Shopping for bras from international retailers has never been easier, with Australian women having access to beautiful lingerie from brands around the world. However, navigating the different sizing systems can be confusing and frustrating. Understanding how Australian sizes compare to UK, US, and European measurements is essential for confident online shopping and avoiding costly returns.
The good news is that once you understand the relationships between different sizing systems, international bra shopping becomes straightforward. This comprehensive guide will demystify international sizing and give you the tools to shop with confidence from any retailer worldwide.
Understanding Australian Bra Sizing
Australian bra sizing uses a unique system that's shared with New Zealand. Band sizes are expressed in even numbers—8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and so on. These numbers don't directly correspond to measurements in centimetres or inches; rather, they're part of the broader Australian dress sizing system.
Cup sizes in Australia follow the same alphabetical progression used internationally: A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, and beyond. Each cup size represents approximately 2 centimetres (or roughly 1 inch) of difference between the bust and underbust measurements.
When you use our Australian bra size calculator, it determines your size using this Australian standard and automatically provides conversions for other international systems.
UK Bra Sizing: The Closest Match
British bra sizing is the most closely related to Australian sizing in terms of cup progression. Both systems use the same cup size letters, including the doubled letters (DD, FF, GG) that indicate larger cup sizes. This makes UK brands relatively easy to shop from for Australian women.
The main difference lies in the band sizing. UK bands are expressed in inches, typically ranging from 28 to 44. The conversion is relatively straightforward: an Australian 10 equals a UK 32, an Australian 12 equals a UK 34, and so on. Each two-size increment in Australian sizing equals a two-inch increment in UK sizing.
Because the cup sizing is identical, an Australian 14D is exactly equivalent to a UK 36D. This makes shopping from British brands like Freya, Panache, and Fantasie very accessible for Australian women.
US Bra Sizing: Watch the Cups
American bra sizing uses the same inch-based band measurements as the UK but differs significantly in cup sizing. While the bands convert the same way (AU 12 = US 34), cup sizes diverge after the D cup.
In the US system, after D comes DD, then DDD (or sometimes F), and the pattern continues without the doubled letters common in UK and Australian sizing. This means a UK or Australian DD is equivalent to a US DD, but a UK E is equivalent to a US DDD.
For women with cup sizes D and below, shopping from American brands is straightforward—the cup letters match. However, if you wear a larger cup, always check the brand's specific size chart, as naming conventions can vary between American manufacturers.
European Bra Sizing: A Different System Entirely
European sizing, used across France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other EU countries, operates on an entirely different system that many Australian women find confusing at first. Understanding this system opens up a vast array of European lingerie brands.
EU band sizes are expressed in centimetres, typically ranging from 70 to 110. However, these numbers don't represent actual underbust measurements—they're based on an older calculation method. To convert, an Australian 10 equals EU 75, an Australian 12 equals EU 80, and each Australian band size increases by 5 in the EU system.
EU cup sizes also differ. While they start with A and B like other systems, the progression after D varies by country. French/Spanish sizing typically uses D, E, F, G, while German sizing uses D, E, F, G but may also include double letters in some brands. Always consult the specific brand's size chart when shopping European lingerie.
Quick Reference Conversion Chart
For easy reference, here's how Australian band sizes convert across systems:
AU 8 = UK 28 = US 28 = EU 75
AU 10 = UK 30 = US 30 = EU 80
AU 12 = UK 32 = US 32 = EU 85
AU 14 = UK 34 = US 34 = EU 90
AU 16 = UK 36 = US 36 = EU 95
AU 18 = UK 38 = US 38 = EU 100
AU 20 = UK 40 = US 40 = EU 105
AU 22 = UK 42 = US 42 = EU 110
For cups A through D, the letters remain consistent across Australian, UK, and US sizing. Beyond D, remember that UK and Australian sizing continues with DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, while US sizing may use DDD, DDDD, or F, G depending on the brand.
Brand-Specific Sizing Variations
Even within the same country's sizing system, individual brands can fit differently. Just as clothing sizes vary between fashion labels, bra sizes can differ based on the brand's design philosophy, target market, and manufacturing standards.
For example, some brands are known for running small in the band, meaning you might need to size up from your calculated size. Others are generous in the cups, potentially requiring you to size down. Reading customer reviews and checking brand-specific size guides can help you anticipate these variations.
When trying a new international brand for the first time, consider ordering your calculated size along with a sister size as backup. This strategy is particularly useful when shopping from overseas retailers where returns may be complicated or expensive.
Tips for International Online Shopping
Before purchasing from an international retailer, take a few preparatory steps to maximise your chances of success. First, use our bra size calculator to confirm your current Australian size and view the international conversions.
Next, visit the specific retailer's website and locate their size guide. Compare their measurements and size chart against your own measurements and the converted size. Some retailers provide detailed instructions on how their sizing runs, noting if they tend to be larger or smaller than standard.
Check the return policy before purchasing. International returns can be expensive and time-consuming, so understanding your options upfront prevents disappointment. Many reputable international lingerie retailers offer free or low-cost returns to Australia.
Common International Bra Brands by Region
Knowing which sizing system your favourite brands use helps prevent confusion. UK brands include Panache, Freya, Fantasie, Curvy Kate, and Pour Moi. US brands include Wacoal, Natori, Calvin Klein, and ThirdLove. European brands include Simone Perele (France), Triumph (Germany), and Marie Jo (Belgium).
Many well-known brands sold in Australia, such as Berlei, Bonds, and Bras N Things, use Australian sizing. When in doubt, check the label or product description to determine which sizing system a brand employs.
Making International Sizing Work for You
Armed with an understanding of international sizing systems, you can confidently explore the world of lingerie beyond Australian borders. The key is always to start with accurate measurements—use our free Australian bra size calculator to determine your baseline size and view instant conversions for UK, US, and EU sizing.
Remember that sizing is a guide, not an absolute. Your calculated size provides an excellent starting point, but factors like breast shape, personal preference for fit, and brand variations all influence the final perfect fit. With practice, international bra shopping becomes second nature, opening up a world of beautiful styles and options.