Is there anything more uncomfortable than a bad-fitting bra? You may have the correct bust measurement, but somehow end up with a bra that’s either too big or too small. How is it that you’re a D-cup according to UK bra size standards but an E-cup in Japan?
Trying to understand bra size conversion charts can be confusing, and we know all about it.
So, let’s break it down together.
We’ll help you understand the international bra size conversion and how to use a bra size chart to track how your bra size changes in different countries.
It’s time to finally enjoy the comfort of a well-fitted bra and support your girlies the right way!
Understanding International Bra Size Conversions
Breast anatomy varies greatly among women. For example, some may have significantly uneven breasts compared to others. Unfortunately, one common international bra sizing standard doesn’t exist yet. However, there are general standards used by brands in different countries.
The common standards used are the US, UK, Europe (France and Italy have their own), Australia, and Japan measuring standards. Together, these standards form the international bra size conversion chart that many women use today.
As you know, all these international sizes generally mention the band size followed by the cup size. They use numbers for the band size and letters for the cup size. So, a 34E bra simply means the band size is 34 while the cup size is E. However, the numbers and letters don’t always mean the same thing, which is where the confusion begins.
Let’s start with the band size. In most European countries and Japan, the band size is measured in centimeters and grouped in divisions of 5 (i.e. 60, 65, 70, etc.), starting from 60 cm (but 75 cm in France). On the other hand, the US and UK standards use an even number system in inches to group the band size starting from 28, 30, 32, etc.
However, the Australian and Italian band sizes are the trickiest ones to grasp. While both use the metric system to measure the band size in centimeters, they use a different number system to group the varying band sizes. Australia uses an even number system that starts from 8 (i.e., 8, 10, 12, etc.).
In Italy, the band size is numbered using the 1,2,3 system, where 1 is equivalent to a US 32 band size going onwards. Take a look at our international band size conversion chart below to have a better idea of what we mean:
What’s even more complicated than the Italian and Australian band sizing systems is how cup sizes vary from one standard to the next. All these standards generally use Alphabet letters to denote the different cup sizes.
However, the formatting and meaning of these letters vary.
For example, in Japan, the cup size starts from A. This means Japan’s A-cup is an AA-cup in the US, UK, Australia and Europe. Similarly, a Japan B-cup is an A-cup according to the other standards.
But the most confusing cup size is the D-cup. According to US and Australian standards, there are cup sizes D, DD, and DDD, which are the same as cup sizes E, F, and G, respectively, in European countries.
Additionally, while other standards have cup sizes H to O, the UK has equivalent cup sizes FF, G, GG, and so on, until K.
To further understand these comparisons, take a look at our comprehensive international cup size conversion chart below:
How to Use Size Charts to Find the Right Bra Size
Now that we’re clear on how bra sizes differ in different countries, let’s look into how you can use the charts we’ve provided to make a precise conversion and find your bra size.
But first, if you need help taking bust measurements and calculating your current bra size, here is a detailed video that might help.
Back to breast sizing.
As we pointed out, we all have unique breasts. So, even with these general standard bra sizes, our bra sizes won’t always neatly match the exact number or letter. Imagine this scenario - you bought a 34C bra, but the band is too big. The logical solution would be to reduce the band size and get a 32C, right?
Wrong. Although the 32-band size would fit, the bra cup would feel smaller. This is where sister sizing comes into play.
Sister sizes are groups of bra-size equivalents paired together based on the cup volume (i.e., the amount of breast tissue a bra cup can hold). How do you get your correct sister sizes? Let’s use 2 scenarios to demonstrate this:
Scenario A: Either your cup size or band size fits, but the other doesn’t.
In this case, if your band size is too big, but the cup size fits, go down a band size and go up a cup size. The same applies if the cup size is too small but the band size fits. So, if your original bra was a 34C, the best sister size to get would be a 32D.
But if your band’s size is too small, but the bra cup fits, go up a band size but go down a cup size. Do the same thing if your cup’s size is too big, but the band’s size fits well. So that means for a 34C, for example, the next best sister size in this case is a 36A.
Scenario B: Both your band and bra cup don’t fit
If both your band and cup sizes don’t fit, reduce or increase your band’s size only.
This takes care of resizing both the bra cup and band.
For example, if the original size was 36D, then the next best sizes to get would be 34D or 38D, depending on whether the fit was too big or too small, respectively.
Key Points to Remember When Using a Conversion Chart
- First, find the correct sister size, then use a size conversion chart to find the equivalent size.
- The US and UK bands are measured in inches, while the European, Australian, and Japanese bands are in centimeters.
- When in doubt, trust the brand over a converter. Check the brand’s sizing guide or contact their support team.
Find the Right Asymmetrical Bra Size with Symmetrista!
It’s hard enough to find the perfect bra fitting for someone with relatively symmetrical breasts.
But it’s ten times harder to find the right bra size for asymmetrical breasts. The rule of thumb for those of us with uneven breasts is to go with the bigger breast cup size.
While that is somewhat more comfortable, the truth is your breasts don’t get the right support they need.
That’s why we recommend investing in asymmetrical bras over traditional bras. There are several asymmetrical bra styles you can choose from.
At Symmetrista, however, we combine two of the most important things you need in a bra—customized comfort and aesthetics. Aside from using premium material, our Signature Bra is designed to offer a custom bust fit for superior support. It also accentuates the shape of the breasts to enhance symmetry and a smooth silhouette.
You can enjoy the bliss of a perfectly fitting bra, too! Shop our Signature bra now and never look back.