" is also the 5-inch cup. The US name for a UK E is DDD or F.
If you are a UK E, look for the UK size on the label or in the size guide every time you buy from a brand that is new to you. The UK to US converter and the international chart cover the translations.
Why so many people turn out to be an E
E is a very common result when people measure without adding inches to the underbust. Someone who has worn a 36C for years often measures as a 32E: two bands smaller, with a cup that sounds much bigger but is only one true size up in volume from where they were.
If the calculator has given you an E and it feels unlikely, remember that the letter depends on the band. Compare what each E size is equivalent to in the table above. A 32E has the cup volume of a 36D.
What to look for in an E-cup bra
At an E the cups hold enough weight that construction starts to make a difference, especially on bands of 34 and above.
- A firm band. Support comes from the band, so it matters more as cup volume grows. It should be level and snug on the loosest hook. See how tight a bra band should be.
- Seamed cups. Cups made from two or three panels give more lift and a more forward shape than a single moulded piece.
- Side support. A panel or sling at the outer edge of the cup brings tissue forward from under the arm.
- Straps that are not doing the lifting. If they dig in, the band is too loose.
Style is otherwise open. Balconettes, plunges, T-shirt bras, non-wired bras and bralettes are all made in E cups. Bralettes and non-wired styles sold in S, M, L sizing are less likely to fit well, so look for ones sold by band and cup.
Where E cups are sold
E is included in most core ranges at the large UK high-street retailers and in every full-bust brand. Not every style in a shop will go up to E, particularly fashion and bralette lines, so check the size range on the product itself. On bands under 32 you will find more choice at specialists.
Between a DD and an E?
This is one of the most common places to be unsure. The signs that separate the two are set out in DD cup vs E cup.
Frequently asked questions
Is an E cup big?
It is a mid-range size. E is the seventh of seventeen UK cups, and on smaller bands it is a moderate volume: a 30E holds the same as a 34D. How large it looks depends on the band and on your frame.
What is a UK E cup in US sizes?
A US DDD, which some American brands label F. The band number stays the same, so a UK 34E is a US 34DDD.
Is an E cup the same as a DD?
Not in UK sizing, where E is one cup bigger than DD. In European sizing the cup the UK calls DD is labelled E, which is the source of the confusion.
What comes after an E cup?
F, then FF, then G. There is no EE in standard UK sizing.
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