Clothing Size Converter

Convert between clothing sizes across US, UK, and EU sizing systems for men and women.

Size M (Women's)

10-12

US

14-16

UK

42-44

EU

Body Measurements for Size M (cm)

Bust90-94 cm
Waist70-74 cm
Hip97-101 cm

Complete Size Chart

SizeUSUKEU
XXS00-02-430-32
XS2-46-834-36
S6-810-1238-40
M10-1214-1642-44
L14-1618-2046-48
XL18-2022-2450-52
XXL22-2426-2854-56

What is a Clothing Size Converter?

A clothing size converter is an essential tool for anyone who shops for clothing across international brands or travels abroad. Clothing sizing systems vary dramatically between countries, and a size that fits perfectly in one system may correspond to a completely different number in another. This converter bridges the gap between US, UK, and EU sizing systems for both men's and women's clothing.

The three major sizing systems—US, UK, and EU—each have their own history and logic. US sizes generally use smaller numbers for smaller sizes, with women's sizes starting at 00 and men's at XS. UK sizes tend to be slightly larger numbers than US equivalents, reflecting different historical measurement traditions. EU sizes use a numbering system based on body measurements in centimeters, creating a more standardized approach across European countries.

Beyond just number conversions, this calculator provides the actual body measurements in centimeters associated with each size. For women, it includes bust, waist, and hip measurements. For men, it includes chest and waist measurements. These measurements are far more reliable than size numbers alone, as they provide the actual dimensions that determine fit.

Understanding clothing size conversion is crucial for online shopping, international travel, and working with fashion brands that operate across multiple markets. This tool eliminates guesswork and helps ensure a proper fit regardless of the sizing system used.

Understanding Clothing Size Systems

Each major clothing size system has its own logic and conventions. US women's sizes range from XXS (00-0) to XXL (22-24), with each letter size covering a two-number range. UK women's sizes typically run 4-6 numbers higher than US equivalents, so a US size 8 corresponds to approximately UK size 12.

EU women's sizes are based on body measurements and typically run about 28-30 numbers higher than US sizes. A US size 8 corresponds to approximately EU size 38-40. The EU system is more standardized across countries, making it the most consistent for international shopping.

For men's clothing, the sizing systems are generally more consistent across regions. US and UK men's sizes are often identical, while EU sizes run about 10-12 numbers higher. Men's sizes are typically based on chest and waist measurements in inches for US/UK systems, and in centimeters for the EU system.

The body measurements provided by this calculator give you the actual dimensions that designers use to create each size. These measurements are more reliable than size numbers because they account for the intended fit of the garment—whether it is designed to be loose, regular, or slim fitting.

Size Relationship Approximation

EU Size ≈ US Size + 30 (women) / US Size + 10 (men)

Where:

  • EU Size= European sizing number
  • US Size= American sizing number
  • 30 / 10= Approximate offset between systems

How to Use This Calculator

This clothing size converter provides intuitive size comparison across three major international systems:

  1. Select Gender: Choose between "Women's Sizes" and "Men's Sizes" using the dropdown. The available sizes and measurement fields will update accordingly.
  2. Choose Your Size: Select a letter size (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, or XXXL for men) from the dropdown. The calculator displays the corresponding US, UK, and EU sizes.
  3. Review Body Measurements: Below the size conversion, the calculator shows the actual body measurements in centimeters for the selected size. For women, this includes bust, waist, and hip measurements. For men, it includes chest and waist measurements.
  4. Compare with Your Measurements: Use the body measurements to find the best fit. Measure your own body dimensions and compare them with the chart to determine which size will fit most comfortably.
  5. Check the Complete Size Chart: The full size chart at the bottom shows all available sizes with their US, UK, and EU equivalents, making it easy to compare across the entire range.

Always use body measurements rather than just size numbers when shopping internationally, as different brands may have slight variations in their sizing.

Understanding the Results

The converter displays three key pieces of information for each size: the US equivalent, the UK equivalent, and the EU equivalent. These conversions are based on standard size charts used by major international retailers and fashion brands.

The body measurements shown are in centimeters and represent the recommended body dimensions for each size. These measurements provide a more accurate fit assessment than size numbers alone, because they account for how the garment is designed to fit the body.

For women, the three key measurements are bust (measured at the fullest part of the chest), waist (measured at the natural waistline), and hip (measured at the widest part of the hips). For men, the two key measurements are chest (measured around the fullest part of the chest) and waist (measured at the natural waistline).

When your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the type of garment and your fit preference. For fitted clothing, choose the size that matches your largest measurement. For relaxed-fit clothing, you may be able to choose the smaller size.

