Convert sizes between US, UK, EU, and Japanese sizing systems instantly
| US | UK | EU | Japanese (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 39 | 24.0 |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 25.0 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 26.0 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27.0 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 44 | 28.0 |
| 10.5 | 10 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 45 | 29.0 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 46 | 30.0 |
| US | UK | EU | Japanese (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 21.5 |
| 5.5 | 3 | 35.5 | 22.0 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 37 | 23.0 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 38 | 24.0 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24.5 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 39 | 25.0 |
| 9 | 6.5 | 39.5 | 25.5 |
| 9.5 | 7 | 40 | 26.0 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 10.5 | 8 | 41.5 | 27.0 |
| 11 | 8.5 | 42 | 27.5 |
| US | UK | EU | Japanese | Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | XS | 44 | S | 32-34 |
| S | S | 46 | M | 34-36 |
| M | M | 48 | L | 36-38 |
| L | L | 50 | LL | 38-40 |
| XL | XL | 52 | 3L | 40-42 |
| XXL | XXL | 54 | 4L | 42-44 |
| XXXL | XXXL | 56 | 5L | 44-46 |
| US | UK | EU | Japanese | Bust (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 32 | 3 | 30-31 |
| 2 | 6 | 34 | 5 | 32-33 |
| 4 | 8 | 36 | 7 | 34-35 |
| 6 | 10 | 38 | 9 | 36-37 |
| 8 | 12 | 40 | 11 | 38-39 |
| 10 | 14 | 42 | 13 | 40-41 |
| 12 | 16 | 44 | 15 | 42-43 |
| 14 | 18 | 46 | 17 | 44-45 |
| 16 | 20 | 48 | 19 | 46-47 |
| 18 | 22 | 50 | 21 | 48-49 |
| 20 | 24 | 52 | 23 | 50-51 |
Converting clothing and shoe sizes between different countries can be confusing, but our comprehensive converter makes it simple and accurate. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate international sizing systems with confidence.
Begin by choosing the correct category for your item. Our converter includes four main categories:
Input your size in whichever system you know. You can enter a US size, UK size, European size, or Japanese size, and the converter will automatically calculate the equivalent sizes in all other systems. Our converter accepts:
Once you enter a size, the converter instantly displays equivalent sizes in all other international systems. The results appear in color-coded boxes below each input field, making it easy to see your size across different countries.
It's important to remember that international size conversions are approximations. Different brands and countries may have slight variations in their sizing standards. Here's what you need to know:
Source of Standards: These conversion factors are based on international sizing standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and industry associations such as the Footwear Industries of America and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
Precision Note: Our calculator uses standardized conversion factors and rounds results to the nearest half-size for shoes and exact size for clothing to ensure practical accuracy for most applications. Measurements are cross-referenced with major retailer size charts to ensure real-world applicability.
Athletic shoes often run differently than dress shoes. Many athletic brands recommend going up half a size from your dress shoe size for optimal comfort during physical activity.
High-end fashion brands frequently use their own sizing systems. Italian and French luxury brands, in particular, may run smaller than standard European sizing. Always consult the specific brand's size guide.
Children's sizes follow different conversion patterns and grow rapidly. For children's items, we recommend measuring the child's foot or body dimensions and consulting age-appropriate sizing charts rather than relying solely on size conversions.
Understanding international sizing systems is essential in our globalized world where online shopping knows no borders. Whether you're purchasing from a European boutique, an American department store, or a Japanese brand, knowing how to navigate different sizing conventions will save you time, money, and the frustration of ill-fitting garments.
International sizing differences didn't develop by accident. Each country's sizing system evolved based on historical measurement units, average body types of the population, and manufacturing traditions. The United States uses a system based on inches, inherited from British imperial measurements. The UK developed its own variation using barleycorns (one-third of an inch) for shoe sizing. European systems adopted the metric system, measuring in centimeters, while Japan developed its own metric-based approach tailored to Asian body proportions.
These systems were created when international trade was limited, and each country primarily served its own population. Today's global marketplace means a single garment might be designed in Italy, manufactured in Vietnam, and sold worldwide, making size conversion knowledge crucial for consumers.
Shoe sizing represents perhaps the most standardized yet confusing aspect of international sizing. The fundamental difference lies in what each system measures and where it starts counting.
The US system measures foot length in inches, starting from a size 0 at approximately 8.25 inches for men and 8.5 inches for women. Each full size represents a 1/3 inch (8.47mm) increase in length. This system was standardized by the Footwear Industries of America and remains consistent across most American brands.
The UK system uses the barleycorn as its base unit, where each size equals 1/3 inch. However, the British system starts counting differently than the American system, which is why UK sizes are typically smaller numbers than their US equivalents. A UK size 8 equals a US size 8.5 for men.
European sizing, also called Continental or Paris Point sizing, measures the internal length of the shoe in centimeters, then multiplies by 1.5. This means a 26cm foot corresponds to a size 39 (26 × 1.5 = 39). This system is used across most of Europe and many other countries that adopted metric measurements.
Japan uses a straightforward centimeter measurement system where the size directly corresponds to foot length in centimeters. A 25cm foot is simply size 25. This system is becoming increasingly popular internationally due to its logical simplicity.
Clothing sizing presents more challenges than shoe sizing because it involves multiple body measurements and cultural preferences for fit. Understanding these differences can help you make better purchasing decisions and avoid common sizing mistakes.
