Clothing Size Conversion Chart : A Complete International Guide

Why a Clothing Size Conversion Chart Matters?

Have you ever ordered clothes online, only to realize your “medium” in one country fits like a “small” in another? You’re not alone. Clothing sizes vary widely across regions, making international shopping tricky. A clothing size conversion chart helps you translate between systems so you can order with confidence.

This guide covers all major regions — US, UK, EU, AU/NZ, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and Asian sizes. It includes men’s, women’s, baby, and kids’ clothing, plus special fits like petite, plus, curve, and maternity. Later, we’ll even dive into underwear, bras, and accessories in part two.

Whether you’re trying to figure out UK to US sizes, understand an Italian size to US clothing conversion, or just need a quick measurement conversion chart, this post will serve as your ultimate reference.

1.Clothing Size Conversion Basics

Before we dive into specific categories, it’s worth knowing why size conversions can be confusing.

• Numbers vs. Letters: Some regions use numbers (like EU 40 or UK 12), while others use letters (S, M, L). But what does SM mean? It usually translates to “Small/Medium” — a hybrid fit that sits between both.
• Different Standards: A size 10 in the US is not the same as a size 10 in the UK or EU.
• Inches vs. Centimeters: Countries differ on whether they measure in inches (US, UK) or centimeters (EU, Asia).

General Alpha Size Conversion Chart

Here’s a quick clothing conversion chart to see how alpha sizes compare globally:

Tip: Always check if the retailer’s chart is body measurement-based or garment measurement-based. This makes a huge difference when ordering online.

2. Women’s Clothing Size Conversion

Women’s clothing is one of the most searched categories when it comes to sizing clothes, especially for dresses, tops, skirts, and pants.

General Apparel (Dresses, Tops, Jackets, Pants)

Petite Sizes

Petite sizes are designed for women under 5’4” (162 cm). They usually feature shorter inseams and narrower shoulders.

Plus / Curve Sizes

Curve and plus sizes cater to fuller figures, extending beyond standard size ranges.

Maternity Sizes

Maternity clothing often keeps your pre-pregnancy size but adjusts proportions for comfort.

3. Men’s Clothing Size Conversion

Men’s sizes are more standardized, often using chest and waist measurements.

General Apparel (Shirts, Jackets, Suits, Pants)

Big & Tall Sizes

For men who need extra length or width, big & tall sizing helps ensure a better fit.

4. Kids & Baby Clothing Size Conversion

Baby Clothing (0–24 months)

Children’s Clothing (2–14 years)

5. Underwear & Lingerie Size Conversion

When it comes to underwear and lingerie, conversions can be especially confusing since body measurements vary a lot by brand and region. Here’s a breakdown:

Women’s Bras – Band & Cup Sizes

Bras are sized by two measurements: band size (around the ribcage) and cup size (difference between bust and band).

Cup Size Conversion

Tip: European (FR) sizing adds 15 cm to band size (so EU 75 ≈ US 34).

Women’s Panties / Underwear

Men’s Underwear

6. Accessories Size Conversion

Accessories like rings, belts, and hats often have their own conversion systems.

Ring Sizes

Hat Sizes

Belt Sizes

Gloves

Socks & Tights

How to Measure Yourself Correctly — Step by Step

A conversion chart is only as good as your measurements. Here’s a simple guide:

Step 1 — Get set up

Use a soft measuring tape, a full-length mirror, and snug clothing or underwear. Stand tall, breathe normally, and keep the tape level and parallel to the floor.

Step 2 — Measure bust/chest

Wrap the tape around the fullest part, pass it under the arms, and meet at the center front. Keep it snug, not tight. For bras, also record your underbust by measuring directly under the bust.

Step 3 — Find your natural waist

Bend to one side to locate the natural crease; that narrowest point is your waist. Stand upright and circle the tape around that line without cinching.

Step 4 — Capture hip circumference

Place the tape around the widest part of your hips and seat (over the fullest part of the glutes). Check in the mirror to keep the tape perfectly horizontal.

Step 5 — Record shoulders and sleeve

Measure shoulder width from the edge of one shoulder to the other across the back. For sleeve length, start at the top of the shoulder, pass over a slightly bent elbow, and finish at the wrist bone.

