European Bust Size: Guide to Converting Fit

Finding your correct bra size in European sizing can feel overwhelming when you’re used to UK or US measurements. The good news is that the EU sizing system is actually more straightforward once you understand how it works, it’s based entirely on centimeters and follows a logical progression that makes calculations easier.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about European bust size: how to take accurate measurements, convert between international systems, read size charts, and troubleshoot common fit issues.

How to measure your European bust size chart

EU bra sizes are built from two simple measurements in centimeters: your underbust (where the bra band sits) and your overbust (the fullest part of your breasts). These two numbers determine both your band and cup size.

Here’s how to take accurate measurements:

1. Stand straight on a hard floor, wearing a thin, non padded bra or no bra if possible. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Use a soft tape measure marked in cm, not inches. Measure to the nearest 0.5 cm for accuracy.
3. Measure your underbust: Wrap the measuring tape directly under your breasts, keeping it level around your rib cage. The tape should fit snugly but not dig in, you should be able to slip one finger underneath. Example: 73 cm underbust → EU band 75.
4. Measure your overbust: Position the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level and relaxed (not tight). Don’t compress the breast tissue.
5. Write down both numbers, these form the basis for all European sizing and the conversion tables that follow.

 

European bra sizing basics (band and cup in cm)

European bra sizes combine a band number (65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, etc.) with a cup letter (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, etc.). Unlike UK sizes, the EU system does not use double letters, there’s no DD, FF, or GG in standard European sizes.

The band number corresponds directly to your underbust measurement in cm, rounded to the nearest 5:

Underbust range	EU band size
63–67 cm	65
68–72 cm	70
73–77 cm	75
78–82 cm	80
83–87 cm	85
88–92 cm	90
93–97 cm	95
98–102 cm	100

Cup size is determined by the difference between your bust measurement and underbust measurement, advancing in 2 cm steps:

Difference (bust – underbust)	EU cup
10–12 cm	A
12–14 cm	B
14–16 cm	C
16–18 cm	D
18–20 cm	E
20–22 cm	F
22–24 cm	G
24–26 cm	H

Worked examples:

• Underbust 74 cm, bust 90 cm → Band 75, difference 16 cm → 75D
• Underbust 82 cm, bust 98 cm → Band 80, difference 16 cm → 80D
• Underbust 68 cm, bust 86 cm → Band 70, difference 18 cm → 70E

This 2 cm progression per cup is one key difference from UK/US systems, which use approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) per cup. This means EU cups are slightly smaller at equivalent letters, especially in larger sizes.

European bust size conversion: EU vs France/Spain, Italy, UK & US

There is no single “European bust size” across the continent. Several national systems exist, and each requires conversion when shopping internationally.

French and Spanish sizing (FR/ES):

French and Spanish band size equals your EU band plus 15. The cup letter stays the same.

• EU 75B = FR/ES 90B
• EU 80D = FR/ES 95D
• EU 70C = FR/ES 85C

Italian sizing (IT):

Italy uses small integers for bands, derived from EU sizes. Cups use standard letters.

EU band	Italian band
65	0
70	1
75	2
80	3
85	4
90	5
95	6

Example: EU 75C = IT 2C; EU 85D = IT 4D

UK and US sizing:

UK and US systems use inches for bands (30, 32, 34, 36, etc.). Here’s the approximate mapping:

EU band	UK/US band
65	30
70	32
75	34
80	36
85	38
90	40

Important cup conversion note: UK sizes use double letters (DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H), while EU sizes use single letters (D, E, F, G, H, I, J). This means:

• EU D ≈ UK D
• EU E ≈ UK DD
• EU F ≈ UK E
• EU G ≈ UK F

Large cup conversions are only approximate because the systems diverge significantly. A woman wearing EU 75F might find her closest UK equivalent is 34E, but trying on multiple sizes is essential.

Quick reference example: EU 75C ≈ FR 90C ≈ UK 34C ≈ US 34C ≈ IT 2C

European bust size grids and calculators

Most European lingerie brands publish EU bra size grids and online calculators that take your underbust and bust measurements in cm and return a suggested size.

A typical EU bra size chart works as a two-axis grid:

• Horizontal axis: Underbust measurements in 5 cm steps (65, 70, 75, 80, etc.)
• Vertical axis: Bust measurements in 2 cm steps

Where your measurements intersect, you find your suggested size, for example, 75 underbust and 93 cm bust might point to 75D.

