Clothing Size Converter (UK/EU/US)

UK clothing sizes differ from US and EU sizes. For women's tops and dresses, UK sizes are typically two numbers smaller than US sizes, so a UK 10 is a US 6, and different again from EU sizes, where a UK 10 is an EU 38. Men's sizing lines up more closely across countries, but it still moves from one brand to the next, which is why the label alone rarely settles the question.

The tool translates between UK, US and EU sizes for men's and women's tops, trousers, dresses and jackets, and it gives the matching body measurements for chest, waist and hips in both centimetres and inches so you can check yourself against a brand's own size chart. Across the women's dress range, a UK 8 is an EU 36, a US 4 and an Italian 40. A UK 10 becomes EU 38, US 6 and IT 42, a UK 12 becomes EU 40, US 8 and IT 44, and a UK 14 becomes EU 42, US 10 and IT 46.

Menswear works from the chest measurement in inches, which travels between countries rather better. A UK or US 36 chest is an EU 46 and sells as a small, 38 is EU 48 and medium, 40 is EU 50 and large, 42 is EU 52 and extra large, and 44 is EU 54 and XXL. Even so, the printed number is a starting point rather than a promise, since brands differ by 1-2 sizes, and the size guide on the product page repays a look before you order.

Sizes are built from body measurements, and knowing yours saves a lot of returns. Women's dresses are cut to bust, waist and hip in centimetres, and a UK 10 assumes a bust of 87-90cm, a waist of 68-72cm and a hip of 93-96cm, while a UK 12 sits at roughly 91 cm (36 in) bust and 73 cm (29 in) waist. Men's shirts use the chest measured around the fullest part, trousers use waist and inside leg, and shoes use foot length from heel to longest toe plus width. Measure over underwear, standing relaxed. Marks & Spencer and John Lewis alter suits free in store, and elsewhere hems and sleeves cost £8-£25 per garment.

Brand habits are the largest single source of confusion. Italian and Spanish labels such as Zara and Mango run small, so going up one size is usually right, while French names like Sandro and Sezane are cut slim. American brands including Gap and J.Crew are broadly true to UK norms, though vanity sizing makes some labels flatter the wearer. UK high street names such as M&S and Next are traditionally true to size with a consistent fit, and Asian brands such as Uniqlo run small. Vintage clothing from before the 1990s is about 2 sizes smaller than its modern equivalent, so a 1990 size 12 is close to a modern size 10.

Children's clothing is sold by age until it is not. Babywear runs 0-3 months, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18 and 18-24, then toddler and child sizes switch to years, from 2-3 and 3-4 upwards. Heights start appearing on the label from around age 5, at 110cm, 116cm and 122cm. Only about 80% of UK children actually fit the size that matches their age, so the height and chest figures on the label are the reliable guide and the age is a rough sort. School uniforms from M&S and John Lewis tend to run small, which is worth allowing for at the start of term.

Specialist garments follow conventions of their own. Suits carry a chest size and a length, so a 38R is regular, 38S short and 38L long, with the trouser length taken from the inside leg. Bridal sizing is cut smaller than the high street, and wedding dresses are usually ordered 2-3 sizes larger than the equivalent ready-to-wear size. Lingerie combines a band, measured under the bust, with a cup taken from the difference, so a UK 34C means a 75cm band and about 12cm more around the bust, giving 87cm. Maternity wear is normally bought at the pre-pregnancy size and adjusts around the bump, and plus sizes start at UK 16, where Yours, Evans and Asos Curve specialise.