Step 6 — Get inseam, outseam, and rise

For inseam, measure from the crotch seam to the ankle bone. Outseam runs from the natural waist to the ankle. If you need rise for tailored pants, measure from the front waist, through the legs, to the back waist along the body.

Step 7 — Note neck and top length

Measure around the base of the neck where a collar sits. If a brand lists top length, measure from the high shoulder point (close to the neck) straight down to the desired hem.

Step 8 — Hands and head for accessories

For gloves, measure across your knuckles (thumb excluded) on the dominant hand. For hats, wrap the tape around the head just above the ears and eyebrows where a hat naturally sits.

Step 9 — Optional leg and thigh checks

Some brands list thigh or calf. Measure the fullest point of each while standing naturally.

Step 10 — Convert and log

Convert inches to centimeters (multiply by 2.54) or centimeters to inches (divide by 2.54). Write everything down with today’s date; re-measure once for accuracy and average the two numbers if they differ slightly.

👉 Pro Tip: Always measure snugly but not tightly, and check if the brand uses body measurements vs garment measurements.

Buying Clothes Online Internationally — Step by Step

Step 1 — Start with the brand’s chart

Go to the product page and open the official size guide. Confirm whether measurements refer to your body or the finished garment; that single detail changes the choice you make.

Step 2 — Match your numbers first, not the letters

Use your bust, waist, hip, chest, and inseam to find the closest match on the brand’s table. Letters like S, M, and L vary by region and label.

Step 3 — Translate the region

If the chart lists only one region, map it using your clothing size conversion chart for US, UK, EU, AU/NZ, IT, FR, DE, JP, or MX so you’re comparing like-for-like.

Step 4 — Read the fit notes

Look for clues such as slim, regular, oversized, or relaxed. Check fabric composition and stretch percentage; more elastane means more forgiveness if you’re between sizes.

Step 5 — Use model info and reviews

Many pages list the model’s height, measurements, and the size they’re wearing. Scan customer reviews for notes like “runs small” or “generous in the waist.”

Step 6 — Decide when between sizes

Choose the smaller size for stretchy knits and the larger size for non-stretch wovens, lined garments, or structured pieces. For Asian-cut items, consider sizing up if reviews suggest a smaller cut.

Step 7 — Check policies before you click

Confirm return windows, exchange rules, and who pays for return shipping. For international orders, review duties and taxes so the total cost doesn’t surprise you.

Step 8 — Test smart

If it’s a new brand, start with one item, or order two neighboring sizes and plan to return one. Keep the tags on and try the garment on with the shoes or layers you’ll actually wear.

Step 9 — Build your personal log

Save your final choice and how it fit by brand and category (e.g., “Brand X blazers: EU 40 fits best”). Over time, this becomes your shortcut to instant sizing decisions.

FAQ on Clothing Size Conversion Chart

Q1: Are clothing sizes the same in the US and UK?

No. A US size 8 is roughly a UK size 12. That’s why checking a UK to US size chart is essential.

Q2: What size is 32 in women’s jeans?

In most brands, a 32-inch waist equals about US size 14/16 or a Large. Always double-check brand charts.

Q3: What does SM mean in clothing?

It usually means Small/Medium, a hybrid size offered by some brands.

Q4: How do I convert Italian sizes to US clothing?

Italian sizes generally run small. To convert: IT 44 ≈ US 8, IT 46 ≈ US 10, and so on.

Q5: What is a measurement conversion chart?

It’s a table that translates inches to centimeters (and vice versa) for clothing measurements like waist, bust, and hips.

Conclusion: Your Global Clothing Size Conversion Chart

Shopping across borders doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. With this clothing size conversion chart, you now have a reliable guide to compare US, UK, EU, AU, IT, FR, DE, JP, MX, and more — for men, women, kids, underwear, and accessories.

Whether you’re buying an Italian dress, a UK jacket, or figuring out what size is 32 in women’s jeans, this guide puts everything in one place.

👉 Bookmark this resource, and you’ll never have to second-guess your size again.

About the Author

Talia Rose

Administrator

Talia specializes in visual styling, daily ritual design, and trend photography. She shares aesthetic guides, seasonal inspiration, and content designed to elevate your everyday with intention and creativity.

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