Clothing Size Converter

How to Convert Clothing Sizes?

Clothing sizes differ between countries and brands, making international shopping confusing. A US size 8 dress is a UK 12, EU 36, and Italian 42, all for the same body. Men's shirt sizes may use small/medium/large (S/M/L), chest measurements in inches, or collar sizes. This converter translates between US, UK, EU, and Asian sizing systems for both men's and women's clothing. Enter your known size and system in the converter above to find equivalents across all major international sizing standards instantly.

Women's Clothing Size Conversion

US women's sizes use even numbers (0-16 for standard, 18+ for plus sizes). UK sizes are typically 4 numbers higher than US sizes: a US 6 is a UK 10. EU sizes add 28-30 to the US size: a US 6 is approximately EU 34-36. Italian sizes add about 34: a US 6 is Italian 40. Japanese sizes are much smaller numerically: a US 6 is approximately a Japanese 9 or 11 depending on the brand. Key reference: US 4 = UK 8 = EU 34 = IT 38. US 8 = UK 12 = EU 38 = IT 42. US 12 = UK 16 = EU 42 = IT 46.

Men's Clothing Size Conversion

US and UK men's suit and jacket sizes are roughly the same. EU sizes are approximately 10 higher: a US 40 chest is an EU 50. For dress shirts, US/UK sizes use collar measurements in inches (15, 15.5, 16) while EU sizes use centimeters (38, 39, 41). S/M/L sizing varies widely between brands: a "Medium" from one brand may fit like a "Large" from another. For pants, US sizes use waist in inches while EU sizes use a different numbering system. Always check the brand's specific measurement chart rather than relying solely on size label conversions.

How to Measure Yourself for the Right Size?

Accurate body measurements are more reliable than size labels. Chest/bust: Measure the fullest part, keeping the tape level. Waist: Measure at the natural waistline, the narrowest point above your hips. Hips: Measure the fullest point of your hips and buttocks. Inseam: Measure from the crotch to the ankle bone along the inner leg. Use a flexible measuring tape and have someone help for back measurements. Compare your measurements to each brand's size chart rather than assuming a size number will be consistent. Body measurements in centimeters or inches translate directly to sizing regardless of which country's labeling system a brand uses.

Why Are Clothing Sizes So Inconsistent?

Vanity sizing is the primary culprit. Brands gradually label garments with smaller size numbers while keeping the same physical dimensions. A US women's size 8 today is significantly larger than a size 8 from the 1960s. Marilyn Monroe's famous "size 12" would be approximately a modern size 4-6. Different brands target different demographics and body shapes, leading to variations even within the same country. Fast fashion brands, luxury designers, and athletic wear brands all use different standards. International differences add another layer: Asian sizing tends to run smaller than Western sizing because it was developed for populations with different average body proportions.

Asian Sizing: Japan, Korea, China

Asian clothing sizes generally run 1-2 sizes smaller than Western equivalents. Japanese women's sizing uses odd numbers (7, 9, 11, 13) where a Japanese 9 is approximately a US 4. Korean sizes often use measurements in centimeters (55, 66, 77) representing loose chest circumference ranges. Chinese sizing has been standardizing toward a measurement-based system (height/chest format like 170/88A) but many brands still use their own proprietary scales. When ordering from Asian retailers, always reference the centimeter measurements provided rather than trying to convert size numbers directly.

Children's Clothing Sizes

Children's sizes are typically based on age ranges (3-6 months, 2T, 4T) or height in centimeters (98, 104, 110, 116, 122, 128). EU children's sizes correspond to the child's height in centimeters: size 110 is designed for a child approximately 110 cm tall. US sizes use age-based labels (4T, 5, 6, 7) that assume average growth patterns. Because children grow at different rates, a small 5-year-old might wear size 4 while a tall one wears size 6. Measuring the child's height, chest, and waist provides more accurate sizing than relying on age-based labels alone.

Frequently asked questions