How to use a bra size calculator: See our guide on how to measure your bra size at home for step by step instructions.

• Enter your snug underbust measurement in cm
• Enter your relaxed bust measurement at the fullest part
• The calculator returns your primary EU size plus sister sizes (e.g., 75D with alternatives 70E and 80C, which share the same cup volume)
• Sister sizes are useful when your primary size isn’t available or when different brands run large or small

Limitations to keep in mind:

• Brand to brand variation is significant, one brand’s 75C may fit like another’s 75D
• Cup depth and wire width differ between styles, even within the same size
• Grids are a starting point, not an absolute rule
• Your breast shape affects fit as much as your measurements

Alpha sizes in Europe (XS–XXL vs numerical EU bust sizes)

Many European bralettes, sports bras, and crop tops use alpha sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) instead of precise band and cup size combinations. This can create confusion when you’re used to numerical EU sizing.

To choose an approximate alpha size from your EU bra size:

EU size range	Approximate alpha
65A–70A	XS
70A–75B	S
75C–80C	M
80D–85D	L
85E–90E	XL
90F and up	XXL

Important limitations:

• Each brand defines alpha sizes differently, always check the specific size chart
• Alpha sized bras rarely work well for very small backs with large cups (e.g., 65F or 70G)
• Women with larger bands and smaller cups (e.g., 95B) may also struggle with alpha sizing
• If you need significant support, numerical band and cup sizing almost always provides a better fit than XS–XXL
• Sports bras in alpha sizes often work better for low-impact activities; high impact support usually requires proper bra band sizes

Fitting tips specific to European bust sizes

Having the correct European size on the label does not guarantee a good fit. Breast shape, bra style, and brand cut matter as much as your band and cup measurements.

How the EU band should fit:

• Fasten on the loosest hook when the bra is new
• The band should sit level around your body, not ride up at the back
• You should be able to slide about two fingers under the band, no more, no less
• If wearing EU 75 and the band feels loose, try 70; if it’s too tight, try 80

Signs of wrong EU band size:

• Band riding up at the back → band is too big (try going from 80C to 75D)
• Deep red marks, difficulty breathing, or pain → band may be too tight or the wrong style for your shape
• Hooks straining or popping → try a larger band size

Cup fit checks:

• No gaping at the top of the bra cups when you lean forward or move
• No breast tissue spilling out at the sides, center, or top
• The underwire should follow your natural breast root—if it sits on breast tissue, try a larger cup
• If you’re in 75C but experience spillage, try 75D or 80C for same cup volume in a different configuration

For larger EU bust sizes (80E, 85F, and above):

• Look for wider straps that distribute weight better
• Choose firmer bands with multiple hooks for stability
• Full-coverage cups generally provide more support than balconettes or plunges
• Consider brands that specialize in larger sizes rather than brands that top out at D cup

Adjusting band and straps on EU sized bras

On a new EU bra, always start on the loosest hook. This gives you room to tighten the band over months as the elastic naturally relaxes with washing and wearing.

Remember that the band, not the straps, provides most of your support (about 80%). If your straps are digging into your shoulder and causing pain, the solution is often a smaller band size rather than tightening the straps further. For example, try moving from 80C to 75D.

Correct strap tension means:

• Straps shouldn’t fall off your shoulders during normal movement
• You should be able to slip one finger comfortably underneath
• Straps should help position the cups, not carry the weight of your breasts

Troubleshooting examples:

• Band rides up at EU 85C → try 80D (tighter band, same cup volume)
• Straps digging in and causing neck pain at 75E → try 70F or a bra with wider, padded straps
• Band feels fine but you’re constantly adjusting straps → the cup may be wrong (too large or too small)

Choosing the right EU bra shape for your bust

Within the same EU size, say, 75C, different cup shapes can fit completely differently depending on your breast shape. Finding the right style often matters more than finding the exact right size.

