ANSWERS: 7
  • Women's dresses and suits: For U.S. size, subtract 2 from U.K. size. For U.S. size, subtract 30 from European size. (UK 28 = US 26 = Euro 56) Men's suits and coats: U.K. and U.S. sizes are the same. For U.S. size, subtract 10 from European size. (UK 56 = US 56 = Euro 66) Men's shirts and socks: U.K. and U.S sizes are the same.
  • Regarding women's sizes... Kim's answer is an excellent explanation of the theory. Now on to the practice: "European sizes" differ from European country to European country. I'm a size 4 in the United States (in the petite department, unfortunately, where there is less choice...). When I lived in France I could be anything from a size 34 to a size 38 depending on the cut of the garment. I had to go on a case-by-case basis, and things were quite difficult because, well, French women on average are not as curvy as American women! In a moment of frustration, I visited a French Gap, where the clothes supposedly came straight from America with American sizes printed on the tags. Not so... I had suddenly become a size zero (great for my self esteem, impossible for finding the denim skirt I wanted). Then I visited Spain. I was a perfect size 34 and nothing else. In short, don't assume you can convert sizes directly. Luckily, if you find yourself as an American shopping in Europe, tags will often list sizes for a variety of different countries. That's my grounds for saying that there isn't one "European" size. I distinctly remember seeing British, American, French, Spanish, German, and Italian flags on each tag with a variety of numbers. Two European countries might be just a few numbers apart on the same garment. Those little flags are nice and convenient, but don't spend too much on clothes unless you've tried everything on first!
  • This is more of an observation as opposed to an exact answer to the question, but I would ask a further question: Does it really matter? After spending countless hours with various girlfriends/SO's while they were shopping for clothes at various stores and boutiques, I've noticed that they might wear a size 8 skirt in a regular size, a size 4 skirt that is a junior, a 10 petite, and god knows what else in what..but, never have the numbers been the same. I have to say, that in my honest opinion, the concept of labeling size, and the concept of the conversion of sizes are like the theory of relativity. Theoritical, with no practical application.
  • I am currently in Spain and have found that the "adding thirty" is basically correct, although each designer's cut is different. Currently I wear a differences of two sizes, but that's it. Adding thirty is the best way to check your size... By the way, the answer about "labeling doesn't matter" might have a good idea to it, but its not helpful for those who would like a rough starting point when shopping in another country. Please be more helpful in the future..
  • My Dutch Fiancee purchased 2 dresses for me recently... by guessing of course. He saw a store clerk there that he thought was about my size... and you are right about europeans curves... I guess i stand at the head of the line in the chest department. Anyway two dresses from the same store, both size 44 (my US size 10 meant nothing to them) and one was "slightly too big" while the other I was simply swimming in. BIG BIG difference, so yes, do try clothes on before purchasing.
  • Go here to figure it out. http://www.onlineconversion.com/clothing_womens.htm
  • https://m.gemplers.com/tech/fconversion.htm https://www.blitzresults.com/en/european-sizes/

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy