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You may typically encounter D to F bras if you have large breasts, as H cups can be difficult to find in some stores. This leads me to the question, what are H cups? For this guide, I’m going to define what H cups are and what this size means for bras.
Contents
What Are H Cups?
H cups have a size difference of eight inches between the bust and band, making this the largest of the standard bra sizes. The underbust can range from 24 to 42 inches, while the overbust may measure from 39 to 54 inches.

Shopping for bras that are large as H sized cups can be challenging at times. This is why it’s important that you know how big H cups are, including how much H cups weigh. From here, you can measure if you have this cup size and choose the right kind of bra to wear.
How Big Are H Cups?
H cups have an overbust measurement of eight inches larger than the underbust. Thus, if you measure 37 inches in the overbust and 29 inches in the underbust, this means you need to wear a 30H bra.
In U.S. sizing, full-bust typically starts from E, so H cups are pretty big. However, the final size of H cup bras still depends on the band size. For instance, a 46H bra is way bigger than a 34H because of the longer band measurement.
Even if you use an H cup, you can have a different underbust and overbust size than other women. The overbust is measured at the fullest part of your chest, whereas the underbust is the measurement from the middle of your chest to the spine’s center.
H Cup Underbust and Overbust Sizes
Size | Underbust | Overbust |
---|---|---|
30 | 24.4 – 26.3 inches | 39.3 – 40.2 inches |
32 | 26.4 – 28.3 inches | 40.3 – 41.1 inches |
34 | 28.4 – 30.3 inches | 42.2 – 43.1 inches |
36 | 30.4 – 32.3 inches | 44.2 – 45.1 inches |
38 | 32.4 – 34.3 inches | 46.2 – 47 inches |
40 | 34.4 – 36.2 inches | 48.1 – 49 inches |
42 | 36.3 – 38.2 inches | 50.1 – 51 inches |
44 | 38.3 – 40.2 inches | 52.1 – 53 inches |
46 | 40.3 – 42.1 inches | 54 – 54.9 inches |
How Much Do H Cups Weigh?
On average, H cups can weigh from 5. to 6 pounds for both breasts. However, as the band size increases, so does the weight of H-cup breasts. For example, a 28H cup may weigh 2.57 pounds each, whereas a 32H bra can weigh about 3.35 pounds each.

As a woman, you know how the weight of the breasts can affect the bra’s fit. Consequently, your comfort and level of support. In the course of your life, the weight of your H bra cups may change due to age, medical conditions, hormones, or weight fluctuations.
If your H cup size weighs five pounds, imagine 10 big apples stuck to your chest. This is why it’s essential that you find the best bra for H cups to support your bust, especially when doing high-impact activities.
How Will I Know if I Have H Cups?
To know if you have H cups, use a tape measure to take a loose measurement over the fullest section of the bust. You have H cups if the measurement between the bust and band is eight inches.
- The final size would still depend on the band size. For instance, if you have a petite frame with a full bust, you can have an H cup and a narrower band of 32 inches.
- You can still have a bigger bra with a 42-inch band yet with the same cup volume.
What Are the Best Bra Styles for H Cups?
Underwired, front-clasp, and t-shirt bras are among the best styles for H cups if support is your main concern.

- Plunge and balconette bras: Well-fitting plunge and balconette bras with H cups can distribute the weight of the breasts across your torso. This can prevent bras from causing pain to your shoulders and neck.
- Sports bra: If you usually do high-impact activities like hiking or working out, you need a sports bra with a high neckline to straight-up cover the bust. A stretchable band and convertible straps can also ensure the cups remain in place as you move.
- Full coverage bras: These bras fully cover the breasts and offer additional features such as wider straps, reinforced underwire, and a higher center gore for added support and comfort.
- Minimizer bras: They feature specialized construction, such as seamed cups, reinforced side panels, and wider straps, to provide support and compression. This helps to evenly distribute breast tissue and create a more streamlined silhouette under clothing.
- Push-up bras: Although push-up bras are commonly associated with smaller cup sizes, there are brands that offer them in larger cup sizes, with features like supportive underwire, cushioned straps, and strategic padding to provide lift and shaping.
Potential Health Problems Associated With H Cup Breast Size
Generally, H cups appear full in projection and volume compared to smaller cups like B or C. Due to this, women who wear H-cup bras are likely to suffer the following health concerns:
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
Women in the H cup breast size category can experience back, neck, and shoulder pain due to the additional weight and strain on these areas. The increased weight of larger breasts can cause postural imbalances and put added stress on the muscles and ligaments of the upper body.
Over time, this can lead to discomfort, pain, and even chronic conditions such as thoracic spine issues. Additionally, the distribution of weight and the natural curvature of the spine can be affected, potentially altering the body’s center of gravity and causing strain on the supporting structures.
You can alleviate such pain by wearing properly fitting and supportive bras that can help distribute the weight of the breasts more evenly. However, if the pain persists, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can provide further evaluation and treatment options.
Difficulty Carrying Out Physical Activities
The weight and size of larger breasts can impact your ability to engage in specific exercises or sports comfortably and efficiently.
This is because larger breasts tend to move more during physical activities, which can cause discomfort, bouncing, or even pain. This can interfere with running, jumping, or high-impact movements.
Investing in high-quality sports bras designed for larger cup sizes can help overcome this issue by providing superior support, compression, and reduced breast movement during physical activities.
Skin Irritation and Rashes
If you wear an H-cup bra, you are more prone to experiencing skin irritation and rashes due to constant rubbing between the breast tissue and the skin.
Additionally, larger breasts can create a warm and moist environment between the skin folds, making them more susceptible to sweat accumulation. Excess sweat and moisture can contribute to skin irritation and create an ideal fungal or bacterial growth environment.
Wearing a properly fitting bra that offers adequate support can help reduce friction and irritation. You can also look for bras made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking materials to help keep the skin dry.
H Cup Sister Sizes
Sister sizes are bra sizes with the same cup volume and band sizes. Knowing your H cup sister sizes can be helpful, especially if you have trouble finding your exact size or want to explore different options for a better fit.
For instance, the sister sizes of a 38H are 40G and 36I. If you are a 36H, your sister sizes are 38G or 34I. Generally, when you go up in band size, you must go down in cup size to maintain the same cup volume and vice versa.
Related Questions
What Does an H Cup Look Like?
An H cup looks like it has an extremely full, voluptuous bust. However, the volume and projection may depend on the band size. Bodies with narrower band measurements can make H cups even more projected.
What Is an H Cup Equivalent To?
An H cup is equivalent to G and I cups, depending on your actual size. For example, if you have a 36H bra size, you can size down to 34I or size up to 38G.
What Are Large Cup Bra Sizes?
E to H are among the standard large cup sizes. Having this size may come from natural causes or implants.
Conclusion
H cups are considered large sizes for bras, having an eight-inch difference between the band and the bust. When choosing bras with H cups, explore different styles and brands until you find the most well-fitting bra. With the right bra, you can guarantee lift and support without discomfort.