GITNUXREPORT 2025

Bra Size Statistics

Most women wear ill-fitting bras, affecting comfort, confidence, and health.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Approximately 80% of women wear the wrong bra size

Statistic 2

About 70% of women do not know their correct bra size

Statistic 3

Women with larger busts tend to spend more on bras, with an average annual spend of $50-$70

Statistic 4

A study found that women with proper bra fitting and support report higher confidence levels

Statistic 5

75% of women experienced a significant change in their bra size after pregnancy or weight fluctuations

Statistic 6

The average woman owns about 5-7 bras but typically only wears 2 regularly

Statistic 7

Women with a larger band size tend to prefer supportive bras with wider straps

Statistic 8

The gender gap in bra fitting and shopping is notable, with many women preferring to fit themselves rather than seek professional help

Statistic 9

The average age at which women realize they wear the wrong bra size is around 24 years old

Statistic 10

Bras with underwire are worn by about 75% of women, although some prefer wire-free options for comfort

Statistic 11

The average lifespan of a well-maintained bra is approximately 9-12 months, after which replacement is recommended

Statistic 12

65% of women report that they purchase bras based on appearance rather than comfort, leading to potential fitting issues

Statistic 13

The rise of online bra fitting services increased customer confidence in purchase decisions by 40%, a survey finds

Statistic 14

The most common band size among women worldwide is 34, followed by 36 and 32, according to various market studies

Statistic 15

About 15% of women who wear bras use sports bras regularly for high-impact activities, indicating increased awareness of proper support

Statistic 16

Approximately 25% of women report that they find it difficult to find properly fitting bras in stores, leading more to shop online

Statistic 17

The most common reason women switch bras is due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuation, about 45% of cases

Statistic 18

The popularity of seamless bras rose by 35% over five years, appreciated for comfort and invisibility under clothing

Statistic 19

60% of women prefer padded or push-up bras for enhanced cleavage, even when opting for comfort, according to consumer surveys

Statistic 20

The average woman’s bra size has increased by nearly two cup sizes over the past 20 years, reflecting changing body standards

Statistic 21

Women in urban areas are more likely to wear properly fitted bras than those in rural settings, due to better access to fitting services

Statistic 22

Modern lingerie stores report that younger women are more interested in sustainable and eco-friendly bra options, a rising trend

Statistic 23

Approximately 70% of women prefer wireless bras for everyday comfort, with this segment growing rapidly

Statistic 24

Women with smaller cup sizes (A-B) are more likely to purchase decorative bras, such as lace and embellished styles

Statistic 25

48% of women report that they have purchased a bra online after not having tried it in-store, citing convenience and selection

Statistic 26

65% of women prefer bras with a simple design for daily wear, but fashion-forward styles increase in popularity during festive seasons

Statistic 27

85% of women report discomfort with their poorly fitting bras

Statistic 28

In a survey, 60% of women admitted to wearing a bra that was too small or too large for comfort

Statistic 29

Approximately 40% of women wear the wrong cup size, most commonly wearing a cup that is too small

Statistic 30

55% of women feel that their bras do not fit properly, leading to discomfort and health issues

Statistic 31

Women with larger cup sizes are more likely to experience back and shoulder pain due to inadequate support

Statistic 32

Women report that better-fitting bras lead to improved posture and reduced back pain, contributing to overall health

Statistic 33

The average bra cup size in the United States has increased from 34B in the 1990s to 34DD in recent years

Statistic 34

The use of push-up bras increased by 25% over the past decade, especially among women aged 18-25

Statistic 35

Gender-specific clothing brands report higher sales of larger cup sizes, indicating increased demand for bigger bras

Statistic 36

Manufacturers increasingly offer extended size ranges, with some brands offering bras up to size 46Women and cup sizes up to K, highlighting inclusivity trends

Statistic 37

Market research indicates that 55% of women own at least one luxury or designer bra, reflecting increasing premiumization of lingerie

Statistic 38

The global women's lingerie market size was valued at USD 29.5 billion in 2020, with bras constituting a significant segment

Statistic 39

The average band size for women has increased by one inch over the last 30 years

Statistic 40

The worldwide market for bras is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of about 6%

Statistic 41

The popularity of bralettes has surged by 60% in the last five years, especially among younger women

Statistic 42

The UK has seen a 20% increase in the sale of larger cup size bras over the past decade, indicating shifting body sizes and preferences

Statistic 43

The sports bra market segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% through 2028, driven by increasing fitness consciousness among women

Statistic 44

The demand for plus-size bras increased by 15% annually over the past five years, indicating a trend toward inclusivity

Statistic 45

Breast prostheses users often require custom-fit bras, and the market for such products is projected to grow at 7% annually

Statistic 46

The average cost of a quality bra ranges between $30 and $70, depending on brand and features, with premium options exceeding $100

Slide 1 of 46

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 80% of women wear the wrong bra size
The average bra cup size in the United States has increased from 34B in the 1990s to 34DD in recent years
About 70% of women do not know their correct bra size
The global women's lingerie market size was valued at USD 29.5 billion in 2020, with bras constituting a significant segment
85% of women report discomfort with their poorly fitting bras
The average band size for women has increased by one inch over the last 30 years
Women with larger busts tend to spend more on bras, with an average annual spend of $50-$70
A study found that women with proper bra fitting and support report higher confidence levels
The worldwide market for bras is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of about 6%
75% of women experienced a significant change in their bra size after pregnancy or weight fluctuations
In a survey, 60% of women admitted to wearing a bra that was too small or too large for comfort
Approximately 40% of women wear the wrong cup size, most commonly wearing a cup that is too small
The average woman owns about 5-7 bras but typically only wears 2 regularly

Did you know that nearly 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, yet most remain unaware of the impact proper fitting can have on comfort, confidence, and health?

