Clothing Size Chart: US, UK & EU Sizes
Compare clothing sizes between US, UK and European sizing. Use the charts below to convert women’s and men’s sizes and compare common letter sizes such as XS, S, M, L and XL.
International clothing size charts
Clothing sizes vary between countries, brands and garment types. Choose the chart that best matches what you are looking for.
Women’s clothing size chart
Use this chart to compare common women’s clothing sizes in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe. The international column provides a general XS–XXL reference.
| International | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 0 | 4 | 32 |
| XS | 2 | 6 | 34 |
| S | 4 | 8 | 36 |
| S | 6 | 10 | 38 |
| M | 8 | 12 | 40 |
| M | 10 | 14 | 42 |
| L | 12 | 16 | 44 |
| L | 14 | 18 | 46 |
| XL | 16 | 20 | 48 |
| XL | 18 | 22 | 50 |
| XXL | 20 | 24 | 52 |
| XXL | 22 | 26 | 54 |
Clothing-size conversions are approximate. Brands may use different measurements for the same labeled size, so check the manufacturer’s own size chart when available.
Common women’s size conversions
These are some of the most frequently compared women’s clothing sizes between the US, UK and European systems.
| US size | UK size | EU size | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 2 | UK 6 | EU 34 | XS |
| US 4 | UK 8 | EU 36 | S |
| US 6 | UK 10 | EU 38 | S |
| US 8 | UK 12 | EU 40 | M |
| US 10 | UK 14 | EU 42 | M |
| US 12 | UK 16 | EU 44 | L |
| US 14 | UK 18 | EU 46 | L |
| US 16 | UK 20 | EU 48 | XL |
Men’s clothing size chart
Men’s clothing often combines letter sizes with body measurements. The chart below gives a general comparison for common XS–XXL sizes using chest circumference as a reference.
| International | US / UK chest | EU | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 | 44 | 86–89 |
| S | 36 | 46 | 90–93 |
| M | 38 | 48 | 94–97 |
| M | 40 | 50 | 98–101 |
| L | 42 | 52 | 102–105 |
| L | 44 | 54 | 106–109 |
| XL | 46 | 56 | 110–113 |
| XL | 48 | 58 | 114–117 |
| XXL | 50 | 60 | 118–121 |
| XXL | 52 | 62 | 122–125 |
Men’s sizing varies by garment type. Suit jackets, shirts, trousers and casual clothing may use different sizing conventions even within the same country.
What do XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL mean?
Letter sizes provide a simplified way to group clothing measurements. They generally mean Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Double Extra Large.
However, there is no single worldwide measurement for each letter size. A Medium from one brand can have different measurements from a Medium sold by another brand.
| Size | Meaning |
|---|---|
| XXS | Double Extra Small |
| XS | Extra Small |
| S | Small |
| M | Medium |
| L | Large |
| XL | Extra Large |
| XXL / 2XL | Double Extra Large |
How to measure yourself for clothing
Body measurements are more useful than a conversion chart when you are unsure which size to choose. Use a flexible measuring tape and keep it level without pulling it too tightly.
Chest or bust
Measure around the fullest part of your chest or bust. Keep the measuring tape horizontal around your body.
Waist
Measure around your natural waistline. This is usually the narrowest part of your torso above the hips.
Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
Compare your measurements with the specific brand’s size chart whenever one is available.
How clothing size conversion works
Clothing sizes are not governed by one universal international sizing system. Countries have developed different numerical systems, while many brands also use their own measurements and fit standards.
For women’s clothing, a US size is commonly several numbers lower than the corresponding UK or European size. For example, a US women’s size 8 is commonly around a UK 12 and EU 40.
Men’s clothing works differently. Jackets and suits may be labeled according to chest measurement, European numerical sizing or international letter sizes.
This is why a conversion chart is best used to identify a likely equivalent size rather than guarantee an exact fit.
Are US and UK clothing sizes the same?
No. US and UK women’s numerical clothing sizes use different numbers. A women’s US size 4, for example, commonly corresponds to a UK size 8.
International letter sizes such as S, M and L may look the same in both countries, but the actual garment measurements can still differ between brands.
Men’s clothing is less straightforward because different garment types use different sizing systems. Always check whether a number represents a body measurement, garment measurement or regional size.
How European clothing sizes compare
European numerical sizes are commonly used across many countries in continental Europe. Women’s sizes often include numbers such as 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44.
As a general reference, women’s EU 36 is commonly around US 4 / UK 8, EU 38 around US 6 / UK 10 and EU 40 around US 8 / UK 12.
European sizing is not completely uniform, however. Measurements and fit can differ between countries, manufacturers and clothing styles.
Why the same clothing size can fit differently
Two garments with the same size label do not necessarily have the same measurements. Brands develop clothing using their own patterns, fit models and target measurements.
The cut of a garment also matters. Slim fit, regular fit, relaxed fit and oversized clothing can feel very different even when the size label is identical.
Fabric can also affect fit. Stretch materials may allow more flexibility than garments made from rigid woven fabrics.
Use an international conversion chart as a starting point, then compare your body measurements with the brand’s own measurements when possible.
Clothing size conversion FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about US, UK, European and international clothing sizes.
Is UK size 6 the same as US size 2?
For women’s clothing, UK size 6 commonly corresponds to approximately US size 2 and EU size 34. Exact garment measurements can vary between brands.
What is a US size 6 in UK clothing?
A women’s US size 6 commonly corresponds to approximately UK size 10 and EU size 38.
What is a US size 8 in UK and European sizes?
A women’s US size 8 commonly corresponds to approximately UK size 12 and EU size 40.
What is a UK size 10 in US clothing?
A women’s UK size 10 commonly corresponds to approximately US size 6 and EU size 38.
What is a UK size 12 in US clothing?
A women’s UK size 12 commonly corresponds to approximately US size 8 and EU size 40.
What is EU size 38 in US clothing?
For women’s clothing, EU size 38 commonly corresponds to approximately US size 6 and UK size 10.
What is EU size 40 in US clothing?
A women’s EU size 40 commonly corresponds to approximately US size 8 and UK size 12.
What is EU size 42 in US clothing?
A women’s EU size 42 commonly corresponds to approximately US size 10 and UK size 14.
Is size 10 medium or large?
It depends on the sizing system and brand. A women’s US size 10 is commonly around a Medium, while a UK size 10 is smaller and commonly around a Small. The number therefore needs to be interpreted together with its country or sizing system.
Is size 12 medium or large?
In women’s US sizing, size 12 is commonly around a Large. In UK sizing, size 12 is commonly closer to a Medium. Letter-size equivalents vary between brands.
Is XL the same size in the US and Europe?
Not necessarily. XL is not a fixed worldwide measurement. Brands and regional collections can use different chest, waist and hip measurements for the same XL label.
How do I know what clothing size I am?
Measure your chest or bust, waist and hips and compare those measurements with the size chart for the garment or brand you plan to buy. International conversion charts are most useful when you already know your size in another sizing system.
Are clothing size conversions exact?
No. International conversions are approximate because clothing brands and countries do not use one universal set of garment measurements.
Why do clothing sizes vary between brands?
Brands use their own patterns, body measurements, fit standards and garment cuts. This means two items labeled with the same size can have different physical measurements.