Clothing Size Converter Guide: US, UK & EU Sizes Explained
Quick Answer
- *US to UK women's: subtract 4 (US 8 = UK 4).
- *US to EU women's: add 30 (US 8 ≈ EU 38).
- *Men's US/UK sizes are usually the same for shirts and pants.
- *Always measure yourself — brand sizing varies by up to 5 inches at the same labeled size.
Why Clothing Sizes Are So Confusing
There is no universal sizing standard. The US, UK, and EU each use different numbering systems, and within each system, brands set their own measurements. A 2023 study by retail analytics firm Edited found that the bust measurement for a women's size 12 varied by up to 5 inches across 20 major brands.
The US abandoned its only voluntary standard (ASTM D5585) in 1983. Since then, brands have been free to assign whatever measurements they want to each size number. According to the International Journal of Fashion Design, average US women's sizes have shifted down by approximately 2–3 size numberssince the 1990s — a phenomenon known as vanity sizing.
Women's Clothing Size Conversion Chart
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (XS) | 4 | 30 | 31–32 | 23–24 |
| 2 (XS) | 6 | 32 | 32–33 | 24–25 |
| 4 (S) | 8 | 34 | 33–34 | 25–26 |
| 6 (S) | 10 | 36 | 34–35 | 26–27 |
| 8 (M) | 12 | 38 | 35–36 | 27–28 |
| 10 (M) | 14 | 40 | 36–37.5 | 28–29 |
| 12 (L) | 16 | 42 | 37.5–39 | 29.5–31 |
| 14 (L) | 18 | 44 | 39–40.5 | 31–32.5 |
| 16 (XL) | 20 | 46 | 40.5–42 | 32.5–34 |
The general rule: US to UK = subtract 4, and US to EU = add 30. But these are approximations. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published EN 13402, which bases sizes on body measurements in centimeters, but adoption remains voluntary.
Men's Clothing Size Conversion Chart
| US/UK Size | EU Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS (34) | 44 | 34–36 | 28–30 |
| S (36) | 46 | 36–38 | 30–32 |
| M (38–40) | 48–50 | 38–40 | 32–34 |
| L (42–44) | 52–54 | 42–44 | 36–38 |
| XL (46) | 56 | 46–48 | 40–42 |
| XXL (48) | 58 | 48–50 | 42–44 |
Men's US and UK numeric sizes are generally equivalent for shirts and trousers. The EU conversion adds roughly 10 to the US chest size. According to Statista, the global menswear market reached $555 billion in 2024, and cross-border online purchases account for 18% of that — making size conversion knowledge increasingly essential.
How to Measure Yourself Accurately
Your body measurements are the most reliable way to find the right size, regardless of system. Use a soft tape measure on bare skin or thin undergarments.
Bust / Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor. Don't pull tight — you should be able to slide a finger under the tape.
Waist
Measure at your natural waistline, the narrowest point of your torso (usually above the navel). Bend to one side — the crease that forms is your natural waist.
Hips
Stand with feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch seam of a well-fitting pair of pants down to the hem, or from your inner crotch to the ankle bone.
Write your measurements in both inches and centimeters. Most European brands list measurements in cm on their size charts. According to a 2024 survey by Fit Analytics (acquired by Snap Inc.), shoppers who reference their measurements before purchasing online return items 40% less often than those who guess based on size labels alone.
Shoe Size Conversion
| US Women's | US Men's | UK | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 7 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23.5 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 41 | 26 |
| 11 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27 |
Shoe sizing is slightly more standardized because foot length in centimeters provides an objective reference. The EU system (also called Paris points) uses a formula: size = foot length in cm × 1.5 + 2. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, 88% of women wear shoes that are at least one size too small, partly because of inconsistent sizing across brands.
Brand-Specific Sizing Tips
Fast Fashion (Zara, H&M, Uniqlo)
Zara tends to run small compared to US sizing — many shoppers size up by one. H&M is more consistent with standard EU sizes. Uniqlo uses Japanese sizing as its base, which runs approximately one size smaller than US equivalents.
Luxury Brands
Italian brands (Gucci, Prada) use Italian sizing, which maps closely to EU sizes. French brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton) use French sizing, typically one size smaller than Italian for the same measurements. Always consult the brand's own measurement chart.
Online Shopping
According to Narvar's 2024 State of Returns report, 30% of all online clothing purchasesare returned due to size issues. The most effective way to reduce returns: measure yourself, check the brand's specific size chart (not just S/M/L), and read customer reviews mentioning fit.
Convert between US, UK, and EU sizes instantly
Try the Free Clothing Size Converter →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert US clothing sizes to UK sizes?
For women's clothing, subtract 4 from the US size to get the UK size. A US size 8 is a UK size 4. For men's clothing, US and UK sizes are generally the same for shirts and pants, though some brands vary by one size. Always check the brand's specific size chart.
What is my EU clothing size if I wear a US medium?
A US women's medium (size 8–10) typically corresponds to EU 38–40. A US men's medium (chest 38–40 inches) is generally EU 48–50. EU sizes are based on body measurements in centimeters, so they're more precise than the S/M/L system.
Why do clothing sizes vary between brands?
There is no universal sizing standard enforced across manufacturers. Brands set their own measurements for each labeled size. A 2023 study by Edited found that the bust measurement for a women's size 12 varied by up to 5 inches across 20 major brands.
How do I measure myself for accurate clothing sizes?
Use a soft measuring tape on bare skin or thin undergarments. Measure bust/chest at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest point, and hips at the widest point. Write down measurements in both inches and centimeters for easy cross-system reference.
What does vanity sizing mean?
Vanity sizing is the practice of labeling garments with a smaller size number than the actual measurements suggest. A dress that measured as a size 12 in 1970 might be labeled a size 8 today. Average US women's sizes have shifted down by approximately 2–3 size numbers since the 1990s.