AU to US Plus Size Converter 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Shop American fashion with confidence! Australian sizes are 2 larger than US — your complete AU to US conversion chart, calculator, and fit guide.
Shopping from Australia to the US means navigating the same sizing gap that UK shoppers face — but with the advantage of a favorable exchange rate and access to the world's largest plus size market. Australian sizes are exactly 2 sizes larger than US sizes — an AU 22 equals a US 18, and an AU 26 equals a US 22. This simple -2 rule is the foundation, but US retailers offer a wider size range, different fit characteristics, and seasonal timing that Australian shoppers can leverage. This comprehensive guide provides the definitive AU to US conversion chart, an interactive calculator, and everything you need to shop American plus size fashion with confidence.
Select your AU or US size, choose the conversion direction, and instantly see your equivalent. Also displays UK and EU sizes for complete international clarity.
AU to US Plus Size Conversion Chart
Below is the complete AU to US plus size conversion chart covering AU sizes 16 through 38. Australian sizes run exactly 2 sizes larger than US sizes — the same relationship as UK sizing. The highlighted row marks the pivotal AU 22 / US 18 crossover — the most commonly referenced conversion for trans-Pacific plus size shopping.
| 🇦🇺 AU Size | 🇺🇸 US Size | 🇬🇧 UK Size | 🇪🇺 EU Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 12 | 16 | 44 | 99-102 | 79-82 | 104-107 |
| 18 | 14 | 18 | 46 | 104-107 | 84-87 | 109-112 |
| 20 | 16 | 20 | 48 | 109-112 | 89-92 | 114-117 |
| 22 | 18 | 22 | 48-50 | 114-117 | 94-97 | 119-122 |
| 24 | 20 | 24 | 50-52 | 119-122 | 99-102 | 124-127 |
| 26 | 22 | 26 | 52-54 | 124-127 | 104-107 | 129-132 |
| 28 | 24 | 28 | 54-56 | 129-132 | 109-112 | 134-137 |
| 30 | 26 | 30 | 56-58 | 134-137 | 114-117 | 139-142 |
| 32 | 28 | 32 | 58-60 | 139-142 | 119-122 | 144-147 |
| 34 | 30 | 34 | 60-62 | 144-147 | 124-127 | 149-152 |
| 36 | 32 | 36 | 62-64 | 149-152 | 129-132 | 154-157 |
| 38 | 34 | 38 | 64-66 | 154-157 | 134-137 | 159-162 |
AU to US: Subtract 2 from your AU size. US to AU: Add 2 to your US size. Example: AU 26 — 2 = US 22. US 18 + 2 = AU 22. This simple rule works across the entire size spectrum. Australian and UK sizing are identical, so this is the same -2 rule that UK shoppers use.
Australian and US sizing systems follow the same relationship as UK and US sizing. An Australian size is exactly 2 sizes larger than the equivalent US size. This means if you wear an AU 24, you need a US 20 when shopping at American retailers. The rule is identical because Australian sizing is numerically identical to UK sizing.
Why does this matter for Australian plus size shoppers? Because the US market is significantly larger than the Australian market, offering a wider size range (through US 34+ / AU 38+), more brand options, and often lower prices even after currency conversion and shipping. Understanding that your AU 26 is a US 22 — not a smaller size, just a different label — is the key to accessing this market.
"Your AU 26 body wears a US 22. The number on the American tag looks smaller, but the garment measurements are the same. Your size hasn't changed — just the label."
While the -2 rule provides the numerical conversion, US and Australian retailers have distinct fit characteristics. US brands vary significantly by category — some run generous, others run small. Australian brands tend to be more consistent but offer a narrower size range. Here's what to expect.
Pro tip: Australian shoppers will find that US plus size retailers offer a significantly wider size range than Australian brands, particularly above AU 28-30 (US 26-28). The US plus size market is the largest in the world, which means more options, more price points, and more style diversity. For detailed comparisons, explore our plus size brand reviews.
US size charts typically use inches, while Australian charts use centimeters. You'll need to convert between the two systems. Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters, or divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches.
- ✓ Convert cm to inches: Divide your cm measurement by 2.54. Example: 112 cm bust ÷ 2.54 = 44 inches. Many US retailers now include dual measurements, but always verify which system the chart uses.
- ✓ Bust: US specialty plus size brands cut generously through the bust. If you're between US sizes after the -2 conversion, the smaller US size may work for bust-friendly brands.
- ✓ Waist: US brands expect a slightly lower waist position than Australian brands. Measure at both your natural waist and where your jeans typically sit.
- ✓ Hip: US brands may cut narrower through the hip than Australian brands at the equivalent size. If you carry weight in your lower body, consider sizing up from the -2 conversion.
Create a "US Shopping Card" with your measurements in both centimeters and inches, plus your AU, US, UK, and EU sizes. The US market is the largest in the world — having all your international sizes ready opens up thousands more plus size options than the Australian market alone can offer.
Australia and the US are in opposite hemispheres — which means the seasons are reversed. This is a massive strategic advantage for Australian plus size shoppers that most people overlook.
- ☀️ Shop US summer during Australian winter (June-August): While Australia is cold, US retailers are launching swimwear, sundresses, and resort collections. You can preview and purchase summer styles six months ahead of the Australian season.
- ❄️ Shop US winter during Australian summer (December-February): Access coats, knitwear, and cold-weather accessories while Australia swelters. US winter clearance in January-February offers incredible deals for Australian shoppers building a winter wardrobe.
- 💰 End-of-season sales are offset by 6 months: US summer clearance (August-September) aligns with Australian spring. US winter clearance (January-February) hits during peak Australian summer — perfect timing for bargain hunting.
