Size Guide

Australian to US Size Conversion: Complete 2026 Guide for Women and Men

Ordering from a US retailer and not sure what size to pick? This guide covers women's and men's clothing, shoes, and bras with side-by-side charts you can actually use.

Published December 6, 2025 • Updated April 10, 2026 • 15 min read

Quick answer: For women's clothing, subtract 4 from your Australian size to get your US size (AU 10 = US 6). Women's shoe sizes are identical in both countries (AU 8 = US 8). Men's shoes follow UK sizing, so add 1 for US (AU 9 = US 10). For bras, add 22 to the AU band number (AU 12 = US 34).

Quick Size Converter

Want instant conversions? Our free Size Converter Tool handles Australian, US, UK, and EU sizes for any clothing category.

The Simple Formula for Women's Clothing

The fastest way to convert Australian women's clothing sizes to US sizes: subtract 4 from your Australian size.

Why does this work? Australia adopted British sizing standards, which use numbers that run 4 higher than the American system. An AU 12 and a US 8 describe the same body measurements. The clothes are the same, the labels are just different.

Australian Size − 4 = US Size

Australian 8 → US 4

Australian 10 → US 6

Australian 12 → US 8

Australian 14 → US 10

Australian 16 → US 12

Heads up: This "minus 4" rule covers most ready-to-wear women's clothing: dresses, tops, skirts, blazers. Jeans often use waist measurements in inches instead of dress sizes, so scroll down to the jeans chart for those.

Women's Clothing Size Chart

Here is the full conversion table for women's clothing with US, UK, and EU equivalents. Bookmark this one if you shop across international brands.

AUUSUKEULetter
AU 4US 0UK 4EU 32XXS
AU 6US 2UK 6EU 34XS
AU 8US 4UK 8EU 36S
AU 10US 6UK 10EU 38M
AU 12US 8UK 12EU 40M/L
AU 14US 10UK 14EU 42L
AU 16US 12UK 16EU 44XL
AU 18US 14UK 18EU 46XXL
AU 20US 16UK 20EU 481X
AU 22US 18UK 22EU 502X
AU 24US 20UK 24EU 523X
AU 26US 22UK 26EU 544X

Women's Body Measurements by Size

Numbers on a tag mean less than actual body measurements. If a brand's sizing feels off, compare your measurements to their chart instead of relying on the number alone.

AU SizeBustWaistHips
AU 476 cm / 30"56 cm / 22"82 cm / 32"
AU 680 cm / 31.5"60 cm / 23.5"86 cm / 34"
AU 884 cm / 33"64 cm / 25"90 cm / 35.5"
AU 1088 cm / 34.5"68 cm / 27"94 cm / 37"
AU 1292 cm / 36"72 cm / 28.5"98 cm / 38.5"
AU 1497 cm / 38"77 cm / 30.5"103 cm / 40.5"
AU 16102 cm / 40"82 cm / 32.5"108 cm / 42.5"
AU 18107 cm / 42"87 cm / 34"113 cm / 44.5"
AU 20112 cm / 44"92 cm / 36"118 cm / 46.5"
AU 22117 cm / 46"97 cm / 38"123 cm / 48.5"

How to measure yourself

  • Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor
  • Waist: Find your natural waistline (the narrowest point of your torso, usually above the belly button) and measure around it
  • Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat

Not sure about your proportions? Our Body Shape Calculator can help you figure out your body type in about 30 seconds.

Men's Size Conversion

Most size guides skip men's clothing entirely, which is frustrating if you're an Australian guy ordering from an American brand. Here are the conversions across the main categories.

Men's Shirt Size Conversion

Australian men's shirts are sized by chest measurement in centimeters. US shirts use inches. The numbers look different but the actual sizes line up closely.

AU (Chest cm)USUKEU
AU 87US 34UK 34EU 44
AU 92US 36UK 36EU 46
AU 97US 38UK 38EU 48
AU 102US 40UK 40EU 50
AU 107US 42UK 42EU 52
AU 112US 44UK 44EU 54

Men's Pants Size Conversion

Good news here: Australian and US men's pants both use waist measurements in inches, and the numbers are very close. Most of the time your AU waist size is your US waist size.

