Ordering a garment from an Australian website and receiving a top two sizes too big is the classic scenario when one mentally transposes their French size without checking the actual correspondence. The sizing system in Australia is based on a numbering system similar to the British system, but with variations that differ by product type. Understanding these discrepancies before finalizing a cart avoids international return fees and weeks of waiting.
Why Australian sizes do not follow a single rule
One might think that it’s enough to add or subtract a fixed number to convert from an Australian size to a French size. In practice, the conversion varies by product category: women’s clothing, men’s clothing, shoes, and lingerie each follow their own grid.
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For women’s clothing, an AU size 8 generally corresponds to a French 36, an AU 10 to a 38, and so on by adding 28. For men, the difference is different: Australian tops and jackets often use letters (S, M, L) aligned with the British system, while trousers are measured in inches of waist circumference.
Shoes add a layer of complexity. Australian women’s shoe sizes are close to British sizes but offset from the European system. An AU 7 women’s size corresponds roughly to a European 38, while an AU 7 men’s size is closer to a 40.5. Here you can find a detailed guide on the Australia-France size conversion on 2moiselles Happy Lookeuses that distinguishes these categories with separate tables.
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Size conversion table for women’s clothing Australia-France
Rather than memorizing a formula, a table remains the most reliable tool. Here are the common equivalences for women’s clothing:
| Australia Size (AU) | France Size (FR) | Indicative Bust Measurement | Indicative Hip Measurement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 34 | 80 cm | 88 cm |
| 8 | 36 | 84 cm | 92 cm |
| 10 | 38 | 88 cm | 96 cm |
| 12 | 40 | 92 cm | 100 cm |
| 14 | 42 | 96 cm | 104 cm |
| 16 | 44 | 100 cm | 108 cm |
| 18 | 46 | 104 cm | 112 cm |
Converting by body measurements is safer than by the displayed number. Two Australian brands may fit differently for the same number. Taking your bust, waist, and hip measurements with a soft measuring tape, then comparing to the size guide of the retailer, significantly reduces the risk of error.
Australian shoe sizes in European sizes
Shoes pose a specific problem because AU to EU conversions do not always result in a whole number. Many brands offer half sizes, and recent tables present ranges rather than a fixed equivalence.
| AU Women’s Size | EU Size | AU Men’s Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 36 | 7 | 40 |
| 6 | 37 | 8 | 41 |
| 7 | 38 | 9 | 42.5 |
| 8 | 39 | 10 | 44 |
| 9 | 40 | 11 | 45 |
| 10 | 41 | 12 | 46 |
These correspondences vary from one brand to another. Measuring the length of your foot in centimeters and comparing it to the specific brand guide remains the most reliable method, especially for online purchases without the possibility of trying on.
Common pitfalls and reflexes to adopt before ordering
The first pitfall is confusing Australian sizes with British sizes. They are close, sometimes identical for men, but can diverge by half a size or a size for women depending on the brands. Never assume that AU and UK are interchangeable without checking the brand’s size chart.
The second pitfall concerns lingerie. Australian cup sizes and underbust measurements follow a system in inches inherited from the UK, while the French system uses centimeters. An Australian 10C does not correspond to a French 38C in the same way that a size 10 top corresponds to a 38.
Here are some concrete reflexes to adopt before finalizing an order on an Australian site:
- Take your measurements (bust, waist, hips, foot length) in centimeters with a soft measuring tape, without tightening
- Consult the specific size guide for the brand on the retailer’s site, not a generic table found elsewhere
- Check the return policy of the site: international returns from Australia often take several weeks and shipping costs may be the buyer’s responsibility
- Compare with a similar item already owned in French size, then look for the corresponding dimensions in centimeters in the AU table
Returns vary on this point depending on the brands: some Australian brands like those based in Melbourne offer free returns to Europe, while others do not. Reading the terms and conditions before purchase saves time and money.
Adapting your method according to the type of clothing purchased
For women’s tops and jackets, the bust measurement is the primary measurement. For trousers and skirts, the hip measurement takes precedence over the waist measurement in the Australian system, as cuts tend to be more fitted at the hips than in France.
For men’s clothing, the situation is simpler: most Australian brands use the S/M/L/XL system for tops, identical to the international system. Trousers are measured in inches of waist circumference, like in the United States or the United Kingdom. Converting inches to centimeters (multiply by 2.54) and then comparing to your usual French size works well.
For sports shoes, international brands sold in Australia (New Balance, Nike, Adidas) often display the AU, US, UK, and EU sizes on the box. Checking the EU size on the inner label of the shoe eliminates any risk of confusion.
The most effective reflex remains to rely on centimeters rather than numbering systems. Size numbers are conventions that change from country to country, but a bust measurement of 92 cm measures 92 cm everywhere in the world.