International Clothing Size Conversion Guide
A complete guide to converting clothing sizes between US, UK, EU, and Asian sizing systems with measurement charts for men and women.
Last updated: 2025-03-15
Why Clothing Sizes Differ Worldwide
There is no universal clothing size standard. Each country and often each brand has its own sizing system based on different body measurements, fit preferences, and historical conventions. This makes international shopping confusing, but understanding the key relationships between systems helps you find the right fit. The most reliable approach is always to use body measurements in centimeters or inches and compare them to the specific brand's size chart.
Women's Dress and Top Sizes
| US | UK | EU | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (XS) | 4 | 30 | 31 | 24 |
| 2 (XS) | 6 | 32 | 32 | 25 |
| 4 (S) | 8 | 34 | 33-34 | 26-27 |
| 6 (S) | 10 | 36 | 35-36 | 28 |
| 8 (M) | 12 | 38 | 37-38 | 29-30 |
| 10 (M) | 14 | 40 | 39-40 | 31-32 |
| 12 (L) | 16 | 42 | 41-42 | 33-34 |
| 14 (L) | 18 | 44 | 43-44 | 35-36 |
| 16 (XL) | 20 | 46 | 45-46 | 37-38 |
Quick formula for women: US to EU: add 30 (e.g., US 6 = EU 36). US to UK: add 4 (e.g., US 6 = UK 10).
Men's Shirt and Jacket Sizes
| Letter | US/UK Chest (inches) | EU | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34-36 | 44 | 86-91 |
| S | 36-38 | 46-48 | 91-97 |
| M | 38-40 | 48-50 | 97-102 |
| L | 40-42 | 50-52 | 102-107 |
| XL | 42-44 | 52-54 | 107-112 |
| XXL | 44-46 | 54-56 | 112-117 |
Men's Pants/Trousers
| US/UK Waist (inches) | EU | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 44 | 71 |
| 30 | 46 | 76 |
| 32 | 48 | 81 |
| 34 | 50 | 86 |
| 36 | 52 | 91 |
| 38 | 54 | 97 |
| 40 | 56 | 102 |
Quick formula for men's pants: EU size is approximately US waist in inches + 16 (e.g., waist 32" = EU 48).
How to Measure Yourself
Use a flexible tape measure and wear light clothing or undergarments. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Bust/Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the bust or chest, keeping the tape level.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waistline, typically just above the navel.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips, usually about 20 cm (8 inches) below the waist.
Use our length converter to switch between centimeters and inches when comparing to size charts.
Worked Examples
Example 1: US Women's 8 to EU and UK
- EU: 8 + 30 = EU 38.
- UK: 8 + 4 = UK 12.
Example 2: EU 50 men's jacket to US
- EU 50 corresponds to US/UK M-L, roughly a 40-inch chest.
Example 3: Japanese/Asian women's sizes
Asian sizes tend to run 1-2 sizes smaller than US sizes. A US women's 6 may correspond to an Asian L or even XL. Always rely on body measurements in centimeters when shopping from Asian brands.
Real-World Applications
Online International Shopping
When ordering from European brands like Zara (Spanish sizing), H&M (Swedish sizing), or Uniqlo (Japanese sizing), each brand may use slightly different charts. Check the brand's website for their specific measurements rather than relying solely on general conversion formulas.
Traveling Abroad
If you plan to shop for clothes while traveling, note your body measurements in both centimeters and inches before your trip. This is far more reliable than trying to convert sizes on the spot.
Understanding “Vanity Sizing”
Many US brands practice “vanity sizing,” where garments are labeled with smaller numbers than their actual measurements. A labeled US size 6 might actually have measurements closer to what was historically a size 8 or 10. This makes body measurements even more important than size labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert US women's clothing sizes to EU?
Add 30 to your US women's size to get the approximate EU size. For example, US 6 = EU 36, US 8 = EU 38, US 10 = EU 40. However, this is an approximation; always check the brand's specific size chart.
What is the difference between US and UK clothing sizes?
For women, UK sizes are typically 4 numbers larger than US sizes (e.g., US 6 = UK 10). For men, US and UK shirt sizes are often the same when measured in inches (collar size), but S/M/L designations may differ.
How do I find my correct clothing size?
Measure your bust/chest, waist, and hips in inches or centimeters using a flexible tape measure. Compare these measurements to the brand's specific size chart. Body measurements are more reliable than converting between sizing systems.