AU WaistUS WaistEU
AU 28US 28EU 44
AU 30US 30EU 46
AU 32US 32EU 48
AU 34US 34EU 50
AU 36US 36EU 52
AU 38US 38EU 54

Men's Collar Size Conversion

Dress shirt collars are measured in centimeters in Australia and inches in the US. Here is the crossover:

AU Collar (cm)US Collar (inches)UK/EU
AU 37US 14.537
AU 38US 1538
AU 39US 15.539
AU 40US 1640
AU 41US 16.541
AU 42US 1742

Jeans Size Conversion: AU to US

Jeans use waist measurements in inches rather than dress sizes, which throws people off because the numbers don't match. An AU 10 dress is a US 6, but a "size 27" jean is a 27-inch waist in both countries.

AU Dress SizeUS Dress SizeWaist (inches)
AU 6US 2 / 2525"
AU 8US 4 / 2626"
AU 10US 6 / 2727"
AU 12US 8 / 2929"
AU 14US 10 / 3030"
AU 16US 12 / 3131"
AU 18US 14 / 3232"
Watch out for vanity sizing: American denim brands are notorious for labeling jeans smaller than their actual measurements. A pair labeled "size 28" might measure 29 or 30 inches at the waist. Levi's tends to run true; Old Navy and Gap run generous. Always check the brand's actual waist measurements when they are listed.

Women's Shoe Sizes: AU and US Are the Same

This is the one area where life is simple. Australian and US women's shoe sizes use the same scale. Your AU size is your US size. No math required.

UK shoe sizes, on the other hand, run about 2 sizes smaller. And EU sizes use a completely different numbering system. The table below shows how all four systems line up.

AU/US ShoeUK ShoeEU Shoe
5335-36
6436-37
7537-38
8638-39
9739-40
10840-41
11941-42
121042-43

Width matters too. If you have wide feet, look for shoes labeled W (wide) or WW (extra wide). Many Australian and US brands carry wide options, but you usually have to filter for them online.

Men's Shoe Sizes: AU to US

Men's shoes are where it gets tricky. Australian men's shoes follow the UK sizing system, which runs one full size smaller than the US system. So if you wear an AU 10, you need a US 11.

One thing to keep in mind: many sneaker brands sold in Australia already use US sizing on the box. Check the label before assuming you need to convert.

AU/UK Men'sUS Men'sEU
AU 7US 8EU 40
AU 8US 9EU 41
AU 9US 10EU 42
AU 10US 11EU 44
AU 11US 12EU 45
AU 12US 13EU 46
AU 13US 14EU 47

Bra Size Conversion: AU to US

Bra sizing between Australia and the US trips a lot of people up. The cup letters look familiar, but the band numbers are completely different. Australia uses small even numbers (8, 10, 12, 14). The US uses larger even numbers (30, 32, 34, 36).

The conversion is straightforward: add 22 to your AU band size to get the US band size.

AU Band + 22 = US Band

AU 8 → US 30

AU 10 → US 32

AU 12 → US 34

AU 14 → US 36

AU 16 → US 38

AU 18 → US 40

AU BandUS BandUK BandEU Band
AU 8US 30UK 30EU 65
AU 10US 32UK 32EU 70
AU 12US 34UK 34EU 75
AU 14US 36UK 36EU 80
AU 16US 38UK 38EU 85
AU 18US 40UK 40EU 90
AU 20US 42UK 42EU 95
Cup sizes: A through D cups are the same in AU, US, and UK. Above D, the systems diverge. AU and UK use DD, E, F, FF, G. The US system uses DD, DDD (or F), DDDD (or G). If you wear an AU 14E, you would order a US 36DDD.

Not sure about your bra size? Try our Bra Size Calculator for AU, US, UK, and EU conversions with sister size recommendations.

Brand-Specific Fit Notes

Converting your size is step one. Step two is knowing that brands don't all fit the same, even at the same number. Here is how some of the most popular international brands tend to run.

Zara

Runs small, especially around the shoulders. Consider going one size up from your converted size.

H&M

Tends to run small across most categories. Their "Curve" range fits more generously.

ASOS

Based in the UK, so they use UK sizing. Both AU and UK sizes match, which makes things easy.

Uniqlo

Japanese brand that tends to run small in fitted styles. Relaxed fits are more forgiving.

Mango

European sizing. Runs small overall. Consider one size up from your converted US size.

Target (US)

American Target uses vanity sizing. Sizes run bigger than the numbers suggest.

Old Navy

Generous vanity sizing. Often runs 1-2 sizes larger than standard measurements.

Levi's

Jeans run true to measured waist size. One of the more reliable brands for consistent sizing.

Gap

Generally true to size with a standard American fit. Slim cuts run about one size smaller.

J.Crew

True to size for most styles. Tailored and slim pieces may run slightly fitted.

