How to Find Your Clothing Size
Your clothing size isn't one fixed number. Here's how to work out your size from measurements and how US, UK and EU sizing compare.
The short answer: your size is whichever row of a product's size chart matches your body measurements. Take your chest or bust, waist and hip measurements, then look them up on each item's chart. Treat letter and number sizes as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Step 1: Take your body measurements
Start with chest or bust, waist, hips and inseam. If you've never done it before, follow our guide on how to measure yourself for online clothing.
Step 2: Read the size chart
Size charts usually list a range for each size. Find the size whose range includes your key measurement. If different measurements point to different sizes — for example, your hips match an M but your waist matches an S — prioritise the area where the garment is most fitted.
US, UK and EU sizing differences
Numbered sizes differ between regions, and conversions vary slightly between brands. The table below shows a commonly used approximate conversion for women's dress sizes; always check the product's own chart.
| US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | 34 |
| 4 | 8 | 36 |
| 6 | 10 | 38 |
| 8 | 12 | 40 |
| 10 | 14 | 42 |
| 12 | 16 | 44 |
Men's tops are more often sized by letter (S, M, L) or by chest measurement in inches. Men's trousers commonly use waist and inseam in inches, such as 32/32.
Men's vs women's sizing
- Women's sizing typically relies on bust, waist and hip together, because many garments are shaped through the body.
- Men's sizing usually centres on chest for tops and waist plus inseam for trousers.
- Unisex items are often cut on men's patterns, so women may want to size down — check the chart.
What to do between sizes
Check the fabric (stretch fabrics are forgiving), the fit description (slim fit runs close to the body; see slim fit vs regular fit) and how you like clothes to feel. When in doubt for rigid fabrics, the larger size is usually easier to live with.
Why size labels aren't universal
Brands design for different customers, and some have gradually changed their sizing over time. Garments made for different regional markets also use different base patterns. The result is that a label is only meaningful within one brand — and sometimes only within one product line.
Bottom line
Know your measurements, check every chart and read the fit notes. It takes a minute longer, but it's the most reliable way to find your size when you browse clothing online.