Common bust shapes and suitable EU bra styles:

• Full on top: Full cup bras and balconettes with stretch lace at the upper edge work well. Avoid low cut plunges that may cause spillage.
• Full on bottom: Plunge bras and demi cups often suit this shape. The bra’s center panel should sit flat against your sternum.
• Wide-set breasts: For wide-set breasts in EU 80D, a plunge or T-shirt bra with closer-set wires can help create a more centered silhouette.
• Close-set breasts: Look for bras with a narrow center gore. Very wide-set wires may sit on breast tissue uncomfortably.

Even with the correct EU bust size, changing the shape or style can solve problems like gaping, cutting-in, or spillage that purely resizing won’t fix.

International differences in bust measurement methods

While European countries mainly use underbust and overbust measurements in cm, measurement methods elsewhere can involve different tape positions and mathematical adjustments.

EU/International method:

• Measure underbust snugly in cm
• Round to nearest 5 for band size (e.g., 73 cm → 75)
• Measure bust at fullest part, relaxed
• Calculate cup from difference in 2 cm increments

UK/US traditional method:

• Some systems measure underbust tightly then add 4–5 inches for band size
• Others measure above the bust (around chest and underarms) for band sizing
• Cups are calculated in 1-inch increments

This difference in methodology explains why a woman might measure as EU 75 but US 34 even though the numbers don’t convert directly, the underlying measurement approach differs.

Key point: Always follow the sizing method recommended by the specific European brand you’re buying from. Different methods can shift you by a full band size, EU 75 versus EU 80, even with identical body measurements.

Common mistakes when choosing a European bust size

Studies across European countries and internationally suggest that the most common mistake is wearing too large a band and too small a cup. Up to 80% of women may be wearing incorrectly fitted bras without realizing it.

Typical sizing mistakes:

1. Choosing the wrong band/cup combo: Selecting EU 80B when 75C would fit better, the same person often needs to size down in band and up in cup.
2. Assuming all brands fit the same: One brand’s 75C may run larger or smaller than another’s. Always try on or check brand-specific reviews.
3. Ignoring breast shape: Focusing only on measurements while overlooking whether you’re full on top, full on bottom, or have a particular breast shape that affects how bra cups sit.
4. Converting UK or US sizes incorrectly: Simply changing a US 34DD to EU 75DD without recognizing that EU doesn’t use DD, the equivalent is closer to EU 75E.

Physical signs you’re in the wrong size:

• Band riding up in back (band too large)
• Breast tissue spilling out of cups or being “cut in” by the cup edge (cup too small)
• The bra’s center panel (gore) not tacking flat against your sternum (cup too small or wrong shape)
• Shoulder pain or neck pain from straps carrying too much weight (band too large)
• Red marks that persist long after removing the bra (band or cup too tight, or wrong style)

Recommendation: Remeasure at least once a year, and again after weight changes of 5 kg or more, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hormonal shifts. Your bust measurements in cm can change noticeably over time.

When to get a professional fitting for your EU bust size

A professional fitting in a European lingerie store can help refine your EU size beyond what at-home measuring achieves. This is especially true for complex fit situations.

What to look for in a fitter:

• They measure underbust and bust in cm (not inches)
• They suggest several EU sizes to try, not just one definitive size
• They bring multiple styles and shapes, not just one bra
• They explain why certain sizes or cuts work better for your shape

When professional fitting is especially valuable:

• Larger cup sizes (EU G and above) where fit becomes more technical
• Significant breast asymmetry requiring different solutions per side
• Post-surgery fitting, including after mastectomy or reduction
• If you’ve never found a well fitting bra despite trying many sizes
• Major life changes like pregnancy, nursing, or menopause

Even after a professional fitting, try multiple styles and wear each bra for 10–15 minutes before deciding. Walk around, sit down, raise your arms, a bra that feels perfect standing straight may not work in real-life movement.

The “right” European bust size is ultimately the one that supports you comfortably, lets you move freely, and feels invisible during your day. Whether that’s a perfect fit at 75D or an approximate fit at 80C with adjusted straps, trust your body over any number on a label.

Final note: Just as Mary Phelps Jacob revolutionized lingerie by inventing the modern bra in 1914, the way we think about sizing continues to evolve. Don’t get stuck on a single size, your properly fitted bra might be different sizes across different brands, and that’s completely normal.

Start with accurate measurements, understand the EU system’s 2 cm cup progression, and use the conversion tables when shopping across different countries. With this foundation, finding your correct bra size becomes a straightforward process rather than a frustrating guessing game.