US, UK, EU & International Sizes
Last reviewed: January 2026
Convert clothing sizes between US, UK, EU, Italian, French, and Australian sizing systems for men and women. This calculator runs entirely in your browser — your data stays private, and no account is required.
Clothing sizes vary significantly across countries and even between brands within the same country. U.S. sizes use arbitrary even numbers (0-16+), UK sizes use a different numbering system offset by 4 from U.S. sizes, and EU sizes are based on actual body measurements in centimeters.[1] "Vanity sizing" — the gradual inflation of sizes over decades — means a modern U.S. size 8 is significantly larger than a size 8 from the 1970s, varying by as much as 4-6 inches in waist measurement.[2] The only reliable way to ensure fit when shopping internationally or online is to use actual body measurements (bust, waist, hips) and compare them to each brand's specific size chart.[3] Use the Bra Size Calculator for intimate apparel sizing.
| US | UK | EU | Bust (in) | Waist (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (S) | 8 | 36 | 33–34 | 25–26 |
| 8 (M) | 12 | 40 | 37–38 | 29–30 |
| 12 (L) | 16 | 44 | 41–42 | 33–34 |
| 16 (XL) | 20 | 48 | 45–46 | 37–38 |
Clothing size systems vary dramatically by country, brand, and garment type, creating confusion for international shoppers and online buyers. The US uses numerical sizes (0–16+ for women, S/M/L/XL or 14–20 for men), the UK uses a system offset by 4 from US sizes (US 8 = UK 12), European sizes use a different numerical scale (US 8 ≈ EU 38–40), and Asian sizes (particularly Japanese and Korean) run 1–3 sizes smaller than US equivalents. These inconsistencies exist because sizing systems were developed independently by different countries and industries, and there is no universally enforced international standard. Even within the same country, sizes vary significantly between brands — "vanity sizing" has progressively inflated US clothing sizes over decades, so a modern size 8 would have been labeled a size 12 in the 1960s. For related measurement conversions, see our Unit Converter and Height Converter.
| US | UK | EU | Japan | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (XS) | 6 | 32 | 5 | 32–33 | 24–25 |
| 4 (S) | 8 | 34 | 7 | 33–34 | 25–26 |
| 6 (S) | 10 | 36 | 9 | 34–35 | 26–27 |
| 8 (M) | 12 | 38 | 11 | 35–36 | 27–28 |
| 10 (M) | 14 | 40 | 13 | 36–37 | 28–29 |
| 12 (L) | 16 | 42 | 15 | 37.5–39 | 29–31 |
| 14 (L) | 18 | 44 | 17 | 39–40.5 | 31–33 |
| US/UK | EU | Japan | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (34–36) | 44–46 | S | 34–36 | 28–30 |
| M (38–40) | 48–50 | M | 38–40 | 32–34 |
| L (42–44) | 52–54 | L | 42–44 | 36–38 |
| XL (46–48) | 56–58 | XL–LL | 46–48 | 40–42 |
Shoe sizing adds another layer of complexity because foot shape, width, and arch height affect fit beyond simple length measurement. US men's shoe sizes run approximately 1.5 sizes larger than US women's (a women's 8 ≈ men's 6.5). UK sizes are about 0.5–1 size smaller than US men's sizes. European sizes use the Paris point system (each size = 6.67mm of foot length), producing numbers in the 35–50 range. Japanese/Korean sizes are expressed in centimeters of foot length (23, 24, 25...), which is the most straightforward system but unfamiliar to Western shoppers. A US men's 10 equals approximately UK 9.5, EU 43, and JP 28.
For the most accurate fit, measure your feet in centimeters (standing, at the end of the day when feet are largest) and use the brand's specific size chart rather than relying on general conversion tables. Foot width varies independently of length — most shoe sizes assume a standard "D" width for men and "B" width for women, but people with wide (E, EE) or narrow (A, AA) feet need width-specific shoes. Online shoe shopping has become more practical with free return policies, but measuring foot length and comparing to the brand's size chart remains the best way to minimize returns. For general measurement conversions, see our weight conversion tools and Area Converter.
Vanity sizing is the primary reason clothing sizes have become unreliable. Brands deliberately label clothes with smaller size numbers because research shows consumers feel better about themselves — and buy more — when they fit into a smaller size. A US women's size 8 at one brand may have the same measurements as a size 12 at another. This practice has accelerated in recent decades, with some brands' size 0 now fitting measurements that would have been a size 4 or 6 in the 1990s. The lack of regulatory standards (unlike shoe sizing, which has more consistent measurement-based systems) means brands can define sizes however they choose.
Fast fashion brands often have the most inconsistent sizing because they source garments from many different factories with varying quality control standards. Luxury brands tend to run smaller (European sizing influences), while mass-market American brands tend to vanity-size more aggressively. Athletic and outdoor brands (Nike, Patagonia, The North Face) often provide the most accurate sizing because their performance-oriented customers need reliable fit for functional purposes. When shopping online from unfamiliar brands, always check the size chart's actual body measurements (chest, waist, hip in inches or centimeters) rather than trusting the size label. If a brand provides both garment measurements and body measurements, use body measurements — garment measurements include ease (extra fabric for movement) that varies by garment style and isn't comparable across brands. For related conversion tools, see our Bra Size Calculator and Ring Size Calculator.
Taking accurate body measurements eliminates most sizing guesswork when shopping online. Use a flexible measuring tape (fabric or vinyl, not metal), wear thin clothing or undergarments, and stand naturally without sucking in or puffing out. For bust/chest: measure around the fullest part, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing. For waist: measure at the natural waistline (the narrowest point, usually just above the navel) while breathing normally — do not hold your breath or tighten your core. For hips: measure around the widest point of the hips and buttocks, typically 7–9 inches below the waist. For inseam: measure from the crotch seam of well-fitting pants to the bottom of the leg, or have someone measure from your crotch to the floor while standing barefoot.
Record measurements in both inches and centimeters since different brands and regions use different units. Remeasure every 6–12 months or after significant weight changes — even a 5–10 pound fluctuation can shift you between sizes in fitted garments. When between sizes based on measurements, the general advice is to size up for structured garments (blazers, dress shirts, tailored pants) because they cannot stretch, and choose the closer size for knit or stretch fabrics (t-shirts, leggings, activewear) because they conform to the body. Keep your measurement card in your phone for quick reference when shopping, and compare your measurements to the specific brand's size chart for each purchase — even within the same brand, different product lines may use different sizing scales.
See also: Shoe Size Converter · Bra Size Calculator · Ring Size Calculator
→ Vanity sizing makes charts approximate. US sizes have shifted dramatically over decades — a modern size 8 has measurements that would have been a 12–14 in the 1970s. International conversions are based on standardized body measurements, but actual garments vary by brand.
→ EU sizing is based on body measurements in cm. An EU 38 corresponds to an 88 cm bust measurement. EU 40 = 92 cm, EU 42 = 96 cm. This makes EU sizes more logical and consistent across brands than US numerical sizes.
→ Asian sizing runs 1–2 sizes smaller. A US medium is typically a Japanese or Korean large or XL. Chinese sizing is inconsistent — some brands use Asian sizing, others use European. Always check the specific brand's size chart rather than relying on conversions.
→ Measure yourself, not your existing clothes. Compare your body measurements (bust, waist, hips, inseam) against each brand's size chart rather than converting between size labels. Two brands' same-labeled size can differ by 2+ inches in key measurements. See our Bra Size Calculator for detailed fitting guidance and our Shoe Size Converter for footwear.
See also: Shoe Size Converter · Bra Size Calculator · Ring Size Calculator · Unit Converter