As the average bra size in the US keep increasing, the 36D bra size is becoming more and more common. It’s a highly desirable bra size, due to its attractive, larger size.
In this article, we look at how big 36D breasts are, how to measure if you should be wearing a 36D bra, what are the sister sizes of this bra, what 36D boobs actually look like, and much more about this bra size.
What Is a 36D Bra Size?
A 36D bra size is the bra size where the band measurement (measured right under the breasts) equals 36 inches and the bust measurement (measured at the center of the breasts where they’re the largest) equals 40 inches.
If this sounds confusing, we’ll clear it up now.
As you probably know, bra sizes are usually defined by a number and a letter (34C, 34D, 36D, and so on). Since the number and the letter stand for different measurements, it’s important to get both right.
The first thing to measure is your band size. Take a measuring tape and wrap it around your ribcage, just below your bust. The tape should be snug, but not too tight.
Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and not twisted. Stand straight for the most accurate results.
The measurement you get in this way is your band size (the “number” component of the bra size).
If you get an odd number, increase it by 1 to get to an even number, since that’s how bra sizes are usually defined (for example, if your band size is 35, round it up to 36).
In a 36D bra size, the band size measured like this will equal 36 inches (or 35 inches).
Next, measure your bust size by wrapping the tape around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and not twisted. Stand straight and don’t wrap the tape too tight.
In a 36D bra size, the bust size measured as explained here will be equal to 40 inches.
Finally, subtract your band size from your bust size to determine your cup size. If the difference is 1 inch, you’re an A cup, if it’s 2 inches, you’re a B cup, and so on following this table.
In a 36D bra size, the difference between the bust size and the band size is 4 inches (40 inches – 36 inches = 4 inches). That’s where the “D” in “36D” comes from. The “36” in “36D” comes from the band measurement.
More About the 36D Bra Size
As with most D cup sizes, the 36D is a highly desirable bra size. According to a number of surveys, the large majority of people consider the D cup size as one of the ideal sizes. This is because D cup boobs are on the larger side, which is generally considered attractive.
Another good thing about the 36D bra size is that there’s a solid choice of bras in this size.
On the other hand, women with 36D cup breasts may have issues such as back pain. This is because their boobs are much heavier compared to smaller cup sizes.
What 36D Boobs Look Like (36D Bra Size Examples)
We’ve talked enough about the 36D boobs. Let’s now look at some real life examples of this bra size. We’ll point to some celebrities who are thought to be a 36D bra size.
A prominent celebrity who is a 36D bra size is American tennis player Serena Williams. According to her bra size, her band is 36 inches, and her bust is 40 inches.
36D Sister Size (36D Bra Size Equivalent)
The closest sister sizes of the 36D are the 34DD and the 38C. The 34DD is one cup size larger and one band size smaller, while the 38C is one cup size smaller and one band size larger. Other sister sizes of the 36D are the 32DDD, 40B, and 42A.
If you’re not familiar, sister bra sizes are different sizes that have the same cup volume. For example, the 34DD, 36D, 38C, 40B, and 42A will all give you roughly the same fit. Since the band size of sister bra sizes increases as the cup size decreases, they can hold a similar amount of breast tissue.
Sister bra sizes can be useful if you can’t find a bra in your exact bra size. In such a case, a sister bra size is an option. Another use case of sister bra sizes is if your exact bra size isn’t comfortable enough even though the cups fit well.
For example, the underband might be too tight or too loose. If the cups fit well but the underband is tight, you can try a sister size up (one band size larger and one cup size smaller. For example, if the band of a 36D bra is tight, try a 38C.
On the other hand, if the cups fit but the underband is loose, you can try a sister size down (one band size smaller and one cup size larger). For example, if the band of a 36D bra is loose, try a 34DD.
36D Bra Size in Cm (36D Bra Size in Europe)
Measured in centimeters, a 36D bra size means that your band measurement equals ~91 cm (equal to 36 inches, which is where the “36” in “36D” comes from) and your bust measurement equals ~102 cm. The difference between the bust size and the band size is roughly 10 cm, which translates to a D cup size.
36D Bra Size in Inches
Measured in inches, a 36D bra size means that your band measurement equals 36 inches (that’s where the “36” in “36D” comes from) and your bust measurement equals 40 inches. The difference between the bust size and the band size is 4 inches, which translates to a D cup size (that’s where the “D” in “36D” comes from).
Difference Between 36D and 36DD
A 36D bra size and a 36DD bra size both have the same band measurement of 36 inches. But, a 36D bra size has a bust measurement of 40 inches, while a 36DD bra size has a bust measurement of 41 inches.
Given this, a 36D bra size is one cup size smaller than a 36DD bra size. In other words, 36D boobs are one inch smaller than 36DD boobs.
34DD vs 36D (is 34DD the same as 36D?)
34DD is not the same as 36D. But, a 34DD bra and a 36D bra are sister sizes. More specifically, the 36D bra is one sister size up from a 34DD. This is because a 36D bra is one band size bigger, but one cup size smaller than a 34DD bra size.
36C vs 36D
A 36D bra size and a 36C bra size both have the same band measurement of 36 inches. But, a 36D bra size has a bust measurement of 40 inches, while a 36C bra size has a bust measurement of 39 inches.
Given this, a 36D bra size is one cup size larger than a 36C bra size. In other words, 36D boobs are one inch larger than 36C boobs.
34D vs 36D
A 34D bra size and a 36D bra size both have a 4-inch difference between the bust size and the band size. But, a 34D bra size has a band measurement that’s roughly 2 inches smaller compared to the 36D (34 inches compared to 36 inches). Also, a 34D bra size has a bust measurement that’s 2 inches smaller compared to the 36D bra size (38 inches compared to 40 inches).
38C vs 36D
A 38C bra and a 36D bra are sister sizes. More specifically, the 36D bra is one sister size down from a 38C. This is because a 36D bra is one band size smaller, but one cup size bigger than a 38C bra size.
36D vs 38D
A 36D bra size and a 38D bra size both have a 4-inch difference between the bust size and the band size. But, a 36D bra size has a band measurement that’s roughly 2 inches smaller compared to the 38D (36 inches compared to 38 inches). Also, a 36D bra size has a bust measurement that’s 2 inches smaller compared to the 38D bra size (40 inches compared to 42 inches).
36D Bust Size
A woman wearing 36D will have a bust size of 40 inches (102 cm). Her band size will be 36 inches, which means that the difference between the bust size and the band size will equal roughly 4 inches (that’s why the cup size equals D).
36D Bra Size Infographic
FAQ
Is a 36D Medium or Large?
The 36D bra size can be considered a large bra size, although it depends. For example, in countries such as the US, a 36D bra size is around the average. On the other hand, in most other countries a 36D bra size is pretty large, and definitely well above average.
How Many Inches Is a 36D Bust?
A 36D bust is 40 inches in bust measurement. The band size will be around 36 inches, which means that the difference between the bust size and the band size will equal roughly 4 inches (that’s why the cup size equals D).
Conclusion
Here, you learned all you need to know about one of the most desirable bra sizes out there, the 36D bra size. Among other things, you learned how big 36D breasts actually are, how to measure if you should be wearing a 36D bra, what are the sister sizes of this bra, and what 36D boobs actually look like.
The founder, editor, and writer of most articles on Ultimate Bra Guide. An experienced bra fitting specialist turned blogger. My website Ultimate Bra Guide has been featured in relevant publications such as Glamour, Bustle, Elite Daily, Alldaychic, Everyday Feminism, and so on. Get to know me better at our about page.