EU to US Clothing Size Converter – Dresses, Shirts & Pants

EU clothing sizes are typically numbered higher than US sizes. For women's clothing, EU sizes are roughly 30 numbers higher (EU 38 ≈ US 8). For men's shirts, EU sizes refer to collar circumference in centimeters, while US sizes use inches. For men's pants, EU sizes are approximately 10 numbers higher than US waist sizes. These differences stem from distinct measurement systems used in Europe versus the United States.

EU size 38 for women's dresses, tops, and pants converts to US size 8. This corresponds to an International size Medium (M), with approximate body measurements of bust 88cm (34.6"), waist 70cm (27.6"), and hips 96cm (37.8"). For the most accurate fit, always check the specific brand's size chart as measurements can vary.

Clothing sizes vary between brands due to differences in target demographics, design philosophy, and manufacturing standards. A "EU 38" from an Italian brand may fit differently than a "EU 38" from a German or French brand. Vanity sizing also plays a role—some brands deliberately label larger garments with smaller sizes. Always consult the brand-specific size guide and read customer reviews about fit before purchasing online.

Men's shirt sizes in the EU are based on collar circumference in centimeters (e.g., EU 40 means a 40cm collar). In the US, collar size is measured in inches. The approximate conversion: EU 37 ≈ US 14.5, EU 38 ≈ US 15, EU 39 ≈ US 15.5, EU 40 ≈ US 16, EU 41 ≈ US 16.5, EU 42 ≈ US 17, and so on. Always round to the nearest half-inch for US shirt sizes.

Use a flexible measuring tape. For bust/chest, measure around the fullest part. For waist, find the narrowest point (usually just above the navel). For hips, measure around the widest part. Keep the tape parallel to the floor, not too tight or too loose. Take measurements while standing relaxed, preferably in underwear. Record your measurements in both centimeters and inches for easy reference when comparing international size charts.

No, the conversion differs. For women's pants, EU sizes 34–52 correspond to US sizes 4–22 (approximately EU − 30 = US). For men's pants, EU sizes 44–60 correspond to US waist sizes 34–50 (approximately EU − 10 = US). Women's EU pants sizes align with the women's dress size system, while men's EU pants sizes are closer to the actual waist measurement in centimeters minus a constant.

If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the garment's fabric and fit style. For stretchy fabrics or relaxed-fit designs, choose the smaller size. For non-stretch fabrics or tailored fits, opt for the larger size. When buying pants or fitted dresses, it's generally safer to size up and have the garment altered than to buy too small. Always check if the brand offers free returns to try both sizes.

No, UK sizes are different from both EU and US sizes. UK women's sizes are typically 2 numbers smaller than US sizes (UK 8 ≈ US 6 ≈ EU 36). For men's clothing, UK and US sizes are more similar but still not identical. This tool specifically converts between EU and US sizes. If you need UK size conversions, you may need a separate chart that includes all three sizing systems.

While the EU sizing system aims for standardization under EN 13402, there are still national variations. Italian sizes tend to run smaller, French sizes are often one size smaller than standard EU, and German sizes align closely with the standard EU scale. Always check the country of origin when shopping European brands. The conversions in this tool represent the most widely accepted standard EU to US mappings.

A simple rule of thumb: For women's clothing, subtract 30 from the EU size to get the approximate US size (EU 40 − 30 = US 10). For men's pants, subtract 10 (EU 50 − 10 = US 40 waist). For men's shirts, the EU number is the collar in cm—divide by 2.54 to get US collar inches (EU 40 ÷ 2.54 ≈ US 15.7, rounded to 16). Bookmark this page for quick reference when shopping international brands!