Australian Clothing Size Charts … Your Complete Guide

Understanding Australian Clothing Size Charts can be difficult, especially when compared to other international size charts.

This thorough reference includes all you need to know about clothing sizes in Australia for men, women, children, and newborns.

Introduction to Australian Clothing Size Charts

The Australian apparel industry has its own sizing system that differs significantly from the size charts used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Some general considerations are as follows:

• Sizes are labeled numerically rather than small/medium/large, for example.
• Women’s sizes are frequently smaller than those of the United States or the United Kingdom. A size 12 AU corresponds to a size 8-10 US.
• Men’s sizes are more in line with international standards. A men’s size L in Australia is comparable to a men’s size L in the United States.
• Because there are differences between brands, it is usually a good idea to consult sizing charts.
• Australian sizes vary per state as well. Queensland sizing is sometimes a size larger than that of New South Wales or Victoria.

Why Australian Sizes Differ from International Sizing

There are a few reasons why Australian sizing is unique:

• Australia has always had a lower population than the United States and Europe, therefore sizing was scaled down proportionately.
• Differences in cultural body shape: Australians are often slimmer than North Americans, which affects measures.
• Brand autonomy: Australian brands have more freedom in determining their own sizing scales rather than adhering to international standards.
• Lack of standardization: There is no governmental agency in Australia that regulates clothing sizes.

Women’s Clothing Size Charts in Australia

Women’s sizes in Australia are generally smaller than those in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. When purchasing brands from these regions, it is critical to consult the size chart.

Australian Women’s Standard Sizing

The following is the typical women’s size chart used by the majority of major Australian apparel brands:

Australian Size	AU Clothing Size	Body Measurements
2	XXS	Bust: 78-81cm, Waist: 61-64cm, Hips: 84-87cm
4	XS	Bust: 81-84cm, Waist: 64-67cm, Hips: 87-90cm
6	S	Bust: 84-87cm, Waist: 67-70cm, Hips: 90-93cm
8	M	Bust: 87-91cm, Waist: 70-74cm, Hips: 93-97cm
10	L	Bust: 91-96cm, Waist: 74-79cm, Hips: 97-102cm
12	XL	Bust: 96-102cm, Waist: 79-84cm, Hips: 102-107cm
14	XXL	Bust: 102-112cm, Waist: 84-94cm, Hips: 107-117cm
16	3XL	Bust: 112-124cm, Waist: 94-104cm, Hips: 117-127cm
18	4XL	Bust: 124-134cm, Waist: 104-114cm, Hips: 127-137cm
20	5XL	Bust: 134-144cm, Waist: 114-124cm, Hips: 137-147cm

*Bust, waist and hip measurements shown are a guide only

Australian Women’s Plus Sizes

Numerous brands also provide plus size options for those with curvier figures:

Australian Plus Size	Body Measurements
14	Bust: 107-112cm, Waist: 94-99cm, Hips: 114-119cm
16	Bust: 112-117cm, Waist: 99-104cm, Hips: 119-124cm
18	Bust: 117-123cm, Waist: 104-109cm, Hips: 124-130cm
20	Bust: 123-130cm, Waist: 109-116cm, Hips: 130-137cm
22	Bust: 130-137cm, Waist: 116-123cm, Hips: 137-144cm
24	Bust: 137-145cm, Waist: 123-131cm, Hips: 144-152cm
26	Bust: 145-153cm, Waist: 131-140cm, Hips: 152-160cm

*Measurements shown are approximate for standard plus sizes

Australian Women’s Petite Sizes

Petite apparel is designed for people who are 5’3″ (160cm) or shorter. Conversions for petite sizes:

• Size 6P = Size 4
• Size 8P = Size 6
• Size 10P = Size 8
• Size 12P = Size 10
• Size 14P = Size 12
• Size 16P = Size 14

*Note size chart proportions remain the same, just scaled down for shorter heights

Australian Women’s Tall Sizes

Tall clothing is designed for heights 5’9″ (175cm) and above. Common tall size conversions:

• Size 6T = Size 8
• Size 8T = Size 10
• Size 10T = Size 12
• Size 12T = Size 14
• Size 14T = Size 16

*As with petite, proportions remain the same but lengths and measurements are longer

Tips for Finding Right Australian Women’s Size

• Compare your breast, waist, and hip circumferences to the size chart.
• For Australian sizes, consult the garment care label.
• Check the brand’s own sizing chart as ranges can differ.
• For sizing, start with similar brands/styles.
• Size up for tops and dresses, and size down for pants and skirts.
• If you are in between sizes, order one size up or down.

Men’s Clothing Size Charts in Australia

Men’s apparel in Australia is sized using normal alpha sizing – S, M, L, XL, and so on. Size is generally consistent with worldwide charts, however there are notable exceptions.

