The Challenge
European and Asian bra sizing uses centimeters for the band measurement, while US and UK sizing uses inches with a different numbering system. A German size 80B is a US 36B. A French 90C is a US 40C. Add in the fact that cup sizing also differs between regions — a UK DD equals a US DD but a European E — and you have a genuine conversion problem that causes expensive returns. The band number in European sizing is the underbust measurement in centimeters, rounded to the nearest 5cm. In US/UK sizing, the band number is in inches, typically the underbust measurement plus 4 (if odd) or plus 4 (if even) — though modern 'true fit' brands skip this addition. A 75cm underbust = approximately 30 inches, mapping to a US/UK 34 band under traditional sizing or 30 under modern.
EU Bra Band Size to US/UK Inches Conversion
| EU Band (cm) | True Inches | US/UK Traditional | US/UK Modern Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 23.6 in | 28 | 26 |
| 65 | 25.6 in | 30 | 28 |
| 70 | 27.6 in | 32 | 30 |
| 75 | 29.5 in | 34 | 32 |
| 80 | 31.5 in | 36 | 34 |
| 85 | 33.5 in | 38 | 36 |
| 90 | 35.4 in | 40 | 38 |
| 95 | 37.4 in | 42 | 40 |
| 100 | 39.4 in | 44 | 42 |
| 105 | 41.3 in | 46 | 44 |
Cup Size Equivalency Across Regions
| EU / DE | US / CA | UK | FR / IT (cup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | A | A | A |
| B | B | B | B |
| C | C | C | C |
| D | D | D | D |
| E | DD | DD | E |
| F | DDD / F | E | F |
| G | G | F | G |
| H | H | FF | H |
| I | I | G | I |
| J | J | GG | J |
Full Size Conversion: Common EU Sizes to US
| EU Size | US Size (Traditional) | French Size | Italian Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70A | 32A | 85A | 1A |
| 70B | 32B | 85B | 1B |
| 75B | 34B | 90B | 2B |
| 75C | 34C | 90C | 2C |
| 80B | 36B | 95B | 3B |
| 80C | 36C | 95C | 3C |
| 80D | 36D | 95D | 3D |
| 80E | 36DD | 95E | 3E |
| 85C | 38C | 100C | 4C |
| 85D | 38D | 100D | 4D |
| 90C | 40C | 105C | 5C |
| 90D | 40D | 105D | 5D |
How to Measure Your Bra Size in cm and Convert to US
- Measure underbust in cm: wrap tape snugly under your bust, exhale, note the number — this is your EU band size rounded to nearest 5cm
- Measure overbust in cm: tape around the fullest point of your chest, relaxed posture
- Calculate cup size: subtract underbust from overbust. Each 2cm = one cup size. 12cm difference = EU C cup, 14cm = D cup
- Convert band to US: divide EU band by 2.54, add 4 for traditional sizing. EU 80 → 31.5in + 4 = 35.5 → US 36
- Combine band and cup: EU 80C with 12cm bust difference = US 36C
Sister Sizing: When Your Converted Size Doesn't Fit
If the band feels right but the cup is off after conversion, use sister sizing. Moving one band size up means going one cup letter down (same cup volume): 34D → 36C. Moving one band size down means going one cup letter up: 34D → 32E. This works because cup volume is relative to band size, not absolute.
Traditional vs Modern US Bra Sizing
Step-by-Step Workflow
Enter your EU band size in centimeters
Select traditional or modern fit sizing method
Read your US/UK band size and cup size equivalent
Specifications
- EU band to US band
- divide EU band by 2.54, add 0–4 inches depending on brand
- EU 70 band
- US/UK 32 (traditional) or 30 (modern fit)
- EU 75 band
- US/UK 34 (traditional) or 32 (modern fit)
- EU 80 band
- US/UK 36 (traditional) or 34 (modern fit)
- EU 85 band
- US/UK 38 (traditional) or 36 (modern fit)
- EU 90 band
- US/UK 40 (traditional) or 38 (modern fit)
- Cup size note
- EU E = UK/US DD; EU F = UK/US E
Best Practices
- Measure your underbust snugly in cm, then divide by 2.54 to get your true inch measurement before applying brand sizing
- Sister sizing: if a 34C is too tight in the band, try 36B — same cup volume, larger band
- French sizing adds 15 to the EU band: French 95B = EU 80B = US 36B
- Italian sizing matches French — Italian 3B = EU 80B = US 36B (different scale entirely)
- Always check the specific brand's size chart — Victoria's Secret, Wacoal, and Triumph all size differently
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert EU bra size to US size?
Divide the EU band number by 2.54 to get inches, then add 4 for traditional US sizing. EU 80 ÷ 2.54 = 31.5 inches + 4 = 35.5, rounded to 36 — so EU 80 = US 36. Cup letters are mostly the same between EU and US, except EU E = US DD, EU F = US E, EU G = US F.
What is EU size 75B in US sizing?
EU 75B = US 34B under traditional sizing. The band: 75 ÷ 2.54 = 29.5 inches + 4 = 33.5, rounds to 34. The cup: B is the same in both systems. Under modern/ABTF sizing that skips the +4 addition, EU 75 = US 32.
What is EU size 80C in US sizing?
EU 80C = US 36C. The band: 80 ÷ 2.54 = 31.5 + 4 = 35.5 ≈ 36. Cup C is identical. For reference: EU 80B = US 36B, EU 80D = US 36D, EU 80E = US 36DD.
Why does French bra sizing look so different?
French (and Italian) sizing adds 15 to the EU band number. French 90C = EU 75C = US 34C. The formula: subtract 15 from the French band to get EU band, then convert as normal. Cup letters follow the EU system in French sizing.
How do I measure my bra size in centimeters?
Use a soft tape measure. Underbust (band): measure directly under your bust, exhale fully, pull snug but not tight. Round to the nearest centimeter. Overbust (cup): measure around the fullest part of your chest, standing straight. Subtract underbust from overbust: each 2cm difference = one cup size in EU sizing (12cm difference = cup C in EU).
Is UK bra sizing the same as US?
Band numbers are the same — UK 36C = US 36C in band size. Cup sizes diverge above D: UK DD = US DD, but UK E = US DDD/F, UK F = US G. If you are a D cup or below, UK and US sizes are interchangeable. Above D, check the specific cup equivalency chart.