Clothing Size Converter
Clothing size systems vary significantly around the world, making it confusing to shop internationally or convert a size label from one country to another. This converter maps alpha sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) to numeric sizes used in the US, EU, and UK for both men's and women's tops, using standardized lookup tables based on widely adopted industry measurements.
Whether you are buying clothes online from a European brand, comparing a US size to a UK size, or simply trying to understand what 'EU 40' means in alpha sizing, this tool provides instant, side-by-side conversions across all four systems. Separate tables for men and women ensure accurate results, since sizing conventions differ significantly between genders.
How it works
Clothing size conversion uses fixed lookup tables rather than a mathematical formula. Each alpha size (XS–XXL) maps to a specific numeric value per region: for women's tops, S corresponds to US 4, EU 36, UK 8; for men's tops, S corresponds to US 36, EU 46, UK 36. Values are based on industry-standard chest and body measurements.
Use cases
- Shopping from international online stores (EU, US, or UK brands)
- Sending clothing gifts to friends or family abroad
- Understanding size labels on imported or vintage garments
- Comparing sizing between different regional fashion brands
- Converting a known alpha size to numeric for a tailoring reference
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a US clothing size to an EU size?
Use a lookup table rather than a formula: each alpha size maps to a numeric value per region. For women's tops, for example, a size S corresponds to US 4, EU 36, and UK 8. Keep in mind these are standardized reference values — actual fit varies by brand.
Is a size M the same in every country and brand?
No. An M cut by a European brand can fit differently from an M cut by a US or UK brand, and even brands within the same country size differently. Conversion charts give you a reliable starting point, but the garment's actual measurements are the only definitive guide.
Why are men's and women's clothing sizes so different?
The two systems are based on different body measurements. Men's shirt sizes typically reference chest measurements (so a men's S is around US 36), while women's sizes use smaller arbitrary numbers (a women's S is around US 4). That is why this converter uses separate tables for men and women.
What does EU 40 mean in US or alpha sizing?
In women's tops, EU 40 generally falls around a US 8 and UK 12, which most charts label M or L. In men's sizing the EU scale runs much higher, so EU 40 would be an extra-small chest size. Always confirm the gender of the chart and check the brand's own guide, since conversions are approximate.
Are international clothing size conversions exact?
No — they are approximations based on widely adopted industry measurement standards. Cuts, fabrics, and target markets cause the same nominal size to fit differently across brands. When shopping internationally, compare your body measurements against the specific brand's size chart whenever one is available.