UK and EU Size Comparison

Since you are working with Australian sizes already, it helps to know how UK and EU sizes fit into the picture.

UK Sizes

UK sizes and Australian sizes are the same. Both countries adopted British sizing standards, so there is no conversion needed. If a UK retailer says size 12, you wear size 12 in Australia.

Your AU size = Your UK size

EU Sizes

European sizes add 28 to the AU number. So an AU 10 is an EU 38. Another way to think about it: AU minus 4 gives US, then US plus 32 gives EU. Either way you get the same answer.

AU SizeEU Size
AU 6EU 34
AU 8EU 36
AU 10EU 38
AU 12EU 40
AU 14EU 42
AU 16EU 44
AU 18EU 46
AU 20EU 48

International Shopping Tips

Converting your size is only part of the equation. Here are a few things that will save you from a costly return.

1. Always check the brand's own size chart. The conversion formulas in this guide work for standard sizing, but individual brands can vary by a full size or more. Most online stores publish measurement charts; use them.

2. Measure yourself at home. Grab a soft measuring tape and take your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Compare those numbers directly to the brand's chart. This is more accurate than any size number.

3. Check the return policy before ordering. International returns can cost $15-30 AUD for shipping alone. Some stores offer free returns even for international orders. Others do not. Know before you buy.

4. Read reviews that mention fit. Phrases like "runs small" or "size up" in customer reviews are worth more than any conversion chart. Filter reviews by people with similar measurements to yours if the site allows it.

5. Order two sizes when possible. If the store offers free returns domestically (and you have a US forwarding address or friend), ordering two sizes and sending one back can be cheaper than a single wrong order.

Know Your Body Shape

Knowing your body shape makes international shopping easier because you will know which cuts and silhouettes suit you, regardless of sizing systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Australian size 10 in US sizes?

Australian size 10 equals US size 6. Subtract 4 from your Australian size to get your US size. This works for most women's clothing including dresses, tops, and skirts.

What is Australian size 12 in US sizes?

Australian size 12 equals US size 8. The formula is AU minus 4, so AU 12 minus 4 equals US 8. This conversion applies to standard women's ready-to-wear clothing.

Why are Australian sizes different from US sizes?

Australia adopted British sizing standards, which use higher numbers than the American system. Both systems describe the same body measurements with different labels. An AU 14 and a US 10 fit the same body, they just use different number scales.

Do all brands follow the same size conversion?

No. Brands vary due to vanity sizing, different target markets, and pattern-making choices. A US size 6 at Old Navy fits bigger than a US size 6 at Zara. Always check the brand's own measurement chart when you can.

Are Australian and UK sizes the same?

Yes. Australian and UK clothing sizes are identical because both countries adopted British sizing standards. Your AU size equals your UK size for all clothing categories. Shopping from UK retailers requires no conversion at all.

Are Australian and US women's shoe sizes the same?

Yes, for women. Australian and US women's shoe sizes use the same scale, so an AU women's 8 is a US women's 8. Men's shoes are different though. Australian men's shoes follow UK sizing, which runs one size smaller than US. An AU men's 9 equals a US men's 10.

How do I convert Australian bra sizes to US?

Add 22 to the AU band number to get the US band size. AU 10 equals US 32, AU 12 equals US 34, AU 14 equals US 36. Cup sizes A through D are the same in both systems. Above D, AU uses UK lettering (DD, E, F) while US uses DDD, DDDD.

Can I use my measurements to find my size internationally?

Yes. Body measurements in centimeters or inches work regardless of country. Measure your bust, waist, and hips, then compare to the brand's size chart. This is the most reliable method when shopping across different sizing systems.

What if I'm between sizes?

Consider the fabric and cut. Stretch materials like jersey or denim with elastane can work in the smaller size. Structured fabrics like cotton poplin or wool suiting usually need the larger size. When in doubt, size up and tailor down.

What size am I in US from Australia?

For women's clothing, subtract 4 from your AU size (AU 10 = US 6). For women's shoes, the sizes are identical (AU 8 = US 8). For bras, add 22 to the band (AU 12 = US 34). For men's shirts, AU and US sizes are similar. For men's shoes, add 1 to your AU size.

Instant Size Conversion

Use our Size Converter for instant conversions between AU, US, UK, and EU sizes across all clothing categories.

Size conversions in this guide follow the EN 13402 European clothing size standard. Brand-specific fit notes are based on manufacturer size guides and customer feedback.Learn about our methodology

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