Old time listeners of Loveline might remember this being a talking point.
American bra sizes offer a very strange range of measurements – AA goes to A, then normal alphabet progression B, C, D.
But then again to DD, DDD. Then back to E, F, etc.
I understand European sizing is more straight forward A->F+ without the double letter stuff.
What is the reason or origin behind the idea of “double D”, “triple D” etc. vs. just going to the logical next letter of the alphabet? Was it a marketing ploy?
In: Other
It all started wit A, B, C, D, E and so on. One letter further in the alphabet represented a 1 ” increase in the difference between underbust and on bust measurement.
Then they wanted to sell bras to those that dont really need them and introduced AA and AAA (and padded them like winter coats to make something appear to be there that isnt). There you have marketing point 1.
And now to marketing point 2: There is a lot of vanity in clothing and the often “I can’t be that big” dilemma.
That lead to marketing selling what in other countries is properly labeled as E and F cups to be labeled as DD (E-Cup) and DDD(F-Cup) because they sound smaller than they really are. Its easier to sell a DD or a DDD to a woman than to tell her she needs and E, F or G cup. Also it is possible to sell too small cups because the difference in size between a D and a DD or DDD doesnt sound as big as an increase in volume stating you need an E or F cup (victorias secret is famous for that ploy).
If you want to learn more about bras and proper bra fitting look here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/](https://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/)
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