International Clothing Size Systems
Sizing varies between brands and countries. US, UK, European, and Asian systems all use different numbering conventions — using a size chart prevents costly returns.
Women's Dress/Top Sizes
US | UK | EU | Bust (cm)
XS/0 | 4 | 32 | 76
S /4 | 8 | 36 | 84
M /8 | 12 | 40 | 92
L /12| 16 | 44 | 100
XL/16| 20 | 48 | 108Men's Shirt Sizes
US/UK | EU | Chest (cm) | Collar (in)
XS | 44 | 84 | 14
S | 46 | 89 | 15
M | 48 | 96 | 15.5
L | 50 | 104 | 16
XL | 52 | 112 | 17Measurement Tips
- Chest/bust: tape under arms at fullest point
- Waist: natural waist (smallest point), not belt line
- Hips: fullest point, usually 20cm below waist
- Inseam: crotch to floor (important for trousers)
- When between sizes, size up for comfort
Convert clothing sizes: Free Clothing Size Converter
Clothing Size Conversion Quick-Reference Table (Women's Tops/Dresses)
| US/CA | UK | EU | IT | FR | AU/NZ | Bust (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS (0–2) | 6–8 | 32–34 | 36–38 | 34–36 | 6–8 | 80–84 |
| S (4–6) | 8–10 | 36–38 | 40–42 | 38–40 | 8–10 | 84–88 |
| M (8–10) | 12–14 | 40–42 | 44–46 | 42–44 | 12–14 | 92–96 |
| L (12–14) | 16–18 | 44–46 | 48–50 | 46–48 | 16–18 | 100–104 |
| XL (16–18) | 20–22 | 48–50 | 52–54 | 50–52 | 20–22 | 108–112 |
How Clothing Size Conversion Works
Clothing sizes are based on body measurements (bust/chest, waist, hips) but are not standardised globally. Each country and brand uses its own sizing grid. Conversion tables provide approximate equivalences — not exact matches. US sizes are typically smaller numbers than UK (a US 10 = UK 14); EU sizes use different numbering (EU 40 ≈ US 10 ≈ UK 14). The most reliable fit method is measuring your body in centimetres and comparing to the specific brand's size chart.
Vanity sizing — brands making sizes run larger over time to flatter customers — means a "size 10" today is larger than a "size 10" from the 1960s. Size labelling varies not only between countries but between individual brands, garment types, and even different garments within the same brand. "True-to-size" is a relative term that only makes sense within a brand's own size chart.
Common Mistakes
- Using size labels without checking measurements: An H&M S and a Ralph Lauren S have completely different dimensions. Always map your measurements to the specific brand's chart when ordering online.
- Assuming uniform sizing within a garment type: A brand may size tops, trousers, and dresses differently — a size 12 top may not fit the same as the size 12 dress from the same collection.
- Ignoring fit notes and stretch percentage: "Fitted" and "relaxed fit" garments use the same size labels but fit very differently. Stretch percentage (e.g., 4% elastane) affects how tight/loose a given size feels on the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bust: measure around the fullest part of the chest with arms relaxed at sides. Waist: measure around the narrowest part of the torso, typically 2–3 cm above the navel. Hips: measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat, usually 18–23 cm below the natural waist. Inseam (trousers): measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the ankle. Always measure with a soft tape measure, not stretched, over light undergarments.
Petite sizes are designed for heights under 5'4" (163 cm) — proportions (torso length, sleeve length, hem length) are scaled down, not just the overall size. Plus sizes (typically US 14W and above) have different proportional grading — wider at the hips and bust relative to the waist. Tall ranges add 2–4 inches to hemlines, sleeves, and rise length. All three are body proportion adjustments, not just size scaling.
Denim jeans commonly use a two-number system: waist inches × inseam inches (e.g., 32×30 = 32-inch waist, 30-inch inseam). However, "vanity sizing" affects denim too — a labelled 32-inch waist jeans typically measures 33–35 inches at the waistband. For online purchases, always check the brand's actual measurement chart rather than relying on the waist/inseam label numbers at face value.