Skip to content
ConvertiPal

How to Convert Clothing and Shoe Sizes Between the US, UK and EU

Updated · 3 min read

Shopping across borders is easier than ever, but sizing remains stubbornly local. A US size 8 dress, a UK size 8 dress and a European 38 are three different garments, and shoe numbering changes again between men’s and women’s. The rules below make it far more likely that what arrives actually fits.

Shoes

The three systems start counting from different points and differ between men’s and women’s sizes:

  • Men’s: a US size is about one larger than UK. A US 9 is a UK 8 and around EU 42 to 43.
  • Women’s: a US size is about two larger than UK. A US 8 is a UK 6 and around EU 38 to 39.
  • EU: sizes are based on the length of the last in Paris points (about two-thirds of a centimeter each), so there is no direct arithmetic link with inches.

Use the US to UK shoe size converter for a full chart. If you are between sizes, measure your foot length in centimeters and compare it with the brand’s own chart, since sportswear brands often run half a size different from the standard.

Dresses and tops

For women’s clothing, the offsets are consistent enough to remember: UK size = US size + 4, and EU size = US size + 32. So a US 6 is a UK 10 and an EU 38. Vanity sizing means that labels have drifted over time, with the same measurements carrying smaller numbers than a few decades ago. For this reason, compare your bust, waist and hip with the retailer’s chart rather than relying on the label alone. Our US to EU dress size converter shows the whole range.

Men’s jackets and suits

US and UK men’s jackets are both sized by chest circumference in inches, so a 40 is a 40 on both sides of the Atlantic. European sizes add 10: a US 40 is an EU 50. See the US to UK and US to EU jacket converters.

Bras

Bra sizing is the most error-prone because it has two parts. US and UK band sizes are identical, but the cup letters diverge after D: US DD or E is UK DD, US DDD or F is UK E, and US G is UK F. European bands are in centimeters in steps of five, so a 34 band becomes 75. Our US to UK, US to EU and UK to EU converters list every combination.

Five habits that prevent bad orders

  1. Measure yourself, then compare with each brand’s chart rather than trusting your usual size.
  2. Read customer reviews and look for comments such as “runs small”.
  3. Check the material: stretchy fabrics forgive more than structured ones.
  4. Know the return policy and who pays for international returns before you buy.
  5. Keep a note of the brands that fit you and the sizes you bought.

More guides