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Bra Size Converter  - How To Get The Perfect Size Every Time

Bra Size Converter - What's my bra size - two words that can send shivers up your spine.  Indeed, it can be frustrating constantly trying to guess the perfect fit, and ending up with a bra that's either too small or too big and never feels quite right.

bra size converter

Disappointed?  Don't be, it's not your fault. Bra sizes are complicated and to add to the mix, not all bra sizing systems are the same.

It can be even more confusing if a brassiere that you’re interested in is from another country with a sizing system that’s completely different than what you’re familiar with.

Cup and band sizes can vary.  Some countries measure in inches, while others measure in centimeters, etc, etc. What's a person to do?

No worries - you've got this. Here, we share tips on determining bra size, and guidelines for converting tag size measurements to sizes that are easy to understand - no matter where your bras are from.

Did You Know?

U.S., Canadian and U.K. sizing is similar. These countries use the Imperial sizing system, which if you live in North America, you're probably most familiar with.

So, if you wear a C cup bra in the UK, you'll most likely wear a C cup in the United States and Canada, etc.

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Bra Size Converter Tip #1 - Measure Properly

bra fitting

It's almost impossible to get the size right if you’re working with inaccurate bra measurements. The best place to start is....at the beginning, with your measurements!

Find a quiet moment and take your time so you can focus on getting it right to ensure the best possible bra fit.

Work with a proper soft tape measure; keep it lying smooth across your skin, not pinching too tight, or hanging slack and loose.

Use a full-length mirror to make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the ground all the way around your body.

North American Guidelines

Size Bust Cup Waist Hips
Dress
X-Small 28-30 AA-A 20-22 32-34 4-6
Small 30-32 A-B 22-24 34-36 6-8
Medium 32-34 B-C 24-26 36-38 8-12
Large 34-36 C 26-28 38-40 12-14
X-Large 36-38 C-D 28-30 40-42 14-16
1X 38-40 C-D 30-34 42-44 16-18
2X 40-42 D-E 34-38 44-46 18-20
3X 42-44 D-E 38-42 46-50 20-22

Bra Size Converter Tip #2 - Know The Basics

While there are some subtle nuances to fitting a bra, here are the basic bra size converter rules.

  1. Measure your bra band size just below your bust, in inches.
  2. Add 4 to that number if it’s even, add 5 if it’s odd. For example, a 30” measurement would convert to a 34” bra band. A 33” measurement would correspond to a 38” band.
  3. After you’ve determined your band size, take your bust measurements, right around the fullest part of your breasts.
  4. Subtract your band measurement from your bust and see what number you get. If there is a 1” difference you’re an A cup. A 2” difference is a B cup, 3” is a C cup, and so on. If the difference in the two measurements is less than 1”, you’re a AA cup.
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Size Secrets

France and most European countries, on the other hand use the Metric system for sizing. For example, if your bra band size is a 36” (inches) in Canada, in France it is 95 cm (centimeters).

Italy uses a completely different system based on the Metric system. And, Australia uses a system based on dress sizes.

bra size converter

Bra Size Converter Tip #3 - Keep Your Ratio Intact

If you try a bra in your size and it’s not quite the right fit, try a sister size.  This means that you keep the same band-to-cup ratio, just up or down a size.

  • Add or subtract one band size and do the same with the cup size.
  • For example, if you’re a 36C normally, the sister sizes would be 34B or 38D.

You’ll have a better chance of success when trying a sister size in the same ratio than you would if you just increase or decrease one of the measurements, which can throw off your proportions.

bra fit

Bra Conversion Chart

USA
 Canada UK Europe
 France Italy Australia
30 30 30
32 32 32 70 85 1 10
34 34 34 75 90 2 12
36 36 36 80 95 3 14
38 38 38 85 100 4 16
40 40 40 90 105 5 18
42 42 42

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Bra Size Converter Tip #4 - Avoid The Pitfalls

The most common sizing problem? Wearing a bra that’s too small in the cups and too loose in the band.

Solution - if you experience this problem and are wearing a size 36C, you might try a 34D as a starting point for getting a better fit.

A bra band that fits snugly offers better support (yes, a fair bit of support comes from the band). And, a larger cup will also support the breasts and provide a smoother look while avoiding embarrassing side or top spillage.

Cup Conversion Chart

USA Canada UK France Europe Italy Australia
AA AA AA AA AA
A A A A A A A
B B B B B B or
nothing
 B
C C C C C C C
D D D D D D D
DD DD DD E E DD DD
DDD
or E
 DDD
or E
 E F F E
F F F F
G G G
GG GG GG
H H H
HH HH HH
J J J

Bra Size Converter Tip #5 - Be Aware Of Global Sizing

It’s fun to treat yourself to beautiful lingerie from different countries, and a way to enjoy new and fresh designs, but you can easily run into problems when trying to choose the right size.

Different countries use different standard sizing, so take the time to familiarize yourself with the sizing system of the intimate apparel that you're interested in.

Bras in the UK will fit differently than a French, Japanese or Australian bra.

Your best bet is to refer to an international bra size conversion chart or to simply get re-measured by a salesperson if you are traveling abroad.

bra size

Panty Size Conversion Chart

Panties
US &
Canada
 French
 European
XS 4 38 36
S 5 40 38
M 6 42 40
L 7 44 42
XL 8 46 44
XXL 9 48 46

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