How It Works

Clothing size conversions follow standardized charts that map sizes between different regional systems. Each country uses its own sizing standard, which is why a size 8 in the US is different from a size 8 in the UK or Australia.

The basic conversion formula for women’s clothing between US and UK is straightforward:

For European sizes, the conversion is more complex because EU uses a different numbering system entirely. Women’s US size 8 converts to EU size 38, and the pattern continues with increments that don’t match one-to-one.

Men’s sizing is simpler because it’s often based on actual measurements (like waist inches for pants), but letter sizes (S, M, L, XL) vary more between brands and regions. Shoe sizes use completely different scales for each region.

Why Sizes Vary So Much

Size inconsistency happens because each country developed its own standards decades ago, and nobody ever agreed on a universal system. The US, UK, and EU all measure differently and use different starting points for their numbering.

On top of that, something called “vanity sizing” makes everything worse. Brands label clothes with smaller size numbers to make customers feel better about their purchase. A modern size 8 might fit like a size 12 from 20 years ago. This happens more with budget and mid-range brands than luxury labels.

Even within the same country, sizes differ by brand. Fast fashion brands tend to run smaller than traditional retailers. Athletic brands size differently than fashion brands. And don’t even get started on Asian sizing, which typically runs 1 to 2 sizes smaller than Western sizing.

Women’s Clothing Size Conversions

Women’s tops and dresses follow a consistent pattern across regions. US sizes run from 0 to 16 (and beyond), UK adds 4 to the US size, and EU sizes typically start at 32 and increase by 2s. Australian sizing matches UK sizing for most items.

The catch is that these conversions assume you’re comparing the same garment cut and style. A US 8 in a fitted dress might not fit the same as a US 8 in a loose tunic, even though both say size 8 on the label.

For pants and jeans, things get more complicated because some brands use waist measurements (like 26, 28, 30) while others use numbered sizes (2, 4, 6, 8). When you see both on a label, the waist measurement is usually more accurate across brands.

Men’s Clothing Size Conversions

Men’s sizing is generally more measurement-based, which makes it more consistent. Dress shirts use neck and sleeve measurements in inches or centimeters. Pants use waist and inseam measurements. This means a 32×32 pant should theoretically fit the same across most brands.

Letter sizes for men (S, M, L, XL) are where things get fuzzy. A medium in one brand might fit like a large in another. Athletic fit versus classic fit changes everything. European brands tend to cut slimmer than American brands.

Men’s suit sizing uses different conventions in the US versus UK and EU. US suit sizes are typically even numbers (38, 40, 42) while UK adds 10 to get the chest measurement in inches, and EU uses a metric-based system.

Shoe Size Conversions Explained

Shoe sizing is its own special nightmare. US, UK, and EU all use completely different scales. Women’s shoes in the US are typically 1.5 to 2 sizes larger in number than the same shoe in men’s sizing. A women’s 8 is roughly a men’s 6.5.

UK shoe sizes are about one size smaller in number than US sizes. So a US women’s 8 is a UK 6. EU shoe sizes use centimeters and a different starting point entirely. A US women’s 8 converts to EU 38 or 39 depending on the brand.

Width matters too, but most international conversion charts ignore it. US shoes come in narrow (N), medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW). Many European brands only make medium width. If you need wide shoes, you’ll have a harder time finding them from EU brands.

When Conversions Don’t Match Reality

Even with perfect conversion charts, you’ll find clothes that don’t fit right. This happens because sizing charts show the garment’s size, not the body size it’s designed for. A size 8 dress might be cut for someone with a 28-inch waist, but another size 8 might be cut for a 30-inch waist.

Brand fit models make a huge difference. If a brand uses fit models who are taller or shorter than average, their proportions will be off for most people. This is why some brands always fit you perfectly and others never work, even in your “correct” size.

When shopping online from international retailers, always check their specific size chart. Measure yourself and compare to their measurements rather than relying on size conversions. Most good retailers list bust, waist, hip, and inseam measurements for each size.

Shopping Tips for International Sizing

Read the reviews. When shopping from international brands, other customers will mention if items run small, large, or true to size. Look for reviewers with similar measurements to yours. They’ll tell you if you need to size up or down.

Check the return policy before buying. International returns can be expensive or impossible. Some retailers charge return shipping, and some don’t accept international returns at all. Factor this into your decision when ordering from overseas brands.

Take your measurements monthly. Your size changes more than you think. Weight fluctuations, muscle gain, and even bloating affect how clothes fit. Keep a note on your phone with your current bust, waist, hip, and inseam measurements.

Don’t get attached to a number. Size 8 in one store might be size 10 in another. The number doesn’t matter. What matters is whether the clothes fit your body comfortably. If you need to size up for better fit, do it. The only person who sees the label is you.

Quick Reference Tables

Women’s Tops & Dresses

Men’s Shirts

Women’s Shoes