Understanding international clothing sizes
EU, UK, US and international sizes explained
The European clothing size system (EU sizes) is based on chest circumference and other body measurements according to DIN EN 13402. For women, sizes typically start at 32 (very slim) and increase in steps of two up to 48 and beyond. For men, EU jacket and coat sizes correspond to chest circumference in centimeters: EU 50 corresponds to approx. 100 cm chest circumference. Sizes 44–60 cover most of the market.
The British size system (UK) is typically 4–6 units below the EU size for women: EU 38 = UK 10, EU 40 = UK 12. For men, UK often uses the same alphanumeric sizes (S, M, L, XL) as international sizing; for suits and blazers, the numeric chest size is common (rule of thumb EU − 10: EU 50 = UK/US 40). UK men’s shirts are often specified by collar size in inches (e.g. 15½), which has no direct EU equivalent.
The American size system (US) differs from UK by about 4 units for women: EU 38 = UK 10 = US 6, EU 42 = UK 14 = US 10. US pants are specified in waist and length in inches (32×30 = 32 inches waist, 30 inches inseam). In US fashion, "Size 0" is common for very slim fits, corresponding to roughly EU 32–34.
International sizes (XS–XXL) are the most widely used labels worldwide and are preferred by fast-fashion brands. They are less precise than numerical sizes, as they each cover several EU sizes. XS typically covers EU 32–34 (women), S corresponds to EU 36–38, M covers EU 38–40, L corresponds to EU 42–44, XL covers EU 46–48, and XXL is EU 50 and up. Men’s shirts in XS–XXL correspond roughly to EU 44–60.
When shopping internationally – especially from Asian markets (China, Korea, Japan) – sizes often differ significantly. Chinese sizes can run 2–4 EU sizes smaller. It is recommended to measure body dimensions (chest, waist, hips, height) and compare them with the manufacturer’s specific size chart. Our calculator covers the standard European-American-British conversion.