Clothing Size Converter

Here's the thing nobody tells you: there's literally no international standard for clothing sizes. None. Each country just kind of does its own thing, and then individual brands take those already-confusing systems and add their own spin on it. You could be three different sizes in the same store depending on which brand you're looking at.

Vanity sizing has completely wrecked any consistency that might've existed. Today's size 8 was a size 12 in the 1990s. Brands figured out that people feel better buying smaller numbers, so they just... changed the measurements while keeping the labels the same. A Medium from 1985 fits like a Small now. It's wild.

Men's and women's sizing don't even follow the same logic. Men's pants use actual waist measurements (32 inches = size 32), which makes sense. Women's sizes? Arbitrary numbers that mean absolutely nothing and vary by 2-3 inches between brands. Why? Nobody knows. It's been this way forever and everyone just accepts it.

Then you've got regional differences. European sizing uses numbers based on body measurements in centimeters. Asian sizing typically runs 1-2 sizes smaller because it's based on different average body dimensions. UK sizing sits somewhere between US and EU. Australian sizing is basically UK sizing with a different accent. None of these systems talk to each other.

The worst part? Two items from the same brand, same size, can fit completely differently depending on the fabric, cut, or which factory made them. That H&M size Medium? Could be a Small in their jeans and a Large in their t-shirts. Zara's size 8 runs notoriously small. Nike has its own universe of sizing. Good luck.

Grab a soft fabric measuring tape - not a metal one from your toolbox. Metal tapes don't bend right and you'll end up with measurements that are off by inches. Stand in front of a mirror in your underwear or thin clothing. Don't suck in, don't stretch the tape tight. Just measure naturally.

Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the ground. Make sure it's not twisted in the back. If you're measuring for a bra, this goes over your current bra. For shirts and dresses, just over your skin or a thin layer.

Waist: Find your natural waistline - it's the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch or two above your belly button. Don't measure where your pants sit (that's your hips). Wrap the tape around without pulling it tight. Breathe normally.

Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and butt, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. This is usually 7-9 inches below your natural waist. Stand with your feet together and measure the widest point.

Inseam: For pants, measure from the top of your inner thigh down to where you want the pants to end. Easier if someone helps you with this one. Measure while standing straight, not sitting.

Time of day matters more than you'd think. Measure yourself in the morning, not after a big meal when you're bloated. Your measurements can fluctuate by an inch throughout the day. If you're between measurements, go with your larger measurement when ordering.

Example: if you measure 36" bust, 28" waist, 38" hips, that converts to roughly a US size 8, EU 38-40, UK 12 in most brands. But always check the specific brand's size chart because, as we've established, nothing is standardized.

Common mistakes: measuring over thick clothing (adds 1-2 inches), pulling the tape too tight (subtracts inches you actually have), measuring at an angle instead of straight across. Also, don't measure yourself right after working out - you'll be slightly swollen from the pump.

US women's sizing uses 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, etc. Or XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL if you're looking at t-shirts and casual wear. Sometimes both at the same time (like S = 4-6, M = 8-10). It's not based on any specific measurement system, which is part of the problem.

European sizing is based on body measurements in centimeters. For women, EU sizes are typically your US size plus 30. So US 8 = EU 38. But that's just a rough approximation. EU 38 means the garment is designed to fit someone with roughly 38cm measurements in key areas, adjusted by the manufacturer's fit model.

UK women's sizes fall between US and EU. Take your US size and add 4 to get UK sizing. US 8 = UK 12. This is because UK sizing evolved separately and uses a different baseline. UK sizes also go up by 2s after size 8, while US sizing is sequential.

Asian sizing deserves its own warning label. It typically runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US sizing because it's based on different average body proportions. What's labeled as an Asian Large might fit like a US Small or Medium. Always size up when ordering from Asian brands, and definitely check their measurement charts.

Australian sizing is basically the same as UK sizing - they follow British standards. So if you see an Australian brand, convert it like you would UK sizes. New Zealand does the same thing.

For men, it's slightly less chaotic but still messy. US/UK men's sizing is pretty similar for most items. European men's sizing uses larger numbers - a US Medium shirt is typically EU 50-52. The numbers correspond to chest measurements in centimeters, so a 50 should fit a 50cm chest... in theory.

Remember: these conversions are approximations. They give you a starting point, not a guarantee. A US 8 might convert to EU 38 in the calculator, but brand A's EU 38 could fit like a US 6 and brand B's could fit like a US 10. This is why return policies exist.

Fast fashion brands (Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Shein) tend to run small. Like, consistently small. Zara's sizing is basically European even though they sell in the US - their Medium fits like a US Small. H&M is all over the place depending on which collection you're buying from. Forever 21 runs small in bottoms but true-to-size in tops. Shein? Add 1-2 sizes automatically.

