Are DD and E the Same?
The claim in question is whether the bra size designation "DD" is equivalent to "E." This inquiry arises from the complexities of bra sizing, which can vary significantly between different brands and regions.
What We Know
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Bra Size Designations: In the United States, bra sizes typically follow a letter system where "D" is followed by "DD" and then "DDD" (or "F"). Some brands, such as Victoria's Secret, indicate that "DD" and "E" are often used interchangeably, with "E" being more common in international sizing systems 8.
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International Variations: The sizing conventions can differ globally. In many European countries, for instance, the size "E" is commonly used to represent what is known as "DD" in the U.S. 8. This suggests a direct correlation between the two, although it may not be universally accepted across all brands.
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Shoe Width Designations: The letters "D," "DD," "E," and "EE" also refer to shoe widths, where "D" is typically a medium width for men and a wide width for women, while "E" and "EE" denote wider options 35. This context is important as it highlights that the same letters can have different meanings in different contexts.
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Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): The abbreviation "D&E" refers to a medical procedure involving the dilation of the cervix and evacuation of the uterus, primarily used in abortion procedures or after miscarriages. This is unrelated to bra sizing but illustrates how acronyms can have multiple meanings 16.
Analysis
The claim that "DD" and "E" are the same can be substantiated by sources that indicate a correlation between the two in bra sizing. However, the reliability of these sources varies:
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Victoria's Secret: The information from Victoria's Secret is credible as it comes from a well-known lingerie retailer that specializes in women's undergarments. Their acknowledgment of the interchangeability of "DD" and "E" suggests a consensus in the industry, but it is important to note that this may not apply universally across all brands 8.
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Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry on bra sizing provides a general overview but may lack the specificity needed for definitive conclusions. Wikipedia is a useful starting point, but it is subject to edits and may not always reflect the most current or comprehensive information 2.
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Our Everyday Life and Hood MWR: These sources provide insights into shoe width designations, which, while informative, do not directly address the bra sizing claim. Their relevance is limited to the context of how letters can signify different measurements in various applications 35.
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Kaiser Permanente and The Bump: These sources focus on medical procedures and do not contribute to the understanding of bra sizes, indicating a need for more focused sources on the topic of lingerie sizing 46.
Overall, while there is evidence suggesting that "DD" and "E" can be considered equivalent in certain contexts, the variability in sizing across different brands and regions complicates the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: Mostly True
The assertion that "DD" and "E" are equivalent holds some validity, particularly in the context of bra sizing where certain brands, such as Victoria's Secret, acknowledge their interchangeability. Evidence indicates that in many international sizing systems, "E" corresponds to what is referred to as "DD" in the U.S. However, this equivalence is not universally accepted across all brands, which introduces variability and potential confusion.
It is important to recognize that while there is a consensus among some retailers, the lack of standardized sizing across different brands and regions means that this claim cannot be universally applied. Additionally, the sources consulted vary in reliability, with some providing more comprehensive insights than others.
Readers should remain aware of these limitations and critically evaluate information regarding bra sizing, as personal fit can differ significantly based on brand and individual body shape.
