About this tool
Why use this tool
UK clothing sizes differ from US, European and Asian systems — a UK Women's 12 = US 8 = EU 40. Reliable conversion is essential for shopping on ASOS, Zalando, Amazon US, or bringing back garments from holidays abroad. There's no universal standard: BS EN 13402 provides a European framework, but each brand — from M&S to Primark to Reiss — has its own size chart.
How it works
Standard equivalences: Women's dresses UK 12 = US 8 = EU 40 = IT 44. Men's suits UK 40 = US 40 = EU 50. Shoes (Mondopoint ISO 9407): UK Men's 9 = US 10 = EU 43 = 27 cm; UK Women's 6 = US 8 = EU 39 = 24 cm. Shirt collars: UK 15.5" = EU 39. Men's jeans use waist inches (UK 32 = 32" waist).
Real example
You want to order a dress from a US brand labelled size 8: that's a UK 12. A pair of Nike trainers UK 8 = US Men's 9 = EU 42. A Marks & Spencer men's shirt collar 15.5" corresponds to a European 39 shirt.
Practical tips
Measure yourself carefully with a fabric tape: chest, waist, hips, inside leg, foot length. Compare to each brand's size chart — the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give 14 days to return without reason (excluding some categories). Measure feet in the evening. UK high-street brands like Next and M&S tend to run true to size; ASOS varies wildly between own-brand and stocked labels; Zara runs small. Check delivery terms: EU purchases now attract VAT and possible duty above £135 (post-Brexit). Return shipping from UK to EU can cost £10–£20 — some brands (ASOS, Zalando) offer free returns to the UK.
Disclaimer
Conversions are indicative only. Each brand has proprietary charts and codes can vary by two sizes between retailers. Always check the specific brand's size guide and prefer cm/inch measurements. This tool doesn't replace in-store fitting. For custom tailoring (Savile Row), only measured fittings work.