Clothing size converter

UK to EU, US and IT clothing size correspondences for men and women. Charts are indicative — always check the brand's own size guide.

UKEUUSIT
634438
836640
1038842
12401044
14421246
16441448

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.

Frequently asked questions

How does UK clothing sizing compare to EU and US?
UK women's sizes are typically two numbers above US sizes (a UK 12 is roughly a US 8) and map to about EU 40. UK men's sizing for shirts and suits is usually given in inches (chest and collar), which lines up closely with US inch sizing. As always, brand charts in centimeters are more reliable than the label.
How do UK and EU shoe sizes relate?
A UK shoe size is roughly 0.5 below the US men's size and about 33 below the EU size, though brands vary. UK sizing is based on the length of the last in barleycorns (one third of an inch). If an insole length in centimeters is given, measure your foot and use that.
Why is there no standard clothing size in the UK?
The old British Standard for women's sizing (BS 3666) is decades out of date and voluntary, and retailers never agreed on a replacement. Each chain (Marks & Spencer, Next, ASOS, Zara UK) sets its own block, which is why the same size number fits differently across the high street.
What should I do if I'm between two sizes?
For tailored items, size up rather than squeeze into the smaller one. Check reviews for "comes up small" or "comes up large" notes, and confirm the returns policy before buying, especially for orders shipped from the EU where return postage may apply.
Do I need to worry about import charges buying from the EU?
Since Brexit, orders from EU retailers can attract VAT and, above 135 pounds, customs duty on arrival in the UK. That is separate from sizing but worth factoring in when a garment might need returning. Buy from UK-based stock or retailers that guarantee delivered-duty-paid pricing where possible.