Shopping for bras internationally can quickly become confusing when you realize that bra sizes are not the same in every country. A size that fits perfectly in the United States may be labeled completely differently in the United Kingdom, Europe, or Australia. This is why understanding bra size conversion is essential, especially if you shop online from global brands.
Whether you’re ordering lingerie from an overseas retailer or trying to understand a foreign size label, learning how international sizing works can help you avoid buying the wrong fit. In this guide, we’ll explain how UK to US bra size conversions work, provide an easy-to-read international bra chart, and help you shop confidently no matter where your bra comes from.
Bra sizing systems vary because different countries developed their own measurement standards over time. While the general idea of combining a band number and cup letter is common, the exact sizing method differs depending on the region.
The most common bra sizing systems are:
Even when the cup letters appear similar, the measurements behind them may vary slightly.
Before diving into bra size conversion, it helps to understand what a bra size includes:
Some regions calculate these measurements differently, which is why direct conversion isn’t always perfectly straightforward.
Below is a simplified international bra chart showing common size conversions between the US, UK, EU, and AU systems:
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | AU Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32A | 32A | 70A | 10A |
| 32B | 32B | 70B | 10B |
| 34C | 34C | 75C | 12C |
| 36D | 36D | 80D | 14D |
| 38DD | 38DD | 85E | 16DD |
This chart can serve as a quick reference when comparing international sizes.
For smaller cup sizes, UK to US bra size conversion is often identical. However, once you move beyond D cups, the sizing starts to differ significantly.
For example:
This difference happens because UK sizing uses double-letter increments like:
Meanwhile, many US brands continue with single-letter progressions after DDD/F.
European bra sizes often use a completely different numbering system for the band size. Instead of 32, 34, or 36, EU sizing uses numbers like:
For example:
European cup lettering is also slightly different after certain sizes, so always double-check the retailer’s size guide.
Australian sizing uses dress-style band numbers instead of standard US/UK band numbers. For example:
The cup lettering often stays relatively similar, but brand variations can still occur.
While an international bra chart is helpful, sizing can still vary between brands. That’s because:
This means conversion charts should be used as a starting point—not an absolute guarantee.
If you shop from international brands, keep these tips in mind:
These steps can help reduce sizing mistakes when ordering from overseas.
The most important step before using any bra size conversion guide is knowing your correct measurements first. If your base size is inaccurate, then your converted size will also be inaccurate.
If you’re unsure of your measurements, use our Bra Size Calculator to find your accurate size before converting it into other international sizing systems.
Understanding bra size conversion can save you time, money, and frustration when shopping for bras internationally. Whether you’re converting a UK to US bra size or comparing European and Australian sizing, having access to a reliable international bra chart makes the process much easier.
Keep in mind that while conversion charts provide a great starting point, every brand fits a little differently. The best approach is to know your measurements, understand the sizing system, and use brand-specific guides whenever possible.
With the right knowledge, shopping for bras from anywhere in the world becomes far less confusing—and much more successful.