Clothing Size Conversion Chart: EU, IT, UK & US Sizes for Women and Men

You wear a UK 10 at home, the Italian label says 42, and the jeans are marked W28 L32. No wonder so many people hesitate between two sizes when shopping online. This guide shows you how to use a clothing size conversion chart the right way – with tables for women and men (EU, France, Italy, UK, US), jeans in W/L, shoe sizes, and a two-minute guide to measuring yourself correctly.

Why Isn't a Size 40 the Same Everywhere?

There is no single worldwide sizing standard. Every country developed its own system: Germany uses its own numbered sizes, France counts two numbers higher, Italy another four above that, and the UK and US use completely different numbers. On top of that come letter sizes from XS to XXL, which every brand interprets slightly differently.

You can see how different this looks in practice right in our own range:

• Love Moschino labels women's T-shirts in Italian sizes 38 to 46,
• Only labels women's tops in German sizes 34 to 42,
• Boss shows men's jackets as "M (48 EU)", Colmar Originals as "48 (M)",
• Superdry writes 2XL instead of XXL – it means the same size,
• jeans from Jack & Jones, Levi's or Guess come in W/L, which means inches.

A woman who wears an Italian 44 wears the same as a UK 12 or a German 38. Once you know that, you order the wrong size far less often.

Key Takeaway: The number on the label only tells you something once you know the sizing system behind it.

Women's Size Conversion Chart: EU, France, Italy, UK and US

The rules of thumb for women's clothing are simple: France = Germany + 2, Italy = Germany + 6, UK = Germany − 26, US = Germany − 30.

*Letter sizes are not standardised. Many young fashion brands assign them as shown above, while classic sizing often groups two numbers together (e.g. S = 36–38).

Italian labels deserve a second look: an IT 42 is not a UK 14, it is a UK 10. When you browse our women's collections, this chart helps you translate.

Key Takeaway: Remember "IT minus 32 = UK size" – with that rule you are almost always right with Italian brands.

Men's Size Conversion Chart: Tops, Jackets and Blazers

Men's sizing is simpler, because Germany, Italy and France use largely the same numbers for jackets, blazers and coats. The European size roughly equals half your chest circumference in centimetres. The UK and US give the chest measurement in inches: EU − 10 = UK/US.

You will find this mapping on many labels in our shop too, for example at Boss or Colmar Originals. For suits and blazers, take a look at our men's blazers & suits.

Key Takeaway: Halve your chest measurement in centimetres – the result is very close to your European jacket size.

Understanding Jeans Sizes: What Do W and L Mean?

Jeans are almost always sized in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm):

• W (Width) stands for the waistband, i.e. your waist measurement,
• L (Length) stands for the inside leg length from the crotch to the hem.

A W30 L32 therefore has a waist of about 76 cm and an inside leg of about 81 cm. Some brands write the size as "W30_L32" or "30/32" – it means the same thing.

Women's Jeans Sizes in Dress Sizes

Men's Jeans Sizes

Which Length (L) Fits Your Height?

• L30: up to about 170 cm (5'7"),
• L32: about 170–180 cm (5'7"–5'11"),
• L34: about 180–190 cm (5'11"–6'3").

Cut and stretch change the fit noticeably. A skinny jean sits tighter than a loose or baggy fit in the same W size – we explain the difference in Loose vs Baggy Jeans. You will find matching styles in women's jeans and men's jeans.

Key Takeaway: Measure your waist instead of guessing – the W number is basically just your waist in inches.

Shoe Size Conversion: EU, UK and US

Shoe systems differ the most, and there can be half a size difference between brands too. These charts give you a reliable starting point:

Women's Shoes

Men's Shoes

Rule of thumb for EU sizes: (foot length in cm + 1.5) × 1.5. A foot length of 25 cm gives roughly a size 40. Why women's and men's shoes fit differently even with the same number is explained in Is There a Difference Between Men's and Women's Shoes?. Our selection: women's shoes and men's shoes.

Key Takeaway: For shoes, your foot length in centimetres is the safest measurement – especially with brands you don't know yet.

How to Measure Yourself Correctly

Two minutes with a tape measure save you most returns. Ideally measure in underwear, keep the tape snug but not tight.

1. Chest: horizontally around the fullest part, directly under the arms.
2. Waist: at the narrowest point, around the navel.
3. Hips: around the fullest part of the seat, feet together.
4. Inseam: from the crotch to the ankle, ideally on a pair of trousers that fits well.
5. Foot length: measure in the evening, heel against the wall, to the longest toe.

Key Takeaway: Once you know your five measurements, you can read any size chart – no matter which country the brand comes from.

Between Two Sizes? How to Decide

• Check the cut: size up for "slim fit", stay with your usual size for "relaxed" or "oversized". More on this in our guide How to Style an Oversized Sweater.
• Check the fabric: stretch (elastane) gives, pure cotton, linen and wool hardly do.
• Think about the purpose: for jackets and coats you wear over a sweater, go for the larger size.
• Use your favourite piece as a reference: lay it flat and measure it – often more accurate than any chart.
• Stay consistent within a brand: sizes within one brand usually fit the same.

Key Takeaway: Cut and fabric matter too – the number on the label is only the starting point.

Final thoughts,

Converting clothing sizes looks complicated, but it follows a few simple rules: for women, Italy sits six numbers above Germany and France two; a UK size is the German size minus 26. For men, the EU size equals half the chest measurement, and jeans are sized in inches. With your own measurements and this chart, you will quickly find the right size with international brands. Bookmark this page for your next order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Italian size 44 in UK and US sizes?

A women's Italian size 44 equals a UK 12, a US 8, a German 38 and a French 40.

Is a UK 10 the same as a US 6?

Yes. A UK 10 equals a US 6, a German 36 and a French 38.

What size is M for men?

For men, M usually equals European size 48 and a chest of about 94–97 cm. In the UK and US, that is a 38.

What does W32 L32 mean on jeans?

W32 means a waist of 32 inches (about 81 cm), L32 an inside leg length of 32 inches (about 81 cm).

Do Italian sizes run small?

The numbers are higher, not the clothes smaller. An IT 42 is a UK 10. Many Italian brands also cut close to the body – if in doubt, one size up is worth it.

Is XXL the same as 2XL?

Yes. XXL and 2XL describe the same size; brands like Superdry simply use the other spelling.