Wondering if you’re actually a size 12 or a 14? Sizes seem to differ from store to store in the UK alone, so online shopping opens up a whole new world of confusion when it comes to international dress sizes. To try and make sense of it – we’ve researched a few different sources and constructed some handy dress size calculators for all your international online shopping needs.
A few easy rules to remember:
- S/M/L can vary hugely – always check the retailer’s own sizing chart
- Minus 2 sizes to get your US size (for example, a UK dress size 6 is a US dress size 2)
- French sizes are also used in Belgium and Portugal
- German sizes are also used in Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
- AU dress sizing is the same as UK
Women’s Dress Size Chart: International
| USA | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| Australia | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| France & Spain | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
| Germany | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 |
| Italy | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Japan | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 27 |
UK Women’s dress sizes in measurements:
| US size | Bust | Waist | Hips | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCHES | CM | INCHES | CM | INCHES | CM | |
| 4 | 31 | 78 | 24 | 60 | 33 | 83.5 |
| 6 | 32 | 80.5 | 25 | 62.5 | 34 | 86 |
| 8 | 33 | 83 | 26 | 65 | 35 | 98.5 |
| 10 | 35 | 88 | 28 | 70 | 37 | 93.5 |
| 12 | 37 | 93 | 30 | 75 | 39 | 98.5 |
| 14 | 39 | 98 | 31 | 80 | 41 | 103.5 |
| 16 | 41 | 103 | 33 | 85 | 43 | 108.5 |
| 18 | 44 | 110.5 | 36 | 92.5 | 46 | 116 |
See our top sites to shop for dresses.
Men’s shirt sizes – in measurements:
| Size | Chest | Neck | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCHES | CM | INCHES | CM | |
| XS | 33-34 | 84-86 | 13-13.5 | 33-34 |
| S | 35-37 | 89-94 | 14-14.5 | 36-37 |
| M | 38-40 | 96-102 | 15-15.5 | 38-39 |
| L | 42-44 | 107-112 | 16-16.5 | 40-42 |
| XL | 46-48 | 116-122 | 17-17.5 | 43-45 |
| XXL | 50-52 | 127-132 | 18-18.5 | 46-47 |
| XXXL | 54-56 | 137-140 | 19-19.5 | 48-49 |
Men’s jacket/suit sizes – international:
| USA | UK | Italy | France | Australia | Japan | Chest (inches) | Chest (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 34 | 44 | 44 | 34 | S | 34 | 86 |
| 36 | 36 | 46 | 46 | 36 | 36 | 92 | |
| 38 | 38 | 48 | 48 | 38 | M | 38 | 97 |
| 40 | 40 | 50 | 50 | 40 | L | 40 | 102 |
| 42 | 42 | 52 | 52 | 42 | 42 | 107 | |
| 44 | 44 | 54 | 54 | 44 | LL | 44 | 112 |
Men’s trouser sizes:
| USA | UK | Italy | France | Australia | Japan | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28 | 44 | 28 | 28 | XS | 28 | 71 |
| 29 | 29 | 45 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 74 | |
| 30 | 30 | 46 | 30 | 30 | S | 30 | 76 |
| 31 | 31 | 47 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 79 | |
| 32 | 32 | 48 | 32 | 32 | M | 32 | 81 |
| 33 | 33 | 49 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 84 | |
| 34 | 34 | 50 | 34 | 34 | L | 34 | 86 |
| 35 | 35 | 51 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 89 | |
| 36 | 36 | 52 | 36 | 36 | XL | 36 | 92 |
| 37 | 37 | 53 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 94 | |
| 38 | 38 | 54 | 38 | 38 | 2XL | 38 | 97 |
| 39 | 39 | 55 | 39 | 39 | 39 | 99 | |
| 40 | 40 | 56 | 40 | 40 | 3XL | 40 | 102 |
How to find your dress size?
The best way to determine your dress size is to use a conversion chart such as the ones above. These are based on our research across the web, but if a retailer you’re buying from has their own, it’s best to check that out. Use a tape measure to get accurate bust, waist and hip measurements at home.
What dress size is a ‘Medium’?
This varies from brand to brand and by country. Some stores will consider a medium to be a size 10, while others a size 12-14. As an average, a Medium is likely to be a around a size 12. This is all dependent on retailers, dress cut and shape — so we’d always recommend checking the store’s own sizing chart or using a retailer with free returns.
What dress size is plus size?
It absolutely depends on the retailers, but a lot of plus size-specific retailers will stock from a size 12 and up.
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a profound understanding of international dress sizing, I've delved deep into the intricacies of sizing standards across various regions. My expertise in the subject is substantiated by a comprehensive knowledge of size conversion charts, industry practices, and a keen awareness of the nuances in sizing methodologies adopted by different countries and retailers.
The article in question navigates the perplexing world of dress sizes, especially in the context of online shopping across international borders. Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
-
Inconsistency in Sizing Across Stores and Countries: The article highlights the common issue of dress sizes varying from store to store, even within the UK. This inconsistency becomes even more apparent when engaging in international online shopping.
-
Use of Size Labels (S/M/L) and Conversion Rules: The article recommends vigilance when relying on generic size labels like S/M/L, emphasizing the importance of checking each retailer's sizing chart. Additionally, it provides a useful rule of thumb for converting UK sizes to US sizes by subtracting 2 (e.g., UK size 6 corresponds to a US size 2).
-
International Size Standards: Different countries adopt distinct sizing standards. The article provides insights into the usage of French sizes in Belgium and Portugal, as well as German sizes in Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
-
Australian Dress Sizing: The article clarifies that Australian dress sizing aligns with UK sizing, presenting a straightforward reference for those navigating the Australian fashion landscape.
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Size Charts for Women's Dress Sizes: A comprehensive size chart is provided, detailing the conversion between UK and US dress sizes, as well as measurements for bust, waist, and hips in both inches and centimeters.
-
Men's Shirt Sizes and Jacket/Suit Sizes: The article extends its coverage to men's sizing, offering measurements for chest and neck in shirts and providing international size standards for jackets and suits.
-
Men's Trouser Sizes: The article includes a size chart for men's trousers, encompassing waist measurements for various international standards.
-
How to Find Your Dress Size: Practical advice is given on determining one's dress size, emphasizing the use of conversion charts and recommending reliance on a retailer's specific sizing chart when available.
-
Understanding the Ambiguity of "Medium" and Plus Size: The article acknowledges the variability of the term "Medium" across brands and countries, suggesting reliance on individual sizing charts. Furthermore, it briefly discusses the ambiguity of plus sizes, noting that it depends on the retailer but often starts from size 12.
In conclusion, my in-depth expertise allows me to dissect and interpret the intricate details of dress sizing, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating the complex world of international online fashion shopping.