Athletic brands have their own universe. Nike and Adidas both use unique sizing systems that don't match standard US sizing. A Nike Medium in running gear fits differently than their Medium in lifestyle clothing. Lululemon's sizes are generous compared to most brands - their 8 is closer to a 10 in other brands. Gymshark runs pretty true to size but their leggings are designed for specific body types.

Luxury brands often run smaller and follow European sizing even when selling in US stores. A Gucci size 40 is not the same as a standard EU 40. Same with Prada, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent - they're designed for runway bodies and fit slimmer than mass market brands. Budget an extra size up from your usual when shopping luxury.

Plus-size brands vary wildly in their size ranges. Lane Bryant, Torrid, and ASOS Curve all use different baselines for what constitutes a "14" or an "XL." Some plus brands start at 14, others at 16, some at 18. The measurements can differ by 3-4 inches between brands at the same size number. Always check the actual measurements.

Men's sizing is more consistent but still has quirks. J.Crew and Banana Republic both run large - size down. Uniqlo follows Asian sizing and runs small - size up. American Eagle jeans stretch out significantly, so buy snug. Express dress shirts fit slim, so if you're between sizes, go up.

The golden rule: never trust the size label alone. Always check the specific brand's size chart before ordering. Screenshot it before you buy so you have it for returns. Brands change their sizing randomly between seasons and nobody tells you.

Reviews are your best friend. Don't just read them - search for sizing comments specifically. Look for phrases like "runs large," "runs small," "order a size up," "true to size." If 50 people say it runs small and 3 people say it's perfect, the 50 people are right. Also check if reviewers mention their usual size and what size they ordered.

Screenshot or save the brand's size chart before ordering. Seriously. Brands update their charts, and when you need to return or exchange something three weeks later, you'll want proof of what the chart said when you ordered. Email it to yourself or save it in your photos.

Know your measurements in both inches and centimeters. Most US brands use inches, but international brands use cm. Having both handy saves time. Also know your measurements in multiple areas - not just waist, but also chest, hips, inseam, shoulder width for jackets.

Understand the return policy BEFORE clicking buy. International returns can cost as much as the item itself. Some brands make you pay return shipping. Others give you store credit only. ASOS has free returns, which is why everyone shops there. Know what you're getting into.

If you're between sizes based on measurements, order both sizes if you can afford it. Way easier to return one than to deal with exchange shipping twice. Most stores let you do this, especially if you're a regular customer. Just return the one that doesn't fit within the return window.

PayPal is your friend for international orders. They have buyer protection that's sometimes better than credit card protection, and they simplify returns from international sellers. If something goes wrong with a purchase from an overseas brand, PayPal dispute resolution actually works.

Take photos of product photos and descriptions. If an item arrives looking nothing like what was shown, you'll need evidence. This is especially important with brands you haven't ordered from before or when buying sale items (which are often final sale).

Fitted and tailored styles need your exact size or even sizing up. Blazers, button-up shirts, pencil skirts, tailored dresses - these are designed to skim your body, not squeeze it. If you're between sizes, always go up. You can tailor something down, but you can't add fabric that isn't there.

Oversized or boyfriend styles work better if you size down. That trendy oversized hoodie? Your usual size will look like a tent. Drop a size or even two, especially if you're petite. Same with boyfriend jeans, oversized tees, slouchy cardigans. The "oversized" is already built into the pattern.

Structured items like blazers and formal button-ups should fit your largest measurement. If your shoulders are broader than your chest, size for shoulders. If your hips are wider than your waist, size for hips in bottoms. It's easier to take in the waist of pants than to let out the hips.

Stretch fabrics vs non-stretch follow different rules. Stretch denim will loosen up throughout the day, so buy them snug. Non-stretch denim won't give at all, so size up if you're between. Knits and jersey materials are forgiving - go with your usual size. Wovens have no give - size up if uncertain.

European and Asian brands tend to fit tighter than American brands, even at the same size. If you're ordering from a European luxury brand or an Asian fast fashion site, factor in an automatic size up. Cultural fit preferences are real - what's considered "fitted" in Europe is "tight" in the US.

When your measurements span two sizes, prioritize different measurements for different items. For tops and dresses, prioritize bust measurement. For pants and skirts, prioritize hip measurement. For structured jackets, prioritize shoulder measurement. The fit in the most important area matters most.

Remember that alterations are normal. Even expensive designer clothes aren't made to fit perfectly off the rack. Hemming pants, taking in a waist, adjusting sleeve length - these are standard. If something fits great everywhere but one spot, buy it and get it altered. Costs $10-30 and makes a huge difference.

Check out the FTC's clothing labeling guidelines for official standards (what little exists). Zappos has excellent size guides for shoes and clothing. ASOS has a fit assistant that actually works pretty well if you answer honestly.

Most importantly: always check individual brand size charts over generic conversion tools. Our calculator gives you the baseline conversions between sizing systems, but brands deviate from these standards constantly. When shopping, scroll down to that brand's specific size chart and use that.