Why International Bra Sizing Is a Mess
You found the perfect bra from a French brand. It says 90C. You're a US 34C, so that should work, right?
Nope. A French 90C is actually a US 34C — but only because France adds 15 to the band number AND uses a different cup progression. An EU 75C, on the other hand, maps to a US 34C too, but through a completely different calculation. And a UK 34C? That one actually IS the same as a US 34C... most of the time.
Confused yet? You're not alone. International sizing is genuinely one of the most frustrating parts of buying lingerie, especially when you're shopping online from brands across the globe. This guide will clear it all up.
The Master Conversion Table: Band Sizes
The band number is where most confusion starts. Here's how band sizes translate across the five major systems:
| US / UK Band | EU Band | FR Band | AU Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 60 | 75 | 6 |
| 30 | 65 | 80 | 8 |
| 32 | 70 | 85 | 10 |
| 34 | 75 | 90 | 12 |
| 36 | 80 | 95 | 14 |
| 38 | 85 | 100 | 16 |
| 40 | 90 | 105 | 18 |
| 42 | 95 | 110 | 20 |
| 44 | 100 | 115 | 22 |
How to remember it:
- EU = US band size in centimeters (roughly). A 34-inch band is about 75 cm.
- FR = EU + 15. Always. So EU 75 = FR 90.
- AU = Dress-size-style numbering. Just use the chart.
The Cup Size Confusion
Cup letters are where things get truly chaotic. US and UK cups match up to DD, then diverge dramatically.
| US Cup | UK Cup | EU Cup | FR Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA | AA | AA | AA |
| A | A | A | A |
| B | B | B | B |
| C | C | C | C |
| D | D | D | D |
| DD / E | DD | E | E |
| DDD / F | E | F | F |
| G | F | G | G |
| H | FF | H | H |
| I | G | I | I |
| J | GG | J | J |
| K | H | K | K |
The biggest trap: US DD = UK DD, but US DDD = UK E (NOT UK DDD, which doesn't exist). After DD, the two systems completely part ways.
Australian cup sizes generally follow the UK system, so if you're buying from an AU brand, use the UK cup column.
Full Size Conversion Examples
Let's walk through some real-world conversions:
| If You're US... | You're UK... | You're EU... | You're FR... | You're AU... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32B | 32B | 70B | 85B | 10B |
| 34C | 34C | 75C | 90C | 12C |
| 34DD | 34DD | 75E | 90E | 12DD |
| 36DDD | 36E | 80F | 95F | 14E |
| 38G | 38F | 85G | 100G | 16F |
| 32D | 32D | 70D | 85D | 10D |
Brand-Specific Quirks You Need to Know
This is where the charts fail you, because brands don't always follow their own country's system.
Brands That Use UK Sizing (Even If You Think They Don't)
- Freya — UK brand, UK sizing. Their "DD" is a real UK DD.
- Panache — Same. UK cups all the way.
- Fantasie — UK sizing even when sold on US websites.
- Curvy Kate — UK. Don't convert; just use their size chart.
Brands That Use EU Sizing
- Chantelle — French brand, but uses EU sizing (not FR!) on international tags.
- Simone Perele — Uses FR sizing on French tags but EU on international ones. Always check.
- Triumph — EU sizing worldwide.
- Marie Jo — Belgian brand, EU sizing.
Brands That Run Inconsistent
- Wacoal — Uses US sizing but tends to run small in the band. Consider sizing up.
- Calvin Klein — US sizing, but cups can run shallow. Go up a cup if you're projected.
- Victoria's Secret — US sizing with notoriously inconsistent fit across styles.
Common Conversion Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming EU 75C = US 75C
There is no US 75 anything. EU uses centimeters. If you see 75C on a European tag, that's a US 34C.
Mistake 2: Treating UK and US Cups as Identical Past DD
They match through DD, then diverge. A UK F cup is a US G cup. Get this wrong and you're off by a full cup size.
Mistake 3: Ignoring That FR Sizing Exists
French sizing adds 15cm to the EU band. An FR 95D is the same as an EU 80D, which is a US 36D. If you order an FR 80D thinking it's a 36 band, you'll get a 30 band. That's a painful mistake.
Mistake 4: Trusting Amazon Listings
Third-party sellers on Amazon frequently mix up US and UK sizes in their listings. Always cross-reference with the brand's own size chart.
Your Printable Quick-Reference
Save this simplified version for shopping:
Starting from US 34C:
- UK: 34C
- EU: 75C
- FR: 90C
- AU: 12C
Starting from US 36DD:
- UK: 36DD
- EU: 80E
- FR: 95E
- AU: 14DD
Starting from US 38DDD:
- UK: 38E
- EU: 85F
- FR: 100F
- AU: 16E
Pro Tips for International Shopping
- Always check the brand's own size chart — not a third-party conversion tool. Brands know their own fit better than anyone.
- Order from retailers with free international returns — ASOS, Bare Necessities, and HerRoom all have solid return policies.
- Read reviews from people in your size — They'll tell you if a brand runs big or small.
- Bookmark this chart — Seriously, save it. You'll need it every time you discover a gorgeous European brand on Instagram.
- When in doubt, email the brand — Most lingerie companies have fit specialists who will convert your size for free.
The world of lingerie is global now, and that's a beautiful thing. Don't let sizing confusion keep you from discovering incredible brands from Paris, London, Copenhagen, or Melbourne. With this chart in your back pocket, you can shop anywhere.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Every body is different — and your breast shape matters more than your size. Our free 8-step quiz considers your body shape, breast shape, style, and occasion to recommend lingerie that actually works for you.
Or explore our complete brand directory with 80+ curated brands.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Take our 60-second quiz and get personalized lingerie recommendations matched to your body, style, and budget.
Take the Quiz