How to Measure Australian Bra Sizes

As if bras aren't already difficult to size, different countries size bras differently. The U.S. and the U.K. are similar (both using letters for cup sizes and the imperial system to measure the length around). In other European countries, the cup size is also a letter, but the sizing is done in metric. Italy, however, does not follow this system. Australia uses a whole different system in itself, which is based on dress size. Studies have found that nearly 80 percent of all women are not wearing the right bra for them, but you don't have to be one of them. You can find a bra that is sized correctly and comfortably for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic underwire bra
• Soft measuring tape

1. Put on a well-fitted underwire bra. It should not be a padded or push-up bra, as this will skew your results. In the standing position, hold your back straight and your shoulders back. Do not breathe in heavily; hold your breath or push your chest out. You want to measure your bust in the relaxed position. If you find it difficult to measure yourself and keep this position, you may want to ask a friend to assist you.

2. Measure the area right below your breasts to determine band size. Wrap a soft measuring tape snugly around your rib cage, right below the breasts. Make sure it is not twisted, as it needs to be straight all the way around. Record the figure in inches or centimeters.

3. Measure your bust size, which will be used to determine your cup size. Wrap a soft measuring tape loosely around the fullest point of your bust, which is commonly the nipples. Just as in Step 2, check that the measuring tape is not twisted, and record the measurements in inches or centimeters.

4. Measure the area above your breast to determine bust size. Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage above your breasts and under your arms. This measurement is sometimes considered optional, but will be needed for the most accurate bra size. Just as in the previous steps, check for any twists and record the measurement in inches or centimeters.

5. Once you have these measurements, you can calculate your bra size for any country.
   
   The difference between bust size measured in Step 3 and the band size measured in Step 2 is the cup size. If the differences is: less than 1 inch, your cup size is AA; 1 inch, your cup size is A; 2 inches, your cup size is B; 3 inches, your cup size is C; 4 inches, your cup size is D; 5 inches, your cup size is DD; and so on.
   
   The band size determined in Step 2 must be converted into Australian sizes. If you measured 30 inches (or 65cm), you will wear an Australian size 8. If you measured 32 inches (or 70cm), you will wear an Australian size 10. Refer to chart below to continue the conversions:
   Au US UK Euro
   8 30 30 65
   10 32 32 70
   12 34 34 75
   14 36 36 80
   16 38 38 85
   18 40 40 90
   18 40 40 90
   20 42 42 95
   22 44 44 100
   24 46 46 105

Tips & Warnings

• It is generally a good idea to be measured by a professional and try on a bra you are considering purchasing to obtain an ideal fit. If you measured an odd number, it is often taken up to the next even number. For example, a 33 is often treated as a 34. If this feels too loose, try the next size down, such as a 32. The United States and United Kingdom use imperial measurements for bras, so bands are measured in inches. The remaining European countries (with the exception of Italy) use the metric system, so bands are measured in centimeters. Australia does not use either of these systems, but they are used to convert sizes. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters.
• There if often cup-size variance between manufacturers, especially in larger cup sizes. Wearing the wrong size bra is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause back, neck and/or shoulder pain as the result of bad posture.