When shopping for bras, it’s easy to get confused by the various sizing systems used around the world. Whether you’re buying a bra online or trying to find your perfect size while traveling, understanding how bra sizes convert between different countries can save you time and ensure a better fit. This guide will walk you through the key differences in bra sizing between the US, UK, EU, and other international systems, and provide you with a useful bra size conversion chart.
Understanding Bra Sizes
Bra sizes are typically made up of two components: a band size (the number) and a cup size (the letter). The band size represents the measurement around your rib cage, just under your bust, while the cup size indicates the volume of the breast. Different countries use different methods to calculate these measurements, and this leads to variations in sizing conventions.
The Different Bra Size Systems
- US Bra Sizes
- UK Bra Sizes
- EU Bra Sizes
- International Bra Sizes
1. US Bra Sizes
In the US, bra sizes are denoted by a number followed by a letter. The number represents the band size, and the letter represents the cup size. For example, a 34B means the band size is 34 inches and the cup size is B.
- Band Size: The band size is measured by taking a measurement just under the bust. In the US system, this number is typically even (e.g., 30, 32, 34, etc.). If you get an odd number, you may need to adjust it to the nearest even number.
- Cup Size: The cup size is calculated based on the difference between your bust measurement (measured at the fullest part of the bust) and your band measurement. Each inch difference corresponds to a letter, starting from A (the smallest) and going up to larger cup sizes like D, DD (or E), DDD (or F), and so on.
Example:
- 30A: Smallest band size with A cup
- 34B: Medium band size with B cup
- 36D: Larger band size with D cup
2. UK Bra Sizes
UK sizing is similar to US sizing but has a few key differences, particularly with the band sizes. In the UK, bra sizes also use a number for the band size and a letter for the cup size, but the band size differs slightly.
- Band Size: UK band sizes are generally a 4-inch difference from the underbust measurement. This means a 30-band size in the UK might correspond to a 32-band size in the US.
- Cup Size: The cup sizes in the UK are the same as in the US, where A is the smallest cup and the cup size increases with letters.
Example:
- 30A: In the UK, it’s still a 30-inch band and A cup.
- 34B: The same band size and cup size as in the US, but it’s considered a UK 34B.
However, one significant difference is that the UK tends to use a more limited range of band sizes compared to the US.
3. EU Bra Sizes
European (EU) bra sizes are based on centimeters, which means the band size is measured around your rib cage and converted to the nearest size in centimeters.
- Band Size: The EU band size is determined by measuring around your ribcage and adding 10-15 cm to the number. For example, if your underbust measurement is 70 cm, your band size in the EU will likely be 75. The band sizes in Europe are typically more consistent with actual measurements, unlike in the US or UK.
- Cup Size: EU cup sizes follow the same pattern as US cup sizes but are often labeled differently. Instead of A, B, C, D, etc., EU cup sizes start from A and follow the same pattern, but with an additional letter for larger cup sizes like E, F, G, and so on.
Example:
- 70A: Band size 70 cm with an A cup
- 80B: Band size 80 cm with a B cup
In this system, the cup sizes increase similarly to the US system, but the starting number is based on a different unit of measurement (centimeters).
4. International Bra Sizes
Different countries and regions have varying systems for measuring and labeling bra sizes, and they often differ from the US, UK, and EU systems. For instance:
- Australia: Australia’s bra sizing is similar to the UK system, so a 32B in the UK will be the same as a 32B in Australia.
- France/Belgium: In France and Belgium, bra sizes use the same system as the EU, but they have different notations for band size. A 90 band size in France is equivalent to an 80 band size in the EU.
- Japan: In Japan, sizing follows a different system, often based on the bust measurement in centimeters and converted into a corresponding number.
Read More: Common Bra Size Myths Debunked: What Every Woman Should Know
Bra Size Conversion Chart
Here is a handy bra size conversion chart to help you understand how to convert your bra size across US, UK, EU, and International systems.
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Australia Size | France/Belgium Size | Japan Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30A | 30A | 65A | 8A | 85A | 70A |
| 32A | 32A | 70A | 10A | 90A | 75A |
| 34A | 34A | 75A | 12A | 95A | 80A |
| 36A | 36A | 80A | 14A | 100A | 85A |
| 30B | 30B | 65B | 8B | 85B | 70B |
| 32B | 32B | 70B | 10B | 90B | 75B |
| 34B | 34B | 75B | 12B | 95B | 80B |
| 36B | 36B | 80B | 14B | 100B | 85B |
| 30C | 30C | 65C | 8C | 85C | 70C |
| 32C | 32C | 70C | 10C | 90C | 75C |
| 34C | 34C | 75C | 12C | 95C | 80C |
| 36C | 36C | 80C | 14C | 100C | 85C |
| 32D | 32D | 70D | 10D | 90D | 75D |
| 34D | 34D | 75D | 12D | 95D | 80D |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between US and UK bra sizes?
The key difference lies in the band size. In the UK, bra band sizes are often 4 inches smaller than their US counterparts. For example, a UK 34 would be equivalent to a US 36.
2. How do I measure my band size?
To measure your band size, use a measuring tape to measure around your rib cage just under your bust. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight. Round the measurement to the nearest whole number and, if necessary, add 4 or 5 inches to get your band size.
3. How do I find my cup size?
To determine your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch difference corresponds to a cup size. For example, a 1-inch difference is an A cup, a 2-inch difference is a B cup, and so on.
4. Why are EU and international sizes different from US sizes?
Different countries use different systems for measuring bra sizes. The EU and international systems are based on measurements in centimeters, while the US system uses inches. This leads to differences in band size and cup size conversions.
5. Can I use the same size across all countries?
No, because each country has its own sizing system. You will need to convert your size when shopping internationally or buying bras from overseas brands. A conversion chart like the one above can help.
6. Are cup sizes the same across different countries?
Cup sizes are labeled similarly across most countries, but the scale may differ slightly. For example, in the UK, a D cup may not be exactly the same volume as a D cup in the US. Always refer to a conversion chart when in doubt.
7. What if I can’t find my exact bra size in another country?
If you can’t find your exact size in a different country, try to adjust your measurements and go up or down one size (either band or cup) depending on the sizing system. For instance, you may need to choose a band size up and a cup size down if the conversion doesn’t fit perfectly.
Conclusion
Knowing how to convert your bra size between US, UK, EU, and international systems can be incredibly helpful when shopping for bras. With the right measurements and understanding of size conversions, you can shop confidently and find the perfect fit no matter where you are. Keep this guide and bra size conversion chart handy for your next bra shopping experience!
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