Shopping for clothes online can be exciting—until you hit the size dilemma. Australian sizing differs from many international standards, making it tricky to find the perfect fit when shopping from overseas brands. Whether you're an Aussie shopper browsing international stores or a global customer eyeing Australian fashion, understanding these size conversions is essential.
Let’s break it down so you can shop with confidence, no matter where your favourite styles come from.
How Does Australian Sizing Compare to International Standards?
Australian clothing sizes generally align closely with UK sizes but can differ significantly from US, European, and Asian sizing. If you’ve ever ordered a dress or a pair of jeans online only to find they don’t fit as expected, you’re not alone. That’s why knowing the equivalencies is key.
The main difference lies in the numbers: while Australian and UK sizes are similar, US sizes are typically two sizes smaller. Meanwhile, European sizes follow a completely different numbering system based on measurements in centimeters.
For example:
- An Australian size 10 is equivalent to a UK size 10, but it’s a US size 6 and a European size 38.
- An Australian size 12 corresponds to a US size 8, a UK size 12, and a European size 40.
Now, let’s take a closer look at specific clothing categories.
Women’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart
To help simplify things, here’s a quick reference chart:
| AU Size | UK Size | US Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 34 |
| 8 | 8 | 4 | 36 |
| 10 | 10 | 6 | 38 |
| 12 | 12 | 8 | 40 |
| 14 | 14 | 10 | 42 |
| 16 | 16 | 12 | 44 |
| 18 | 18 | 14 | 46 |
🔹 Tip: If you’re shopping from a US store, remember to size down two sizes from your usual AU size.
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion
Shoe sizes are another tricky area, as Australian sizing tends to be one size larger than UK sizes and about 1.5 to 2 sizes smaller than US sizes.
| AU Size | UK Size | US Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 5.5 | 36 |
| 6 | 4 | 6.5 | 37 |
| 7 | 5 | 7.5 | 38 |
| 8 | 6 | 8.5 | 39 |
| 9 | 7 | 9.5 | 40 |
| 10 | 8 | 10.5 | 41 |
🔹 Tip: If you're buying European shoes, focus on the EU size, as it remains more consistent across brands.
Lingerie & Bra Size Conversions
Bras are particularly confusing because they combine band sizes and cup sizes, both of which can vary significantly from country to country.
In Australia and the UK, band sizes are measured in inches and are the same. However, US and European band sizes differ slightly, and cup sizing can also vary.
| AU/UK Size | US Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|
| 8A (30A) | 30A | 65A |
| 10B (32B) | 32B | 70B |
| 12C (34C) | 34C | 75C |
| 14D (36D) | 36D | 80D |
| 16DD (38DD) | 38DD | 85E |
🔹 Tip: If you’re buying from a European brand, focus on the band size in centimeters rather than inches for better accuracy.
How to Ensure the Perfect Fit When Shopping Online
Since sizing can vary between brands, here are a few tips to make sure you get the best fit:
- Check the brand’s size guide – Each brand may have slight variations, so always refer to their specific measurements.
- Take your own measurements – Use a measuring tape to check your bust, waist, and hip size before selecting a size.
- Look for customer reviews – Many online stores allow customers to share feedback on whether items run true to size, small, or large.
- Consider stretch fabrics – If you’re between sizes, a garment with some stretch can offer a more forgiving fit.
- Know the return policy – Just in case, always check if you can exchange or return an item if the size isn’t right.
Final Thoughts: Shop with Confidence
Understanding size conversions between Australia and the rest of the world doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By using this guide and checking size charts carefully, you can enjoy shopping online without the stress of wondering if your order will fit.
Whether you're updating your wardrobe with the latest Australian trends or shopping internationally for unique fashion finds, knowing your size in different regions will make all the difference.
Happy shopping! 🛍️✨