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

Approximately 80% of women wear the wrong bra size
About 70% of women do not know their correct bra size
Women with larger busts tend to spend more on bras, with an average annual spend of $50-$70
A study found that women with proper bra fitting and support report higher confidence levels
75% of women experienced a significant change in their bra size after pregnancy or weight fluctuations
The average woman owns about 5-7 bras but typically only wears 2 regularly
Women with a larger band size tend to prefer supportive bras with wider straps
The gender gap in bra fitting and shopping is notable, with many women preferring to fit themselves rather than seek professional help
The average age at which women realize they wear the wrong bra size is around 24 years old
Bras with underwire are worn by about 75% of women, although some prefer wire-free options for comfort
The average lifespan of a well-maintained bra is approximately 9-12 months, after which replacement is recommended
65% of women report that they purchase bras based on appearance rather than comfort, leading to potential fitting issues
The rise of online bra fitting services increased customer confidence in purchase decisions by 40%, a survey finds
The most common band size among women worldwide is 34, followed by 36 and 32, according to various market studies
About 15% of women who wear bras use sports bras regularly for high-impact activities, indicating increased awareness of proper support
Approximately 25% of women report that they find it difficult to find properly fitting bras in stores, leading more to shop online
The most common reason women switch bras is due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuation, about 45% of cases
The popularity of seamless bras rose by 35% over five years, appreciated for comfort and invisibility under clothing
60% of women prefer padded or push-up bras for enhanced cleavage, even when opting for comfort, according to consumer surveys
The average woman’s bra size has increased by nearly two cup sizes over the past 20 years, reflecting changing body standards
Women in urban areas are more likely to wear properly fitted bras than those in rural settings, due to better access to fitting services
Modern lingerie stores report that younger women are more interested in sustainable and eco-friendly bra options, a rising trend
Approximately 70% of women prefer wireless bras for everyday comfort, with this segment growing rapidly
Women with smaller cup sizes (A-B) are more likely to purchase decorative bras, such as lace and embellished styles
48% of women report that they have purchased a bra online after not having tried it in-store, citing convenience and selection
65% of women prefer bras with a simple design for daily wear, but fashion-forward styles increase in popularity during festive seasons

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

Despite approximately 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size—often unknowingly—many still prefer to fit themselves rather than seek professional advice, resulting in a significant gap between comfort, support, and style choices that mature around age 24 and evolve with body changes, while online fitting services and shifting fashion trends aim to bridge this ill-fitting divide.

Fit and Comfort Issues

85% of women report discomfort with their poorly fitting bras
In a survey, 60% of women admitted to wearing a bra that was too small or too large for comfort
Approximately 40% of women wear the wrong cup size, most commonly wearing a cup that is too small
55% of women feel that their bras do not fit properly, leading to discomfort and health issues
Women with larger cup sizes are more likely to experience back and shoulder pain due to inadequate support
Women report that better-fitting bras lead to improved posture and reduced back pain, contributing to overall health

Fit and Comfort Issues Interpretation

Despite the vast majority of women experiencing discomfort from ill-fitting bras—highlighting a significant health concern—only a fraction receive proper sizing, underscoring the urgent need for better education and support in achieving the perfect fit.

Market Segments and Demographics

The average bra cup size in the United States has increased from 34B in the 1990s to 34DD in recent years
The use of push-up bras increased by 25% over the past decade, especially among women aged 18-25
Gender-specific clothing brands report higher sales of larger cup sizes, indicating increased demand for bigger bras
Manufacturers increasingly offer extended size ranges, with some brands offering bras up to size 46Women and cup sizes up to K, highlighting inclusivity trends
Market research indicates that 55% of women own at least one luxury or designer bra, reflecting increasing premiumization of lingerie

Market Segments and Demographics Interpretation

The evolving bra size landscape, from the rise of from 34B to 34DD averages and the surge in push-up and larger cup designs, echoes a cultural shift toward greater body inclusivity, empowerment, and luxury, all while redefining what it means to feel confident and fashionable in one's own skin.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The global women's lingerie market size was valued at USD 29.5 billion in 2020, with bras constituting a significant segment
The average band size for women has increased by one inch over the last 30 years
The worldwide market for bras is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of about 6%
The popularity of bralettes has surged by 60% in the last five years, especially among younger women
The UK has seen a 20% increase in the sale of larger cup size bras over the past decade, indicating shifting body sizes and preferences
The sports bra market segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% through 2028, driven by increasing fitness consciousness among women
The demand for plus-size bras increased by 15% annually over the past five years, indicating a trend toward inclusivity
Breast prostheses users often require custom-fit bras, and the market for such products is projected to grow at 7% annually
The average cost of a quality bra ranges between $30 and $70, depending on brand and features, with premium options exceeding $100

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

As the global lingerie market approaches $45 billion by 2028—driven by evolving body sizes, rising fitness trends, and an inclusive shift toward plus-size and bralette preferences—it's clear that women are not only embracing comfort and diversity but also fueling a complex industry where size, style, and price are all adjusting to meet the new demands of modern femininity.