US clothing sizes have evolved significantly over time through a phenomenon called "vanity sizing" or "size inflation." A women's size 8 today corresponds to measurements that would have been a size 12 in the 1950s. This gradual increase in size labeling, while keeping the same measurements, was a marketing strategy to make customers feel better about their purchases.
American men's clothing often uses actual measurements for items like dress shirts (neck and sleeve length) and pants (waist and inseam), making it relatively straightforward to convert. However, casual wear uses S/M/L sizing that varies considerably between brands.
European sizing typically runs smaller than American sizing because it's based on actual body measurements rather than adjusted for vanity sizing. A European size 38 dress might fit like an American size 6-8, depending on the brand and style. European sizes are also more consistent across countries, with a German size 40 generally being the same as an Italian size 40.
Japanese sizing reflects the generally smaller average body size of the Japanese population. A Japanese Large often equals an American Medium or Small. Additionally, Japanese clothing is often cut differently, with shorter torsos and sleeves designed for typical Japanese proportions. This means even when sizes convert numerically, the fit may still feel different.
Armed with size conversion knowledge, you can shop more confidently across international markets. Here are practical strategies developed through extensive cross-cultural shopping experience:
Always check the specific brand's size chart rather than relying solely on country-based conversions. Luxury brands like Gucci or Prada often use their own sizing systems that don't conform to national standards. Fast fashion brands may use vanity sizing that differs from traditional sizing in their home countries.
When shopping internationally, familiarize yourself with return policies, especially for final sale items. Some international retailers offer free returns, while others may charge expensive return shipping fees. Factor these costs into your decision when choosing between sizes.
Different cultures have different preferences for how clothing should fit. American casual wear tends to be looser and more relaxed, while European fashion often favors a more fitted silhouette. Japanese clothing may be cut for a more conservative, structured fit. Consider these cultural preferences when selecting sizes.
The fashion industry is working toward solving sizing problems through technology. Virtual fitting rooms, 3D body scanning, and AI-powered size recommendations are becoming more common. Some brands now offer "try before you buy" programs or detailed fit algorithms based on previous purchases.
Body scanning technology is advancing rapidly, with some companies developing apps that can accurately measure your body using just your smartphone camera. These technologies may eventually make traditional sizing systems obsolete, replacing them with precise, personalized measurements.
Experience has shown that certain sizing errors occur frequently when shopping internationally. Being aware of these pitfalls can save you from costly mistakes:
As you gain experience shopping internationally, create a personal sizing profile. Keep notes about which sizes work for you in different brands and countries. This becomes particularly valuable for repeat purchases or when recommending sizes to friends and family.
Document not just the size that fits, but how it fits – whether it runs large, small, or true to size. Note any particular aspects like sleeve length, torso fit, or shoe width that consistently affect your purchases from specific regions or brands.
Understanding how clothing companies develop their sizing can provide insight into why conversions aren't perfect. Each brand typically uses fit models – real people whose measurements represent their target customer. These models help determine how garments should fit and feel on the body.
Different countries' fit models reflect different average body types and proportions. This means that even when numerical conversions are accurate, the actual fit and feel of garments may vary based on these underlying differences in body shape assumptions.
Mastering international sizing systems takes time and experience, but the knowledge pays dividends in successful shopping and reduced returns. Use sizing conversion tools as starting points, but always supplement them with brand-specific information and, when possible, actual measurements.
Remember that sizing is just one tool for finding well-fitting clothing and shoes. Pay attention to fabric content, cut, style, and brand-specific fit characteristics. With practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense for how different sizing systems work and be able to shop confidently across international borders.
The most important advice is to approach international sizing with flexibility and patience. While our converter provides accurate mathematical conversions based on industry standards, the perfect fit often requires trying items on or carefully reviewing detailed size charts and customer reviews. Happy shopping!
Size conversions are approximate due to brand variations and different fit preferences across countries. Our converter uses standard industry conversion charts, but we recommend checking specific brand size guides when possible. Accuracy is typically within half a size for shoes and one size for clothing.
Different countries developed their sizing systems independently, using different measurement units (inches vs. centimeters) and starting points. The US uses length in inches, UK uses barleycorns, EU uses centimeters, and Japan uses centimeters with a different scale. These historical differences persist today.
Stick to the converted size as a starting point, but consider that European clothing tends to run smaller than US sizes, while Japanese sizes often run smaller than both. When in doubt, check the item's measurements in centimeters or inches, or read customer reviews for fit guidance.
Yes, many luxury and designer brands use their own proprietary sizing systems that may not align with standard country sizing. Italian and French luxury brands, in particular, often run smaller than standard European sizing. Always consult the specific brand's size chart.
Measure your feet in the evening when they're at their largest. Stand on a piece of paper and mark your heel and longest toe, then measure the distance in centimeters. Use this measurement with our Japanese sizing or convert to other systems. Remember to measure both feet and use the larger measurement.
Asian fit clothing is typically cut for shorter torsos, narrower shoulders, and longer leg proportions compared to Western fit. Even when the numerical size converts correctly, the proportions may feel different. Asian fit often runs 1-2 sizes smaller than Western sizing.
Athletic wear often has different sizing conventions than regular clothing due to performance requirements and stretch fabrics. Many athletic brands recommend sizing up for comfort during activity. Check brand-specific athletic sizing charts, as they may differ from the brand's regular clothing sizes.