Real-World Applications

Clothing size conversion is essential for online shopping, especially when purchasing from international retailers. Many online stores display sizes in their local system, and understanding how your size translates ensures you order the correct fit. A size 10 dress in the US is very different from a size 10 in the UK.

For international travelers, understanding size conversions is invaluable when shopping abroad. Whether you are browsing boutiques in Paris, department stores in Tokyo, or outlet malls in London, knowing your equivalent sizes in different systems helps you shop confidently and avoid purchasing ill-fitting clothing.

In the fashion industry, designers and retailers must understand international sizing to create garments for global markets. Pattern makers use body measurements rather than size numbers to ensure consistent fit across different markets, and this converter helps bridge the gap between systems.

Gift shopping also benefits from size conversion knowledge. When purchasing clothing as a gift for someone in another country, knowing their size in the local system ensures the gift will be both thoughtful and properly fitting.

Worked Examples

Women's Size Conversion

Problem:

A shopper wears US size 8 and wants to buy from a UK retailer. What size should they order?

Solution Steps:

  1. 1Select Women's Sizes and size M from the dropdown
  2. 2The calculator shows US: 10-12, UK: 14-16, EU: 42-44
  3. 3For US size 8, look at the XS-S range where US 8 corresponds to UK 12
  4. 4Body measurements for UK 12: Bust 85-89 cm, Waist 65-69 cm, Hip 92-96 cm

Result:

US size 8 ≈ UK size 12 ≈ EU size 38-40

Men's Size Conversion

Problem:

A man wears EU size 50 and wants to know his US equivalent.

Solution Steps:

  1. 1Select Men's Sizes and find the size that includes EU 50
  2. 2Size M shows: US 38-40, UK 38-40, EU 48-50
  3. 3EU 50 corresponds to US 40
  4. 4Body measurements: Chest 91-97 cm, Waist 81-86 cm

Result:

EU size 50 ≈ US size 40 ≈ UK size 40

Finding the Right Size by Measurement

Problem:

A woman measures 92 cm bust, 72 cm waist, and 98 cm hips. What size should she order?

Solution Steps:

  1. 1Compare measurements to the women's size chart
  2. 2Bust 92 cm falls in the M range (90-94 cm)
  3. 3Waist 72 cm falls in the M range (70-74 cm)
  4. 4Hip 98 cm falls in the M range (97-101 cm)

Result:

Size M (US 10-12, UK 14-16, EU 42-44) is the best match

Tips & Best Practices

  • Always measure your body dimensions rather than relying on size numbers alone.
  • When shopping internationally, check the retailer's specific size chart if available.
  • If your measurements fall between sizes, consider the garment type and your fit preference.
  • Keep a note of your measurements in centimeters for easy comparison across different size charts.
  • Remember that vanity sizing means size numbers may not be consistent even within the same country.
  • For online shopping, read customer reviews about fit to determine if a brand runs small or large.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clothing sizes differ because each country developed its own sizing standards independently over many decades. US sizes are based on body measurements in inches, UK sizes evolved from different measurement traditions, and EU sizes are based on centimeters. These different starting points and measurement systems created the variation we see today, making size conversion essential for international shopping.
Body measurements are far more reliable than size numbers for determining fit. Size numbers can vary significantly between brands and countries, but body measurements are absolute. Always measure yourself and compare with the size chart's body measurements rather than relying solely on the letter or number size. This approach ensures the best fit regardless of the brand or sizing system.
Yes, men's and women's sizing systems use different measurement bases and ranges. Women's sizes typically include bust, waist, and hip measurements, while men's sizes focus on chest and waist. The conversion offsets also differ: EU sizes run about 30 numbers higher than US sizes for women, but only about 10 numbers higher for men. This is why separate conversions are needed for each gender.
When measurements fall between sizes, consider the garment type and your fit preference. For fitted items like blazers or dresses, choose the size that accommodates your largest measurement. For casual or relaxed-fit clothing, the smaller size may work. When in doubt, many retailers recommend sizing up, as alterations to make clothing smaller are more complex than letting it out.
These conversions represent standard industry sizing, but individual brands may have their own variations. Some brands run small, others run large, and designer labels may use different sizing altogether. The body measurements provided are your best guide—compare them with the specific brand's size chart when available, and use the general conversions as a starting point.

Sources & References

Last updated: 2026-06-06

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Editorial Note

MyCalcBuddy Editorial Team

This page is maintained as an educational calculator reference.

Source

Formula Source: NIST Guide to SI Units

by National Institute of Standards

UpdatedLast reviewed: May 2026
CheckedFormula checks are based on standard references and internal QA review.