Women's International Size Conversion Chart

Women's clothing size conversion at a glance#

What is a size 42 in US women's clothing? A European 42 is a US 10 and a UK 14, a medium. It fits a 94–97 cm bust (36.5"–38") and a 78–81 cm waist (30"–32"). A European 44 is a US 12 and a UK 16, a large.

Two rules convert most women's clothing: subtract 32 from a European size to get the US size (EU 42 − 32 = US 10), and add 4 to a US size to get the UK size (US 10 + 4 = UK 14). Going from US to European sizes, add 32. Australian sizes match UK sizes, so a US 10 is an AU 14 as well.

Women's jacket sizes convert the same way. Jackets, coats and blazers use the same numbers as dresses, so a European 40 jacket is a US 8, a 42 is a US 10 and a 44 is a US 12. The international dress size conversion chart maps each size to its bust, waist and hip measurements in inches and centimeters; use it for jackets and coats too. Men's jackets are sized differently (US men's sizes are the chest in inches); see the men's international size conversion chart.

These conversions are compiled from the page's own US, UK, European and Australian size table below, which mirrors the in-house dress chart cell for cell (UK = US + 4, EU = US + 32). Sizes still vary by brand and by country label, so measure your bust, waist and hips and check the brand's own size guide when you can. Shoe sizes use a separate system; for footwear, see the international shoe size conversion chart.

Women's clothing size conversion table (US, UK, Europe, Australia)#

Note: Australian sizes follow the UK scale, and British clothing sizes are also used in New Zealand. French sizes are used in Belgium, Spain and Portugal, and German sizes in Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland. Japan and China label women's clothing on their own systems (odd numbers such as 9 and 11 in Japan, height and bust labels such as 165/84A in China), so check the brand's own size chart for those markets.

European women's sizes explained#

French, German and most other European labels size women's clothing on a numeric scale where each step of 2 is one size. Subtract 32 to get the US size: a 38 is a US 6, a 40 is a US 8, a 42 is a US 10 and a 44 is a US 12. The same rule works in reverse when you shop US brands from Europe.

Italian sizes run higher on the label. Italian brands often number the same garment about two sizes above the French or German scale, so an IT 44 fits roughly like an EU 40 (US 8) and an IT 42 closer to a US 6 to 8. Luxury Italian labels also tend to cut slim, so check the brand's own size chart and go by your bust and waist measurements when you are between sizes.

Additional notes: each brand has its own size variations. This guide gives the standard international conversion for women's sizing; any one brand or manufacturer may deviate from it.

Understanding body measurements#

Start from accurate body measurements. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist and the widest part of your hips, and note the numbers in both inches and centimeters. Use a flexible measuring tape, snug but not tight. It helps to have someone assist you.

• Bust: Measure around the fullest part while standing straight with your arms at your side.
• Waist: Locate your natural waistline and measure around this area.
• Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips, ensuring the tape measure is parallel to the floor.

Size chart terms explained#

• XXS to XXL: letter sizes map to the US number scale. XXS is a US 00, XS covers US 0-2, S is 4-6, M is 8-10, L is 12-14, XL is 16-18 and XXL is 20-22.
• CM (centimeters): most international size charts list measurements in centimeters; 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

FAQ on women's international size conversion chart#

How do I find my dress size in international sizes?#

Start from your bust, waist and hip measurements, then find your US size and read across: a US 8 is a UK 12 and a European 40, a US 10 a UK 14 and a European 42. The international dress size conversion chart lists the bust, waist and hip range for every size in inches and centimeters. Fit varies by brand, so treat the conversion as a starting point.

What does a size 42 in women's jackets convert to in the US?#

A European size 42 jacket is a US 10 (UK 14). The same rule covers nearby sizes: a European 40 jacket is a US 8 and a 44 is a US 12. Watch the label's origin, though. An Italian 42 often fits closer to a US 6 to 8, and sizing varies between brands, so check the brand's own size guide when you can.

If I wear a size XXL, what would be my European size?#

XXL in US sizes generally converts to size 52 or 54 in European sizing, depending on the brand and the specific measurements. European sizes often run smaller than US sizes, so it's essential to consult the conversion chart and possibly size up when purchasing European brands.

How do I find my European jacket size if I know my US size?#

Add 32 to your US size. If you wear a US 10, your European jacket size is a 42; a US 12 is a European 44. Jacket fit hinges on bust and shoulder measurements, so make sure those are current before you convert.

Are European sizes smaller than US sizes, and how does this affect my shopping?#

European cuts tend to run slimmer than US cuts. On the standard scale a US 8 is a European 40, though some charts and brands label it a 38. If you are between sizes or the brand is known to run small, size up, and check the brand's size chart before you buy.

How can I ensure I'm taking my body measurements correctly for the best fit?#

To ensure accurate body measurements, use a soft measuring tape and wear minimal clothing. Measure your bust at the fullest part, your waist at the narrowest, and your hips at the widest part. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight. Having someone assist you can provide more accurate measurements, especially for the bust and hips.

What is the significance of measuring in centimeters (cm) for international sizes?#

Measuring in centimeters provides a more precise and universally accepted unit of measurement for international sizing. Since many countries outside the US use the metric system, knowing your measurements in centimeters can make international shopping easier and more accurate. For instance, if you know your waist measurement is 72 cm, this can directly correlate to specific sizes on the international chart without needing to convert from inches.

How do bra sizes fit into the size chart, especially for larger cup sizes like DD?#

Bra sizes work on a separate system: a band size (the underbust measurement) plus a cup size (the difference between bust and band). The clothing conversions on this page do not apply to bras; use the bra size conversion chart to convert band and cup sizes between countries.

Can I rely on this chart for all types of women's clothing?#

The conversions on this page cover dresses, jackets, coats, blouses and sweaters. Pants and jeans are often sized by waist measurement instead of a single number, and shoes use a completely separate system. Material and cut (slim fit versus loose fit) also change how a size fits, so check the brand's size guide for the specific garment.

How do vanity sizing and different sizing standards affect how I should use the conversion chart?#

Vanity sizing and varying sizing standards can make size conversion challenging. A size medium in one brand or country could be a size small or large in another. Use the conversion chart as a general guide, but also pay attention to the specific measurements provided by brands. When possible, try on clothes before purchasing, or shop from retailers with good return policies to account for sizing discrepancies due to vanity sizing or different standards.

What is a size 44 in US women's clothing?#

A European 44 is a US 12 and a UK 16, a large. On the dress chart it fits a 98-102 cm bust (38"-40") and an 82-85 cm waist (32"-33.5"). A size 44 jacket or coat converts the same way: US 12. If the label is Italian, a 44 runs smaller, roughly a US 8.

What is a women's pants size 8 in European sizes?#

By the standard clothing rule a US 8 is a European 40, though many pants brands label it a 38. A US women's pants size 8 fits a 29-30 inch waist (74-76 cm). Pants and jeans are often sold by waist measurement instead of a misses size, so compare waist numbers when you can; the pants size chart for men and women maps each misses size to its waist measurement.

How do US sizes convert to EU clothes sizes?#

Add 32 to the US size: a US 6 becomes a European 38, a US 8 a 40 and a US 10 a 42. This covers dresses, tops, jackets, coats and most other women's clothing. Going from European to US, subtract 32. UK sizes sit 4 above US sizes, so a US 8 is a UK 12.

What size is a European 38 in US women's clothing?#

A European 38 is a US 6 and a UK 10, a small. It fits an 86-89 cm bust (33.5"-35") and a 69-72 cm waist (26.5"-28"). An Italian 38 runs smaller, closer to a US 2.