International Bra Size Conversion: UK, US, and EU Systems Explained
Finding your usual bra size on an international website can be surprisingly confusing. A UK E cup may appear as DDD in a US range and F in an EU range, while the band number changes again. International bra size conversion becomes easier when you translate the band and cup separately—and treat the result as a starting point for checking the manufacturer’s chart.
What the number and letter mean
A bra size has two connected parts. The band number identifies the size of the band around your ribcage. The cup letter identifies the cup size relative to that band.
The letter alone does not describe a fixed volume. Within the same sizing system, a 30D has a smaller cup volume than a 38D. Always convert the complete size, including both the number and the letter.
UK and US band labels usually follow the same numerical sequence: 28, 30, 32, 34 and so on. EU labels typically use 60, 65, 70, 75 and upward. Cup lettering creates another difference, especially beyond D.
UK, US and EU bra size conversion charts
These tables show common retail label equivalents. They help translate an existing size; they do not calculate your size from body measurements or guarantee identical fit across brands.
Band size conversion
| UK band | US band | EU band |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28 | 60 |
| 30 | 30 | 65 |
| 32 | 32 | 70 |
| 34 | 34 | 75 |
| 36 | 36 | 80 |
| 38 | 38 | 85 |
| 40 | 40 | 90 |
| 42 | 42 | 95 |
| 44 | 44 | 100 |
Convert the label using the chart, rather than multiplying it by 2.54. Although 34 inches equals approximately 86 centimetres, a UK or US 34 band commonly converts to an EU 75 label.
Also check whether a European listing specifically uses EU sizing. French band labels follow a different convention: EU 75 commonly corresponds to French 90. “European brand” does not automatically mean “EU size label.”
Cup size conversion
Use this table alongside the band chart.
| UK cup | Common US cup label | Common EU cup label |
|---|---|---|
| A | A | A |
| B | B | B |
| C | C | C |
| D | D | D |
| DD | DD or E | E |
| E | DDD or F | F |
| F | G | G |
| FF | H | H |
| G | I | I |
| GG | J | J |
| H | K | K |
The US alternatives shown here depend on the manufacturer. A brand may use DD and DDD, another may use E and F, and some follow a different progression. Do not assume that every US E means DD or that every US F means DDD.
The common UK sequence runs D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H. Conventional EU lettering runs D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K. Consequently, a UK F and an EU F occupy different positions in their respective sequences.
Worked conversion examples
Start with a bra that fits comfortably and identify the sizing system printed beside its size.
UK 32E to US and EU
First convert the band: UK 32 corresponds to US 32 and EU 70.
Next convert the cup: UK E commonly corresponds to US DDD and EU F.
Your starting sizes are therefore US 32DDD—or 32F if the manufacturer explicitly uses F for that step—and EU 70F.
US 36H to UK and EU
Using the common US sequence in the table, the 36 band stays 36 in UK sizing and becomes 80 in EU sizing.
US H corresponds to UK FF and EU H. The starting equivalents are UK 36FF and EU 80H.
Check the original brand’s cup sequence before applying this conversion, because US lettering varies.
EU 85G to UK and US
EU 85 corresponds to a UK or US 38 band.
EU G commonly corresponds to UK F and US G. The starting equivalents are UK 38F and US 38G.
Keeping the G when switching to UK sizing would select a different cup step.
When the manufacturer’s chart takes priority
Consult the manufacturer’s size chart whenever you change brands, particularly above D, when a retailer does not identify its sizing system, or when the garment’s labels disagree with a general converter.
The measurement differences between international bra sizing systems also affect conversion. UK and US cup calculations commonly use one-inch steps, while conventional EU calculations use two-centimetre steps. Those increments differ, so matching letters by their position cannot guarantee matching dimensions, especially further along the cup range.
A manufacturer’s international conversion table and its measurement chart serve different purposes. The first translates labels; the second recommends a size from your measurements. They may produce different starting suggestions.
Before ordering:
- Identify the displayed system. The shop’s location or currency does not establish whether its size selector uses UK, US or EU labels.
- Check the exact product’s chart. Look for any instructions specific to that range or style.
- Follow its measuring method. Keep the tape level and use the units requested. Apply adjustments only when that chart instructs you to.
- Check the returns policy. Allow yourself a practical way to assess fit.
Conversion and sister sizing are different
Conversion translates a size between systems. Sister sizing changes the band while keeping approximately similar cup volume within one system.
For example, UK 34E has approximate sister sizes of UK 32F and UK 36DD. Moving down one band step means moving up one cup step; moving up a band means moving down a cup.
These sizes can help when the cup capacity feels suitable but the band needs adjustment. They are not interchangeable in every respect: band tension, wire placement and proportions can still change.
Check the fit after converting
A useful conversion should lead to a comfortable garment. The band should feel secure and sit level, the cups should contain breast tissue without cutting in, and underwires should rest around the breasts without pinching.
Different cuts can fit differently even when their labels match. If a converted size feels wrong, reassess both size and style. Keep a note of the brand, model and sizing system for bras that work well; that gives your next international purchase a more reliable starting point.