Section 1: The Short Answer
Australian size 8 is exactly the same as UK size 8.
There is no difference between the two when it comes to clothing sizes. Both follow the same sizing standards, making it easy to shop between UK and Australian brands without converting numbers.
Section 2: The Long Answer
1. Understanding Global Clothing Sizes
Clothing sizes differ around the world, with various countries using distinct systems. The UK, US, Europe, Australia, and Asia each follow their own sizing charts, which can cause confusion for online shoppers or travellers. For instance, a US size 4 is not the same as a UK size 4, and a French size 36 doesn’t match up with its UK or AU equivalent.
To address this, many fashion retailers and guides provide conversion charts to make sense of the differences. In the case of Australia and the UK, there’s a unique simplicity: they share the same numeric sizing system for women’s clothing.
2. Australian and UK Sizing: Why They Match
Australian women’s fashion sizes have been based on the British sizing system since the 20th century. As a result, AU and UK sizes are identical in number and fit. That means if you’re buying a dress, top, or trousers labelled as UK 8, it will have the same measurements as an Australian size 8.
This alignment makes cross-border shopping and brand exploration a lot easier for consumers in both countries. However, shoppers still need to be cautious about variations between brands and styles.
3. The Importance of Bust, Waist, and Hip Measurements
Even though AU and UK sizes are the same in number, each numeric size still corresponds to specific body measurements. For size 8, the standard measurements are approximately:
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Bust: 83 cm (34 inches)
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Waist: 65 cm (26.5 inches)
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Hips: 89 cm (36 inches)
These measurements are the key to understanding whether a size 8 will fit comfortably, regardless of what the label says. It’s always best to compare your actual measurements with the size chart provided by the clothing brand, especially if you’re shopping online.
4. Size 8 Fit: What to Expect
A women’s size 8 in the UK and Australia is generally considered “small” (S) in international terms. It is often tailored to fit women with a slender frame. The cut tends to be fitted but not tight, offering a balance between comfort and shape. This size is common among younger women or those with a petite-to-average build.
However, how a size 8 fits also depends on the garment’s design. For example, a size 8 fitted dress may feel snug around the waist, while a loose blouse in the same size could feel roomy. Materials also play a role—stretch fabrics may offer more flexibility compared to woven, rigid fabrics.
5. Footwear: AU vs UK Size 8
While clothing sizes are identical, footwear is a completely different story. For women’s shoes:
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Australian Size 8 (footwear) = UK Size 6 (footwear)
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Australian Size 8 (footwear) = US Size 8 (footwear)
This is because Australian women’s shoe sizes follow the US scale, not the UK scale. So, if you’re buying shoes from a UK brand and you usually wear an AU size 8, you should order UK size 6 to get the right fit.
6. Dress Size vs Denim Size vs S/M/L
While “Size 8” is straightforward in standard dresses and tops, the fashion industry often uses alternate sizing labels like denim waist sizes or S/M/L groupings. For example:
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In denim sizing, an Australian or UK Size 8 generally aligns with waist sizes 26–27 inches, depending on the cut and brand.
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In general clothing, Size 8 is typically classified as “Small (S)” in international sizing systems.
But it’s not always uniform. One brand might categorise size 8 as XS, while another might place it under Small. This highlights the importance of checking size charts specific to each label—especially for body-hugging garments like jeans and activewear.
7. Brand-Specific Differences in Sizing
Even though AU and UK sizes share the same numbers, brand-specific variations can result in noticeable differences in fit. For example:
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Levi’s may define Size 8 as waist 27″, hip 96cm.
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Mavi Jeans shows Size 8 as waist 68cm, hip 93.5cm.
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Lounge the Label lists Size 8 with a bust of 85cm and hip of 95cm.
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Verge or Elk might use a slightly broader or narrower fit even within the same numeric size.
Some brands design for slim fits, others offer generous cuts or work with stretch fabrics, which can alter how a size 8 feels on the body. Therefore, even if two brands say “Size 8”, the actual fit may not be identical.
8. What About Maternity or Petite Size 8?
Size 8 also appears in specialised ranges like maternity and petite clothing—but the fit is tailored differently:
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In maternity clothing, a Size 8 is designed to accommodate bust (~86 cm), waist (~95 cm), and hips (~93 cm), allowing for pregnancy-related changes while keeping the label consistent with your pre-pregnancy size.
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In petite clothing, Size 8 is proportioned for shorter women (usually under 160 cm), with shortened hemlines, sleeve lengths, and rise measurements.
So while the numeric size remains “8,” the pattern and fit are adjusted for these specialised categories.
9. Tips for Online Shopping and International Orders
When shopping online—especially internationally—it’s easy to misjudge sizing. Here are practical tips to avoid returns or sizing mistakes:
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Always check the brand’s size chart, especially for denim or form-fitting styles.
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Use a measuring tape to compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements with the chart.
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For shoes, remember that AU = US sizing for women, not UK.
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When in doubt, read customer reviews that mention whether items run large, small, or true to size.
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If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up for comfort—especially for fitted dresses or woven fabrics.
Knowing that AU size 8 = UK size 8 gives you a head start, but individual fits vary by style, cut, and even fabric stretch.
10. Final Thoughts: Size Is a Guide, Not a Rule
It’s tempting to treat dress sizes as rigid labels—but in reality, they’re just a guideline. Bodies are diverse, and so are clothing brands. A size 8 in one store might feel snug, while another might feel just right. Moreover, your measurements might sit between two sizes or fluctuate slightly over time.
Rather than focusing too much on the label, aim for clothes that feel good and fit well. Use AU and UK size 8 interchangeably, but trust your measurements and the garment’s fit above all.
