Clothing Size Conversion by Country
There is no universal clothing size standard — US, UK, EU, French, and Italian systems all use different numbering schemes, and sizing varies further between individual brands. These tables give you a starting point when shopping internationally, but always cross-reference with the brand's own size chart and body measurements in centimeters when available.
Pro Tip: Use Measurements, Not Size Labels
The most reliable way to buy clothing internationally is to know your measurements in centimeters: bust/chest, waist, and hips for clothing; foot length in cm for shoes. Brand size charts almost always list these — a US size "M" at H&M may fit differently than a US size "M" at Zara or Uniqlo.
Women's Tops & Dresses
| US | EU | UK | French | Italian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32 | 6 | 36 | 38 |
| S | 34 | 8 | 38 | 40 |
| M | 36 | 10 | 40 | 42 |
| L | 38 | 12 | 42 | 44 |
| XL | 40 | 14 | 44 | 46 |
| XXL | 42 | 16 | 46 | 48 |
Note: French sizing uses a different offset than the general "EU" system. Italian sizing adds 4 to French sizes.
Men's Shirts (by Chest Size)
| Chest (inches) | US / Canada | EU | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–35" | XS | 44 | 34–35" |
| 36–37" | S | 46 | 36–37" |
| 38–39" | M | 48–50 | 38–39" |
| 40–41" | L | 52 | 40–41" |
| 42–43" | XL | 54 | 42–43" |
| 44–45" | XXL | 56 | 44–45" |
UK men's shirt sizes use collar inches or chest inches — similar to US. EU uses a chest measurement in centimeters offset by a fixed amount.
Shoe Sizes
Women's Shoes
| US Women | EU | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 35–36 | 3 |
| 6 | 36–37 | 4 |
| 7 | 37–38 | 5 |
| 8 | 38–39 | 6 |
| 9 | 39–40 | 7 |
| 10 | 40–41 | 8 |
| 11 | 41–42 | 9 |
| 12 | 43 | 10 |
Men's Shoes
| US Men | EU | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 39 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 40 | 6.5 |
| 8 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 43 | 9.5 |
| 11 | 44–45 | 10.5 |
| 12 | 46 | 11.5 |
| 13 | 47 | 12.5 |
Shoe size systems are not perfectly consistent — half sizes and brand-specific lasts mean a foot length in cm from a Brannock device is always the most reliable reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a US size 8 in European sizing for women?
A US women's size 8 corresponds to approximately EU 38, UK 12, French 40, and Italian 42. Because no universal standard exists, this varies by brand — always check the specific brand's size chart before purchasing, especially for online orders that are difficult to return.
How do I convert US shoe sizes to European?
For women: EU size ≈ US size + 31 (e.g., US 7 → EU 38). For men: EU size ≈ US size + 33 (e.g., US 9 → EU 42). For the most accurate fit, measure your foot length in centimeters and match it directly to the brand's EU size chart, which is usually listed in cm.
Why do sizing charts vary between brands?
No international clothing size standard is legally enforced. Each brand designs its own patterns and "grades" sizes based on its target customer. This leads to vanity sizing, brand-specific proportions, and frequent discrepancies — especially between fast-fashion brands. When in doubt, use the brand's body measurement chart (in cm or inches) rather than trusting the labeled size number.