European Clothing Sizes: Convert US to EU

This guide shows you how to convert European clothing sizes to US standards – and vice versa.

European Size Chart for Women

This chart converts women’s clothing sizes between US and European (EU) standards, aiding in international shopping. Example: a US women’s size 18 corresponds to a European (EU) size 48.

European Size Chart for Men

For tops and outerwear. Convert from US to EU (European sizes), including measurements for chest and waist.

Women’s Jean Sizes + Pant Sizes

European pant size and jeans size conversion chart for women. Guidelines: an EU size 32 typically corresponds to US size 2, EU size 34 to US size 4, EU size 36 to US size 6, and so on.

Men’s Jean Sizes + Pant Sizes

Convert men’s pant sizes between European (EU) and US sizing systems, including waist circumference in inches and corresponding international sizes. For example, the average American men’s size is US 40, which translates to an EU size of 56 with a waist circumference of 41.5 inches, categorized as XL in international size.

Cracking the Code: Essential Tips for Euro Size Shopping

• Secure Precise Measurements: Accurately measuring your body is a more precise and reliable approach than converting between sizes. It directly corresponds to the size you require, avoiding the inaccuracies and rounding errors that can occur with size conversions.
• Opt for Specific Brand Charts: Use our specific brands charts for better accuracy instead of general guidelines. Trying and Reviewing: In-store, try clothes on to find the best fit, and online, read sizing reviews before purchasing.
• The cut of a garment significantly influences the size required, with different tailoring styles fitting uniquely; reading customer reviews for fit feedback and considering fabric flexibility, such as stretch versus non-stretch materials, are key to finding the right size.
• In Europe, measurements are all about centimeters, with 1 cm approximately equaling 0.4 inches. So, naturally, the numbers in centimeters will be higher compared to inches. This page for conversion, formulas like Barleycorn, Paris stitch etc.
• European clothing sizes for women typically follow a sequence of 34-36-38-40-42, sometimes with sizes like 32 or 44 also available. European clothing sizes for men typically follow a sequence of 46-48-50-52-54, sometimes with sizes like 44 or 56 also available.
• In shops and on labels, “EU” sizes may be referred to by different names depending on the country. For example, in Germany, you might see it labeled as “Konfektionsgröße.” In Italy, clothing sizes are often marked as “Taglia,” while in Spain, you’ll encounter “Talla” as the term for clothing size. In France, sizes might be indicated with “Taille,” and in countries like Sweden, sizes are referred to as “Storlek”.
• It’s worth noting that European sizes may run slightly smaller than what you’re accustomed to, so don’t be surprised if you need to go up a few sizes. Especially Spanish, Italian, and French clothing tends to run smaller, so sizing up may be necessary. German and Scandinavian clothing, on the other hand, is known for its comfort and tends to be more true to size.
• Vanity Sizing Practices: In the United States, clothing sizes are often adjusted upwards to make consumers feel better about their size choices, leading to garments that are dimensionally larger than their European counterparts for the same size label. This practice is a response to American consumer preferences, where there is a psychological advantage to purchasing clothing in a seemingly smaller size, thus making US sizes generally larger than those in Europe for the same nominal size label.
• Cultural Preferences for Clothing Fit: The preference among American consumers for looser, more comfortable clothing significantly influences manufacturers to produce garments that are sized larger. This cultural inclination towards a more relaxed fit directly impacts the sizing standards employed by American clothing manufacturers, resulting in garments that offer more room and comfort, in contrast to the typically slimmer fits preferred in European markets.
• Differences in Average Body Size and Shape: The demographic reality that Americans, on average, have larger body sizes than Europeans necessitates the availability of larger clothing sizes in the US market. This difference is reflected in the sizing charts used by manufacturers, where a garment labeled “Large” in the US might correspond to an “Extra Large” in Europe.

Insights from our Lab

Related links

• US – UK Conversion
• Euro Shoe Size Conversion