Using This Conversion Chart Page
Conversion charts align equivalent band and cup labels across regional systems. Locate your known size in one column, read across for another region’s label, then verify with measurements—not every cell fits every body or brand. Pair this reference with our conversion calculator for interactive checks.
Many women report saving a personal conversion note for favorite overseas brands. Industry estimates often suggest that double-checking bust and underbust in centimeters resolves chart conflicts better than assuming letters transfer directly.
Band Conversion Overview
US bands (32, 34, 36…) relate to UK bands (32, 34, 36…) more closely than to EU centimeter bands (70, 75, 80…). Approximate relationships:
- US/UK 30 ≈ EU 65
- US/UK 32 ≈ EU 70
- US/UK 34 ≈ EU 75
- US/UK 36 ≈ EU 80
- US/UK 38 ≈ EU 85
- US/UK 40 ≈ EU 90
Round when your measurement sits between labels; try both if shopping online with free returns.
Cup Conversion Cautions
Cup letters are not one-to-one internationally. Map by bust-minus-band difference in each system’s rules, then find the letter on the target chart. US DD may map to UK DD or E depending on brand continuity. UK double-letter sequences (FF, GG) extend beyond US single/double progressions.
FR / ES / BE Sizing Note
French-style band numbers historically relate to bust cm in some tables, unlike EU underbust cm. Read the brand’s country of origin and chart header carefully to avoid mixing FR 90 with EU 90.
AU / NZ Notes
Many AU retailers follow UK-like labeling with local variations. Always open the retailer’s chart PDF when available.
Step-by-Step Conversion Workflow
- Identify the system of your best-fitting bra.
- Convert band using table or calculator.
- Convert cup using difference method, not letter copy-paste.
- Cross-check with fresh measurements.
- Order two adjacent sizes if unsure.
When Chart and Body Disagree
Charts assume standard grading. Athletic builds, long torsos, and full busts may need sister sizes after conversion. See sister sizes explained.
DD+ and Extended Cup Rows
Extended charts vary by publisher. If your cup falls beyond DDD/G, use brand-specific extended grids. Calculator tools handle many extended mappings automatically.
Measurement Verification Table Mindset
Think of charts as bilingual dictionaries—helpful, but context matters. A translated word still needs to fit the sentence. A translated bra size still needs to fit your torso.
Common Errors When Reading Conversion Charts
- Matching cup letter only
- Using dress size columns as bra size
- Ignoring half sizes between bands
- Mixing FR and EU columns
When to Remeasure Instead of Converting
- Reference bra is years old and stretched
- Body weight changed since reference fit
- Never had a good fit in the original system either
Brand Variance Disclaimer
Manufacturers tune charts for their demographic and elasticity. This page educates; purchase decisions should include try-on or generous return windows. Related: measurement chart, how to measure.
Keeping a Personal Conversion Cheat Sheet
Create a row for each brand you love: US size worn, UK equivalent that worked, EU label on tag, and notes like “runs tight in band.” Update after returns or exchanges. Over time your cheat sheet becomes more valuable than generic charts because it encodes real-world fit for your body.
Historical Label Changes
Some brands revise charts when expanding size ranges. An older 36F from the same label may not match a 2024 36F if grading changed—another reason to remeasure and verify with current published charts rather than assuming wardrobe history stays valid.
Using Conversion Charts at Retail Kiosks
In-store touchscreens sometimes show only one country’s labels. Use your precomputed US/UK/EU triple from measurements rather than relying on a kiosk that defaults to local sizing only. Staff may assist, but your written numbers travel across language barriers more reliably than verbal size guesses.
EU vs FR Column Headers
Always read the small print under band columns. A single misplaced assumption—treating FR 90 as EU 90—can skew both band and cup. When charts show multiple European columns, match the brand’s country of origin first.
Laminating a Wallet Card
Some travelers laminate a credit-card-sized conversion strip with their three computed sizes and emergency sister sizes. Cheap to make, useful in foreign department stores where Wi-Fi is spotty and staff may not speak your language fluently.
Color-Coding Your Notes
Highlight US rows in one color, UK in another, EU in a third on printed charts. Visual separation reduces grab-the-wrong-column mistakes when shopping tired or in a hurry.
Need a quick convert instead of scanning tables? Use the interactive bra size conversion tool to switch systems in one step.