Shopping from the US is relatively straightforward for Australian customers, but there are traps that can catch out even experienced international shoppers.
- ⚠ Forgetting that US sizes are 2 smaller. The #1 mistake: ordering a US size thinking it matches your AU size. A US 22 is an AU 26 — if you order a US 22 thinking it matches your AU 22, you'll receive a garment two sizes too large. Always apply the -2 rule.
- ⚠ Not accounting for currency conversion. US prices are in USD. The exchange rate fluctuates: 1 USD ≈ 1.50-1.60 AUD. A US$100 dress is approximately AU$150-160. Always check the current rate before ordering.
- ⚠ Underestimating shipping time. Standard shipping from the US to Australia takes 10-21 business days. Express reduces this to 5-10 days. Factor delivery time into seasonal shopping — order winter pieces in October-November for June-August delivery.
- ⚠ Assuming all US retailers ship to Australia. Some US plus size boutiques only ship domestically. Major US plus size brands generally ship internationally. Always check the shipping policy before building a cart.
Returning items to US retailers from Australia involves international shipping and potentially long processing times. Understanding the landscape before ordering is essential.
Major US retailers: Large US plus size brands generally offer international returns, but return shipping from Australia to the US typically costs AU$30-50 and takes 2-4 weeks. Refunds are processed in USD, so the credited amount may vary with exchange rate fluctuations. Most retailers require items returned within 30 days of delivery with tags attached.
US premium and boutique brands: Smaller US labels may have more restrictive policies — shorter return windows, store-credit-only refunds, or final sale on international orders. Always read the return policy before purchasing. For detailed breakdowns by retailer, visit our international returns guide.
Scenario 1: The US Premium Blazer. You're an AU 24 and find a structured blazer from a US premium plus size brand. According to the chart, AU 24 = US 20. US premium brands tend to run slightly small, especially in woven fabrics. The blazer is 100% cotton with no stretch — size up to US 22. The US 22 measurements (bust 49-50", waist 41-42") give you comfortable ease over your AU 24 body.
Scenario 2: The US Swimwear Set. It's January in Australia — peak summer — but you're shopping US winter clearance sales. You're an AU 22 and find a swimsuit at 60% off. AU 22 = US 18. US swimwear brands often use stretch fabrics with high elastane content. The US 18 should fit comfortably. At clearance prices plus the favorable USD-AUD exchange rate, you're getting premium swimwear at a fraction of Australian retail prices.
Yes. An AU 22 is equivalent to a US 18. Australian sizes run exactly 2 sizes larger than US sizes — the same relationship as UK sizing. If you accidentally order a US 22 thinking it matches your AU 22, you'll receive a garment two sizes too large. Always subtract 2 from your AU size when converting to US.
Australian sizing follows the UK system, which evolved from British colonial standards. The United States developed its own sizing system independently, which diverged from the British standard. This is why US sizes run 2 sizes smaller than AU/UK sizes. The difference is purely historical — garment measurements for equivalent sizes are essentially identical once you account for the label difference.
No — shoe conversion is completely separate from clothing. US women's shoes are typically 2 sizes larger than Australian women's shoes (AU 7 = US 9). This is the opposite direction of clothing conversion. Several US plus size retailers offer wide-fit and extended-size shoe options. Always check the specific retailer's shoe size chart — don't apply clothing conversion rules to footwear.
Yes — US plus size garments often have different proportions. US specialty plus size brands are generous through the bust. US premium brands tend to run smaller and more tailored. US fast-fashion plus size is comparable to Australian fast-fashion. US brands may cut narrower through the hip than Australian brands at the equivalent size. For detailed comparisons, see our plus size brand reviews.
The US offers the world's largest plus size fashion market with significant advantages for Australian shoppers: (1) Much wider size range — many US brands go through US 34+ / AU 38+, well beyond typical Australian size ceilings. (2) More brand diversity — thousands of US plus size brands across every price point and style. (3) Reversed seasons — access opposite-season styles and clearance sales. (4) Often lower prices — even after shipping and currency conversion, US plus size fashion can be more affordable than Australian equivalents.
Australian customs applies GST (10%) to imported goods, which should be collected at the point of sale by the retailer for orders under AU$1,000. For orders over AU$1,000, you may need to pay GST plus customs duties upon import. The Australia-US Free Trade Agreement eliminates duties on most US-origin goods, including apparel. Always check the retailer's Australian shipping page for current information on whether taxes and duties are included in the purchase price.
The US plus size market is the largest and most diverse in the world — and accessing it from Australia is simply a matter of mastering the -2 rule. With a wider size range than the Australian market, more brand options at every price point, and the strategic advantage of reversed seasons, US plus size fashion offers Australian shoppers genuine value that's worth navigating the international shipping landscape.
Armed with the -2 conversion rule, your measurements in both centimeters and inches, and an understanding of how US retailers differ from Australian brands, you're equipped to shop the American market with confidence. For more shopping guides, brand reviews, and style inspiration, explore our complete collection of size guides, brand reviews, and style tips.
About the PlusSizePlus Editorial Team
This article was researched, written, and reviewed by the PlusSizePlus Editorial Team. Our team creates educational resources covering plus size fashion, international size conversion, shopping guides, brand comparisons, and body-positive style advice. Every article is written to be clear, practical, and as accurate as possible based on publicly available sizing standards and retailer information. We review our articles periodically to keep them up to date as sizing conventions and brand policies evolve.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Size conversions presented are based on standard international sizing conventions and may vary between individual brands, specific garments, and fabric types. Always consult the specific retailer's official size chart and return policy before making a purchase. For important limitations and how this content should be used, please read our full Disclaimer.
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