Australian Men’s Standard Sizing

Australian Size	Chest Size	Waist Size	Hip Size
XXS	33-35″ / 84-89cm	27-29″ / 69-74cm	34-36″ / 86-91cm
XS	35-37″ / 89-94cm	29-31″ / 74-79cm	36-38″ / 91-97cm
S	37-39″ / 94-99cm	31-33″ / 79-84cm	38-40″ / 97-102cm
M	39-41″ / 99-104cm	33-35″ / 84-89cm	40-42″ / 102-107cm
L	41-43″ / 104-109cm	35-37″ / 89-94cm	42-44″ / 107-112cm
XL	43-46″ / 109-117cm	37-40″ / 94-102cm	44-46″ / 112-117cm
XXL	46-49″ / 117-124cm	40-43″ / 102-109cm	46-49″ / 117-124cm
3XL	49-52″ / 124-132cm	43-46″ / 109-117cm	49-52″ / 124-132cm

*Chest, waist and hip measurements shown are a guide only

Tips for Finding Right Australian Men’s Size

• Measure the circumference of your neck, chest, waist, and hips.
• On clothing labels, look for alpha size.
• Check the brand’s sizing chart.
• Australian men’s jeans are sized differently – see a jeans size chart.
• Size up for shirts and blouses, and size down for suits and formal clothing.
• If you are in between sizes, order one size up or down.
• Tall and short sizes are offered for a better fit.

Australian Children’s Clothing Size Charts

Clothing sizes for Australian kids differ from US and UK sizes, with variations by gender, age and brand.

Girls Sizes

Girls clothing uses numerical sizes, increasing with age and height. Standard size chart:

Age	Height	Chest	Waist	Hips	Australian Size
2-3 years	91-99cm	54-56cm	53-55cm	59-61cm	2
3-4 years	99-110cm	56-59cm	55-57cm	61-64cm	3
4-5 years	110-119cm	59-62cm	57-59cm	64-67cm	4
5-6 years	119-125cm	62-66cm	59-62cm	67-71cm	5
7-8 years	125-132cm	66-70cm	62-66cm	71-75cm	6
8-9 years	132-140cm	70-75cm	66-70cm	75-80cm	7
10-11 years	140-150cm	75-81cm	70-75cm	80-86cm	8
12-13 years	150-162cm	81-87cm	75-81cm	86-91cm	10
14-15 years	162-170cm	87-94cm	81-87cm	91-97cm	12

Boys Sizes

Boys sizes are also numerical, corresponding to age, height and chest measurements:

Age	Height	Chest	Waist	Hips	Australian Size
2-3 years	91-99cm	53-55cm	52-54cm	58-59cm	2
3-4 years	99-110cm	55-57cm	54-55cm	59-61cm	3
4-5 years	110-119cm	57-59cm	55-56cm	61-63cm	4
5-6 years	119-125cm	59-61cm	56-58cm	63-65cm	5
7-8 years	125-132cm	61-64cm	58-60cm	65-68cm	6
8-9 years	132-140cm	64-68cm	60-63cm	68-71cm	7
10-11 years	140-150cm	68-74cm	63-68cm	71-76cm	8
12-13 years	150-162cm	74-80cm	68-74cm	76-82cm	10
14-15 years	162-170cm	80-86cm	74-79cm	82-88cm	12

Unisex Kids Sizes

Some children’s brands use standard S/M/L sizing for unisex styles. Approximate age and height guides:

Australian Size	Age Guide	Height Guide
2	2-3 years	91-99cm
3	3-4 years	99-110cm
4	4-6 years	110-125cm
6	7-9 years	125-140cm
8	10-11 years	140-150cm
10	12-13 years	150-162cm
12	13-14 years	162-170cm

Tips for Australian Kids Sizes

• Check height and chest/waist measurements against size chart
• Look for numerical sizing on clothing labels
• Unisex ranges use S/M/L alpha sizing
• Size up for tops/dresses/jumpers
• Size down for pants/skirts to allow growth room
• Check brand’s specific size chart for variations

Australian Baby Clothing Size Charts

Babies grow quickly in the first 12 months, so most baby clothes use age as a guide for sizes. Some tips:

• 0-3 months for newborns
• 3-6 months from 3 months old
• 6-9 months from 6 months old
• 9-12 months from 9 months old
• 12-18 months for toddlers 1-1.5 years old
• 18-24 months for toddlers 1.5-2 years old

Actual chest, weight and height measurements vary significantly in babies and can’t be used as definitively for sizing. It’s best to base baby clothes sizes on the age recommendations from manufacturers.

Some baby clothes instead use kilograms for sizing. Common weight ranges are:

• 0000 = up to 3kg
• 000 = 3-6kg
• 00 = 6-9kg
• 0 = 9-12kg
• 1 = 12-18 months

Nappies also use weight sizing rather than ages.

Tips for Buying Baby Clothes

• Check labels for recommended age range
• Allow room for growth if between sizes
• Onesies and leggings can have more room to grow
• Don’t go by standard baby weight charts
• Buy various sizes in advance for the first 12 months

Finding the Right Australian Clothing Size

Shopping for clothes in Australian sizes may seem complicated at first, but there are a few tips to find your perfect fit:

• Refer to the standard size charts for your gender and match to your measurements
• Check clothing labels or brand websites for specific sizing guidance
• Size up for looser items like dresses, tops and outerwear
• Size down for tighter items like pants, leggings and formalwear
• Order one size up or down if you fall between two sizes
• Try similar styles from the brand first before purchasing new styles

With the help of these Australian clothing size charts, you can confidently shop brands from this region and always get the right fit. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Conclusion

Clothing sizing can be baffling sometimes, but hopefully this Australian size guide provides clarity on how sizing works in this region. If in doubt, always check the size chart and measure yourself for the best fitting clothes. Let us know if you have any other sizing questions!