Everyday Life · Practical Life
Clothing Size Converter
Convert clothing sizes between US, UK, EU, and international sizing systems for tops, bottoms, and shoes.
Calculator
Formula
Size conversions use fixed offsets or lookup tables specific to garment type and gender. For example, a US women's top size 8 corresponds to EU size 40 and UK size 12.
Source: International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO 8559) and regional sizing standards.
How it works
Each region uses a different numeric baseline for sizing. For women's tops, US sizes run smaller numerically — a US 8 equals a UK 12 and an EU 40. The converter applies standard offset values that are widely accepted across major clothing brands and retailers.
For bottoms, waist measurements in inches are used as the input since these are relatively consistent internationally, with the EU equivalent derived by adding approximately 16 to the inch measurement. Shoe sizes use separate offset tables for men and women due to different last standards used by manufacturers.
Worked example
Suppose you are a woman shopping for a top and your US size is 10:
- EU Size: 10 + 32 = 42
- UK Size: 10 + 4 = 14
- AU Size: 10 + 4 = 14
- FR Size: 10 + 36 = 46
So when shopping on a French website, you would select size 46, while on a British site you would choose size 14.
Limitations & notes
Clothing size conversions are approximate — brands vary widely in their actual measurements even within the same nominal size. Always check a brand's specific size chart and body measurement guide before purchasing, especially for fitted garments. This tool uses standard offset tables and may not reflect every retailer's sizing conventions.
Frequently asked questions
Why do EU and FR sizes look the same?
France uses the same numeric system as the broader EU standard for most garment categories. They are effectively the same scale, though some French brands may add 4 to the EU number — we use the EU-aligned FR standard here.
Are UK and AU clothing sizes the same?
For most garments, UK and AU sizes are identical, which is why both outputs match. Minor differences can occur between specific brands or for specialty sizing.
What should I enter for bottoms?
Enter your waist size in inches — this is the number printed on jeans and trousers in the US. The converter then calculates the EU waist equivalent.
Do these conversions work for children's clothing?
No, children's sizing uses entirely different systems based on age or height rather than numeric adult scales. This calculator is designed for adult sizing only.
Why might the converted size not fit me perfectly?
Size charts are based on standardised body measurements, but individual proportions vary and brands differ in their fit philosophy. Always measure yourself and compare to the specific retailer's size guide.
Last updated: 2025-01-15 · Formula verified against primary sources.