US vs EU Clothing Sizes — Complete Conversion Guide
The complete guide to converting between US and European clothing sizes for women and men — with charts for trousers and footwear.
US and EU clothing sizes use completely different numbering systems with no intuitive relationship between them. A US women's 8 is an EU 40. A US men's 40 jacket is an EU 50. A women's US 8 shoe is an EU 38–39 depending on the brand. This guide gives you the exact conversion charts for every category — and explains why the numbers are so different in the first place.
Why US and EU sizes are different
The US clothing size system developed independently from European standards in the early 20th century. American women's sizes are based on a 1940s standardisation study that used a numerical scale starting near 0. European sizes use a measurement-based scale where the number approximates body circumference in centimetres divided by 2. The result is two systems that both use numbers but mean completely different things.
Women's clothing: US to EU conversion
| US | EU | UK | IT | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 32 | 4 | 36 | 34 |
| 2 | 34 | 6 | 38 | 36 |
| 4 | 36 | 8 | 40 | 38 |
| 6 | 38 | 10 | 42 | 40 |
| 8 | 40 | 12 | 44 | 42 |
| 10 | 42 | 14 | 46 | 44 |
| 12 | 44 | 16 | 48 | 46 |
| 14 | 46 | 18 | 50 | 48 |
| 16 | 48 | 20 | 52 | 50 |
Men's clothing: US to EU conversion
| US | EU | UK | IT |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 44 | 34 | 44 |
| S | 46 | 36 | 46 |
| M | 48 | 38 | 48 |
| L | 50 | 40 | 50 |
| XL | 52 | 42 | 52 |
| XXL | 54 | 44 | 54 |
Trousers: US W size to EU
Men's trousers in the US use a W (waist) × L (inseam) system in inches. EU uses a single number in centimetres. To convert: multiply your W size by 2.54.
US waist (W) to EU waist (cm)
| US W | EU waist | UK |
|---|---|---|
| W28 | 71 cm | 28 |
| W30 | 76 cm | 30 |
| W32 | 81 cm | 32 |
| W34 | 86 cm | 34 |
| W36 | 91 cm | 36 |
| W38 | 96 cm | 38 |
Footwear: US to EU shoe size conversion
Women's shoes
| US | EU | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 35–36 | 3 |
| 6 | 36–37 | 4 |
| 7 | 37–38 | 5 |
| 8 | 38–39 | 6 |
| 9 | 39–40 | 7 |
| 10 | 40–41 | 8 |
| 11 | 41–42 | 9 |
Men's shoes
| US | EU | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 40 | 6.5 |
| 8 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 43 | 9.5 |
| 11 | 44 | 10.5 |
| 12 | 45 | 11.5 |
The quick formula
For a fast estimate without a chart: Women's clothing: EU size ≈ US size + 30 (e.g. EU 38 ≈ US 8). Men's clothing: EU size ≈ US size + 10 (e.g. EU 50 ≈ US 40). Women's shoes: EU ≈ US + 30–31. Men's shoes: EU ≈ US + 33–34. These formulas give a close approximation. For exact sizes, always check the brand-specific chart.
Frequently asked questions
What is a US size 8 in EU?
US women's size 8 corresponds to EU 40 (UK 12, IT 44, FR 42). For men, US size 8 in shoes is EU 41.
What is EU size 38 in US?
EU 38 in women's clothing is US size 6 (UK 10). EU 38 in shoes is approximately US 7 for women or US 5 for men.
Is EU sizing the same as UK sizing?
No. EU 36 = UK 8 for women's clothing. EU 40 = UK 7 for women's shoes. They are not interchangeable.
What is the difference between US and European sizing?
US women's clothing uses even numbers from 0 to 20+, while EU uses numbers from 32 to 52+. The gap is approximately 30 units (EU 36 = US 6). Men's sizes have a smaller gap of about 10 units (EU 48 = US 38).
Do US sizes run smaller than EU?
US and EU sizes are just different numbering systems for the same body measurements. A US 8 and an EU 40 fit the same body in women's clothing when converted correctly.
This guide was last updated in April 2026. Size data for international clothing size standardsis sourced directly from the brand's official size guide and verified by the SIZER team. If you spot an error, let us know.
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Sample conversion
38 EU
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