Bra measurements & Conversion tables for all sizes
Written by Preformatex
Bra measurements: Understanding Equivalences Across Different Size Systems
When shopping for a bra or a bra cup, one of the most important aspects to understand is how different countries measure cup sizes. Bra sizing can vary between regions, and without knowing the correct size, finding the right fit can be a challenge. This article will help you navigate through the equivalences between the most common bra sizing systems: Europe (EU), Spain, France, Italy, and the UK/US. We’ll also explore the specific measurements in centimeters (CM) for EU sizes to provide clarity on how cup sizes and band sizes are determined.
Article reading time: 5min
How to correctly take Bra measurements?
Before diving into the comparisons, let’s break down how a bra size is determined:
- Band Size: The band size refers to the circumference of the ribcage just under the bust. This is measured in centimeters (or inches in some systems).
- Cup Size: The cup size refers to the difference between the band measurement (underbust) and the fullest part of the bust. The greater the difference, the larger the cup size.
Bra size chart:
In Europe, the sizing system uses centimeters for both the band and the cup. The band size corresponds to the underbust measurement (in cm), and the cup size is based on the difference between the bust measurement and the underbust.
For example:
- Band size: 70 (in EU) equals a measurement of 70 cm under the bust.
- Cup size: The cup size increases as the difference between the bust and underbust measurements increases by 2 cm increments.
Here’s a chart with the equivalences and sizes of each bra size in centimeters to European size.
| Band (under bust) | Cup (over bust) | EU Size |
|---|---|---|
| 65-70 cm | 79-81 cm | 65 B |
| 70-75 cm | 84-86 cm | 70 B |
| 75-80 cm | 89-91 cm | 75 B |
| 80-85 cm | 94-96 cm | 80 B |
| 85-90 cm | 99-101 cm | 85 B |
| 90-95 cm | 104-106 cm | 90 B |
| 95-100 cm | 109-111 cm | 95 B |
| 100-105 cm | 114-116 cm | 100 B |
| 105-110 cm | 119-121 cm | 105 B |
| 110-115 cm | 124-126 cm | 110 B |
Equivalences between measuring systems:
Same as before with Europe sizes, Spain and France use the same system for bra sizing, where:
- Band size is measured in centimeters (similar to the EU system).
- Cup size is represented by letters, starting from “A” for the smallest cup.
Here is a table with the equivalences between Spanish, French, American, British, Italian and European sizes of bras.
| 80B | 85B | 90B | 95B | 100B | 105B | 110B | 115B | 120B | 125B | 130B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain/France | 80B | 85B | 90B | 95B | 100B | 105B | 110B | 115B | 120B | 125B | 130B |
| Europe | 65B | 70B | 75B | 80B | 85B | 90B | 95B | 100B | 105B | 110B | 115B |
| UK/US | 30B | 32B | 34B | 36B | 38B | 40B | 42B | 44B | 46B | 48B | 50B |
| Italy | 0 | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X |
Size equivalent: Europe & Spain/France
In the EU, Spain, and France, the cup sizes follow a similar alphabetical progression:
- A is the smallest cup.
- B is a full A.
- C is a full B, and so on.
In the UK/US system, cup sizes also follow an alphabetical progression, but the band size is calculated differently. For example, a 30B in the UK/US is equivalent to a 70B in the EU/Spain/France system. A 32B in the UK/US corresponds to 75B in the EU.
In Italy, the system uses Roman numerals to represent cup sizes. For instance:
- I is the smallest cup (similar to A).
- II is the next size up (similar to B), and so on.
Conclusions
Understanding the different bra sizing systems can be confusing, but knowing the basic bra measurements, equivalences, and how they work, can make shopping for bras much easier. When buying bras online or in stores that use a different sizing system, always refer to a sizing chart for conversions, and consider measuring yourself for the most accurate fit. It’s important to note that each brand may vary slightly in their sizing, so trying the bra on or checking for specific brand guidelines is always a good idea.
With this guide, you now have a comprehensive overview of bra sizing systems in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and the UK/US, along with the relevant measurements in centimeters to help ensure the perfect fit!
If you are planning on buying bra cups for your own brand because you are a designer or lingerie company, we can help you choose the perfect bra cup size and model for your design. We ship world-wide and have over 300 models of bra cups that can be personalized to fit our clients needs.
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