US vs EU Clothing Sizes Explained

6 min read•June 1, 2025•Reviewed: June 1, 2026

✓Reviewed by Apex Conversion Editorial Team · Last reviewed June 1, 2026

US and EU clothing sizes are on completely different numbering scales. A US women's size 8 corresponds to approximately EU 38 — the numbers are not interchangeable. Shopping from European brands without knowing the conversion is a reliable way to order the wrong size.

The EU system is based on body measurements in centimeters, making it more directly interpretable once you know your measurements. The US system uses arbitrary numbers whose relationship to body measurements is less direct. This guide covers the conversions and the logic behind each system.

Women's Size Comparison

US     EU    UK    Bust(cm)  Waist(cm)  Hip(cm)
────   ──    ──    ────────  ─────────  ───────
  0    32    4       79        61         87
  2    34    6       82        64         89
  4    36    8       86        68         93
  6    38   10       89        71         96
  8    40   12       93        75        100
 10    42   14       97        79        104
 12    44   16      101        83        108
 14    46   18      105        87        112
 16    48   20      110        92        117

Men's Suit Size Comparison

US/UK  EU    Chest(cm)  Waist(cm)
─────  ──    ─────────  ─────────
  36   46       92         76
  38   48       97         81
  40   50      102         86
  42   52      107         91
  44   54      112         96
  46   56      117        101

How the EU System Works

EU clothing sizes for women are roughly double the waist measurement in centimeters. EU 38 is designed for a waist of approximately 71 cm. EU 40 for about 75 cm, EU 42 for about 79 cm. This is why EU sizes increase by 2 — each step represents roughly 4 cm of body measurement change.

Men's EU suit sizes are also based on chest measurement in centimeters. EU 50 corresponds to a chest of approximately 100 cm. The relationship is close to direct measurement, making the EU system more transparent once you know your body measurements.

How the US System Works

US women's clothing sizes are arbitrary numbers that have shifted over time. A US size 8 does not correspond to any specific measurement in a consistent, definable way — different brands define their size 8 differently. 'Vanity sizing' (making sizes run large to flatter customers) means today's size 8 is larger than a size 8 from 30 years ago.

US men's dress shirts and trousers are more measurement-based: a size 15.5/34 shirt means a 15.5-inch neck and 34-inch sleeve. Men's suit sizes are in inches (chest measurement). This is more consistent than women's sizing but still uses inches rather than centimeters.

The Best Approach: Use Your Measurements

The most reliable way to shop across systems is to know your measurements in centimeters and compare them directly to the brand's size chart. Every reputable European brand publishes a measurement-based size guide. If you know your bust is 93 cm, your waist is 75 cm, and your hips are 100 cm, you can find your exact size in any system.

Do not rely solely on numeric size conversions. Sizing varies by brand, by country within Europe, and by garment type. A EU 40 blouse from a French brand may fit differently than an EU 40 from a German brand, because each uses slightly different ease allowances.

Quick Tips

✓
Women: US size + 30 ≈ EU size. US 8 + 30 = EU 38. This is approximate — always check the brand's chart.
✓
Men's suits: US/UK chest in inches × 2 + 10 ≈ EU size. US 40 suit: 40 × 2... actually easier to use the table above.
✓
Always measure yourself before ordering from a new international brand.
✓
Check return policies when buying internationally — a free return policy makes sizing experimentation risk-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is US women's size 8 in EU?

US women's 8 ≈ EU 38. This is approximate — check the specific brand's size chart for accurate measurements.

What is EU women's size 40 in US?

EU 40 ≈ US women's 10. Again, this varies by brand.

Are EU and Italian clothing sizes the same?

Italian sizes (used by brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace) are EU sizes. The Italian size system is the same as the European standard.

Why do clothing sizes vary so much between brands?

There is no legally mandated sizing standard for clothing in most countries. Brands define their own size grading, leading to significant variation. This is particularly pronounced in women's clothing.

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