An Australian size 38 bra band corresponds to a UK/USA size 38, which is usually an Australian numerical size 16 in clothing, but in lingerie, the number refers to the underbust measurement in inches (approx. 90-95cm) and often pairs with a specific cup letter (e.g., 38B, 38C).
An Australian size 38 (AUS 38) typically corresponds to a European size 38 (EU 38) for clothing, which is often a women's size Small (S) or a men's size in the 38-inch waist, but for shoes, an AUS 38 is around a US 7-7.5 or EU 38, depending on the brand and whether it's men's or women's sizing.
A US size 14 generally corresponds to a European (EU) size 38, but it can sometimes be a 36 or even a 40 depending on the brand and country (UK 12-14, Australia 14), with measurements often around 38-40 inch bust and 30-32 inch waist for the large/size 14, so it's always best to check specific brand charts.
The cup and band charts below are approximations of how sizes usually convert across different systems. For example, a 12DD AUS is approximately the same as a 34DD US, a 34DD UK, and a 75E EU. See the bottom of the page for more information on the sizing in Cloth Habit bra patterns.
To find your Australian bra size, you need two measurements: your underbust (band size) and your overbust (cup size); measure tightly under your bust for the band (e.g., 72cm = size 12) and loosely around the fullest part of your bust for the overbust, then find the difference (e.g., 10cm difference = A cup, 12.5cm = B cup, 15cm = C cup, etc.). Use an online calculator or a size chart from Australian brands like Triumph, Berlei, or Bras N Things to match your measurements to an AU size like 10B, 12C, etc., remembering that band size provides the main support, not the cup.
By understanding that a 38B is equivalent to a 16B in Australian sizes, and knowing what to look for in terms of support, material, and style, you can easily shop for bras that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Australia/NZ
However it is often said that Australia sizes are a slightly larger fit than UK. So if you're a 12/14 in the UK you'll probably be a 12 in Australia. But, as I mentioned above, sizes are variable depending on the brand much like our own. A 12 in Glassons might not be the same as a 12 in Cotton On.
A 36C bra size in the US/UK is equivalent to a 14C in Australian (AU) sizing, using the band size 14 with the same C cup. This means you'll look for a size 14C when shopping in Australian stores, with the band size corresponding to the UK/US 36.
Australia, which is both a country and a continent, covers an area of about 7.69 million square kilometers (2.97 million square miles). Europe, on the other hand, covers an area of about 10.18 million square kilometers (3.93 million square miles) if you include the European part of Russia.
An EU size 38 generally converts to an Australian (AU) size 7 for women's shoes, while for men's shoes, it's often around an AU 4 or 5, but it's best to check specific brand charts as conversions can vary, especially for apparel where EU 38 might be an AU 10.
A 70kg woman usually falls into a Medium (M) to Large (L) dress size, depending heavily on height, body proportions (bust, waist, hips), and the specific brand's sizing, with some charts placing 70kg at the upper end of Medium and others at the lower end of Large. For example, some guides link 70kg with a Medium, while others connect it to a Large, so checking the brand's specific size chart with your measurements (bust, waist, hips) is crucial.
A UK size 12 in women's clothing is generally an Australian (AU) size 12, as UK and AU sizes often align for women's clothing, but for shoes, a UK 12 might be an AU 12 or slightly different depending on the brand; for men, UK and AU sizes are usually the same for clothing and shoes. Always check specific brand size charts for accuracy, as measurements (bust, waist) are key.
The average Australian woman wears size 16
Size up: Go one size up your actual band size & go a letter lower than your cup size. So, if you're a 36B, your sister size will be 38A. Here's a bra sister size chart to help you slip into the perfect one!
To measure your Australian bra size, find your underbust band size by measuring snugly around your ribcage (in cm) and your bust cup size by measuring loosely around the fullest part of your breasts (also in cm); then, subtract the band from the bust measurement, where a 12-13 cm difference is an A, 14-15 cm a B, 16-17 cm a C, 18-19 cm a D, and so on, using standard AU band sizes (like 10, 12, 14) and converting the difference to a letter cup size.
It's not unusual to go up or down a whole cup size during normal breast development. Then, as you get older, you may notice that there is a wider space between your breasts and that the breast themselves have shrunk in size.
The "two-finger rule" for bra fitting is a quick test to check if your bra band is the right tightness: you should be able to comfortably slide two fingers (stacked or side-by-side) under the band at the back, but not much more, indicating it's snug enough for support without being too tight or riding up; the band should feel supportive and stay level, with straps only providing slight lift, not carrying most of the weight.
A 38 Bra Size is a bra with a 38-inch measurement. The letter that follows the number indicates the cup size. For example, a 38B bra has a 38-inch underbust measurement and a B cup. The number in a bra size indicates the band size, which is the measurement around the rib cage.
To calculate your bra size, first measure your underbust (band size) snugly and your overbust (fullest part of your bust) loosely with a soft tape measure, then subtract the band from the bust measurement to find your cup size (each inch difference equals a cup letter: 1=A, 2=B, 3=C, etc.), adding inches to your underbust measurement to find your band number (e.g., 30 + 4 = 34 band).