Larger cup sizes are generally more coveted, due to larger breasts being perceived as more attractive. Given this, the DD cup size (same as the E cup size in US cup sizes) is very desirable.
In this article, we discuss what it means to have a DD cup size, what DD cup boobs (E cup boobs) really look like, how larger they are compared to D and C cup breasts, as well as a bunch of other things related to this cup size.
Important: This article is written for US audiences and US cup size standards. It also applies to the UK and Australian DD cup size, as well as to the European E cup size.
However, if you’re from the UK or Australia and you were looking for the E cup size, check out our guide to the DDD cup size (the American DDD cup size is identical to the British and Australian E cup size).
With that out of the way, let’s dive in!
What Does a DD Cup Size (E Cup Size) Mean?
Being a DD cup size (E cup size) means that the difference between your bust measurement (measured at the center of your breasts where they’re the largest) and your band measurement (measured right under your boobs) is around 5 inches (12.5 cm).
We’ll explain this further and give examples so that it’s much clearer.
As you’re probably familiar, bra sizes in the US are measured using a number and a letter. These represent the band and the bust size. To find the right bra size, you need to measure both. This is simpler than it may sound.
First, you need to measure your band size. You can do this by wrapping a tape measure around your rib cage, just below your breasts. Round up to the nearest even number. If you get an odd number (for example, 37), round up to the largest even number (in our example, to 38).
When measuring, the tape measure shouldn’t be too tight, but it should be snug. Also, stand straight when you’re measuring to get the most accurate measurement.
DO NOT ADD 4-5 INCHES to your measurement, as this is outdated advice. It’s a method that was once used by bra manufacturers, but not anymore. Unfortunately, you can still find places on the internet where you can find this advice. Just ignore it if you find this method online.
Next, measure your bust size by wrapping the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts. So, don’t measure under the breasts, but across their center.
To reiterate, first measure your band size, which is your chest size right below your breasts. This is the “number” component of your bra size. Then, measure your bust size by wrapping the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts, where they are the largest. The difference between your band and bust measurements will determine your cup size, which is represented by a letter in your bra size.
To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust size. Consult the table below to find your cup size. In essence, if the difference is 1 inch, you’re an A cup, if it’s 2 inches, you’re a B cup, and so on. You’re a DD cup (E cup) if the difference is 5 inches.
For example, if your band measurement is 36 inches and your bust measurement is 41 inches, your bra size is 36DD. If your band measurement is 40 inches and your bust measurement is 45 inches, your bra size is 40DD (40E).
Since the difference in both of these examples was 5 inches, both of them wear a DD cup size.
Note that the “number” part of the bra size is always equal to the band measurement. The only thing you need to calculate is the “letter” part (cup size).
More About the DD Cup Size (E Cup Size)
The DD cup size is one of the more desired cup sizes. This is because DD cup boobs are pretty large, which is generally perceived as attractive by a lot of people. They can also give you self-confidence and increase your self-esteem.
However, there are some cons to having E cup boobs (DD cup boobs) as well. First of all, large breasts can cause back pain and neck pain. Also, the choice of bras is generally smaller with larger cup sizes, since they’re not as common. And lastly, having E cup boobs can lead to objectification and unwanted attention from others.
What Do DD Cups Look Like (DD Cup Breasts Examples)
While it’s great to learn new information, you may be curious about what DD cup breasts actually look like. To get a better understanding, we can examine some examples of celebrities with DD cup breasts.
It’s important to note that breast size can vary significantly even within the same cup size category. This is because the DD cup size measurement only accounts for the difference between the bust size and the band size, and not the actual band measurement.
Given this, without the complete measurements, you may not have a complete picture of breast size and shape.
To put simply, a woman with a band size of 38 inches and a bust size of 43 inches, and a woman with a band size of 44 inches and a bust size of 49 inches will both be a DD cup bra size (E cup). This is because the difference between their bust size and band size is the same (5 inches).
However, these two women will look quite different.
And even breasts that have the exact same bra size can look different. A slim woman may appear to have larger breasts than she actually does, while an overweight woman may seem to have smaller breasts than she does.
One prominent example of a person with DD cup size is American actress Kat Dennings, who is reportedly a 34DD. This would put her band measurement at 34 inches and her bust size at 39 inches.
Another very famous example of a woman who is a DD cup size is Canadian actress Pamela Anderson. She is a 36DD cup size. This means that her band size is 36 inches and her bust size is 41 inches.
D Cup vs DD Cup
The D cup is one cup size smaller compared to the DD cup. This means that for women with the same band measurement, the bust of a woman with D cup boobs will be 1 inch (2.5 cm) smaller compared to the woman with DD cup boobs.
C Cup vs DD Cup
The C cup is two cup sizes smaller compared to the DD cup. This means that for women with the same band measurement, the bust of a woman with C cup boobs will be 2 inches (5 cm) smaller compared to the woman with DD cup boobs.
E Cup vs DD Cup
In the US, the E cup is usually the same as the DD cup.
D Cup vs E Cup
The D cup is one cup size smaller compared to the E cup. This means that for women with the same band measurement, the bust of a woman with D cup boobs will be 1 inch (2.5 cm) smaller compared to the woman with E cup boobs.
DD Cup Size (E Cup Size) in Inches
If we measure in inches, a DD cup size (E cup size) means that your bust size is 5 inches larger than your band size. This means that if your band measurement is 38 inches, your bust measurement is 43 inches. And if your band measurement is 42 inches, your bust measurement is 47 inches.
DD Cup Size (E Cup Size) in Cm
If we measure in centimeters, a DD cup size (E cup size) means that your bust measurement is roughly 12.5 cm larger than your band measurement. This means that if your band measurement is 85 cm, your bust measurement is 97.5 cm. And if your band size is 95 cm, your bust measurement is 107.5 cm.
DD Cup Size (E Cup Size) Chart
DD Cup Size and E Cup Size in UK Sizes
Cup sizes in the US and the UK are identical for most common cup sizes. However, from DD boobs and larger, cup sizes start to differ.
As stated already, when the difference between the bust and the band is 5 inches, that equals DD cup size or E cup size by US standards. In the UK, this cup size is considered as a DD cup only.
UK cup sizing also has an E cup size. However, UK E cup size equals the US DDD/F cup size. You can check out the following table for more information.
DD Cup Size Infographic
FAQ
Is a DD Cup Bigger Than D?
A DD cup is one cup size larger than the D cup size. That means that if two women have the same band size, the woman with a DD cup size has a bust that’s 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger than the woman with a D cup size.
Is DD Cup Size Big?
Yes, a DD cup size is considered a pretty large cup size. They’re one of the more desirable cup sizes, due to large breasts generally being considered attractive.
Conclusion
DD cup boobs (same as E cup boobs) are among the larger cup sizes. US manufacturers treat the DD cup size and the E cup size as the same. Here, we discuss what this cup size means, what DD cup breasts actually look like, how different they are from other cup sizes, and many other aspects related to this cup size.
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.