ClothingSizeConversionGuide2026:UK,US&EUSizesExplained

You find the perfect dress on a US website, a gorgeous top from a European brand, or a bargain in an Australian sale — and then you hit the size chart and freeze. A UK 12 is a US 8 and an EU 40, but is that true for every brand? And what does “International M” actually mean in real numbers? Clothing size conversion is one of the most confusing parts of shopping online, and guessing wrong means returns, refunds and missed-out pieces.

This guide fixes that. Below you will find the full UK, US and EU women’s size chart with bust, waist and hip measurements in inches and centimetres, the most common conversion mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for shopping international brands with confidence. And because nobody wants to memorise a chart, we built a free tool that does the maths for you in seconds.

The Free Clothing Size Converter: What It Does

Our free Clothing Size Converter converts women’s clothing sizes between the US, UK, EU, Australian and International sizing systems. It covers two clothing types — dresses and tops, and pants and skirts — because the size that fits you in a dress is not always the size you need in trousers.

The tool works in two ways. First, you can convert a size you already own: tell it the sizing system and the size on the label, and it shows you the closest standard equivalents in the other regions. Second — and this is the part most converters skip — you can enter your bust, waist and hip measurements in centimetres or inches, and the tool uses them to estimate your approximate starting size for that garment type. No sign-up, no cost, and it works on your phone while you shop.

How to Use the Clothing Size Converter

Option 1: Convert a size you already know

1. Open the Clothing Size Converter.
2. Choose your clothing type: “Dresses & tops” or “Pants & skirts”.
3. Under “I have a size in”, pick the system on your label — US, UK, EU, Australia or International.
4. Select your size from the list and click “Convert size”.
5. Read your equivalents in the other regions, then use them on the brand’s website. Click “Reset” any time to start again.

Option 2: Find your size from your measurements

1. Scroll to “Find my size from measurements” in the same tool.
2. Choose the garment type and your measurement unit — centimetres or inches.
3. Enter your bust, waist and hip measurements (enter at least one; entering all three gives the most useful estimate).
4. Click “Find my size” to see your estimated size, and use “Clear measurements” to start over.

How to Measure Yourself Correctly

Measurements only help if they are taken properly, so follow the same method the converter is built around:

• Bust: measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level all the way around.
• Waist: measure around your natural waist — usually the narrowest part of your torso, just above your belly button.
• Hips: measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with your feet together.

Keep the tape comfortably snug without pulling it tight, and measure over light clothing or underwear for the truest reading. If you fall between two numbers on a brand’s chart, your measurements matter more than the label — a tip that saves a lot of returns when you are building a capsule wardrobe of pieces that all fit properly.

Women’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart: UK, US and EU

This is the standard women’s dress size conversion chart for 2026, with the body measurements each size is designed for. Save it, screenshot it, or skip it entirely and let the converter do the work — either way, these are the equivalents to know.

UK	US	EU	Bust (in)	Bust (cm)	Waist (in)	Waist (cm)	Hip (in)	Hip (cm)
4	0	32	30.5	77.5	23.5	60	33.5	85
6	2	34	31.5	80	24.5	62	34.5	87.5
8	4	36	32.5	82.5	25.5	65	35.5	90
10	6	38	34	86	27	68.5	37	94
12	8	40	36	91.5	29	74	39	99
14	10	42	38	96.5	31	79	41	104
16	12	44	40	101.5	33	84	43	109
18	14	46	42.5	108	35.5	90	45.5	115.5
20	16	48	44.5	113	37.5	95	47.5	120.5

Two shortcuts worth remembering: a US size is a UK size minus 4, and an EU size is a UK size plus 28. Australian sizes match UK sizes number for number in most cases, which is why the converter lists them side by side. For a fuller background on how sizing systems developed, the clothing sizes reference on Wikipedia is a useful read.

Common Clothing Size Conversion Mistakes

1. Assuming US and UK sizes are the same number

This is the number one reason for failed orders. A US 8 is a UK 12 — order your usual UK number from an American store without converting and your dress will arrive two sizes too small. It matters most for occasion shopping, where there is no time to exchange; if you are ordering from the US for an event, convert first and then browse styles like our best wedding guest dresses with the right size already in mind.

2. Treating EU sizes like UK sizes

EU numbers look reassuringly familiar — 38, 40, 42 — but an EU 38 is a UK 10, not a UK 38 (which does not exist in women’s wear). Spanish, French and Italian brands all use the EU scale, so convert before you fall in love with a piece.

3. Using the same size for tops and trousers

Most women are not one single size from head to toe. Your waist-to-hip ratio decides your trouser size, while your bust decides your top size — which is exactly why the converter asks you to choose “Dresses & tops” or “Pants & skirts” separately. It is the difference between wide-leg jeans that skim beautifully and a pair that gaps at the waistband.

4. Trusting letter sizes (XS, S, M, L)

“International” letter sizes are the least standardised of all. One brand’s M is a UK 10; another’s is a UK 14. Whenever a site only gives letters, convert from your measurements instead of guessing the letter.

5. Ignoring the brand’s own chart

Conversion charts give general equivalents, but sizing varies by brand, garment cut and country. The final check before any order should always be your measurements against that brand’s own size chart — the converter gives you the right starting point, the brand chart confirms it.

Tips for Shopping International Brands

• Keep your three measurements in your phone notes — bust, waist and hips in both cm and inches. It takes two minutes to save them and saves you on every order, forever.
• Convert before you browse. Knowing “I am a US 8 / EU 40” before you open an international site stops you filtering by the wrong size and missing stock in your real size.
• Mind the garment type. Structured pieces — blazers, tailored trousers, fitted dresses — are far less forgiving than knitwear and stretch fabrics, so convert carefully for tailoring and size with your largest measurement.
• Read the fit notes. “Runs small”, “oversized fit” and “size up for comfort” in reviews are conversion information too. A converted size plus fit notes is the closest thing to trying it on.
• Canada follows the US. Canadian brands and retailers label in US sizes (sometimes with EU alongside), so apply the US column of the chart when shopping Canadian stores.
• Check the returns policy on international orders. Even with perfect conversion, fit is personal. Free or easy returns are worth prioritising when you try a new overseas brand for the first time — especially for investment denim like the styles in our straight-leg jeans outfits guide.

Clothing Size Conversion FAQs

What is a UK size 12 in US and EU sizes?

A UK 12 converts to a US 8 and an EU 40. The quick rules are: US = UK minus 4, and EU = UK plus 28. For the full row of equivalents, check the chart above or run it through the converter.

Do Canadian clothing sizes match US or UK sizes?

Canadian sizes follow the US system. If you are a UK 12 shopping on a Canadian site, order the US equivalent — a size 8 — and check the brand’s measurement chart to confirm.

Are Australian clothing sizes the same as UK sizes?

Generally, yes. Australian women’s sizes use the same numbers as UK sizes (an AU 12 is a UK 12), which is why our converter lists Australia as its own option — so you can double-check rather than assume.

Why does the converter ask me to choose dresses and tops or pants and skirts?

Because most women wear different sizes on top and bottom. Dresses and tops are driven mainly by your bust measurement, while pants and skirts depend on your waist and hips. Choosing the garment type gives you a more accurate equivalent and a better measurement-based estimate.

What if I am between sizes?

Compare your largest measurement with the brand’s chart and choose the size that fits that measurement — clothes can be taken in, but not let out easily. For stretch or relaxed styles, the smaller size often works; for structured tailoring, size up.

How accurate is the measurement-based size estimate?

It is an approximate starting size based on general women’s size equivalents, and entering all three measurements (bust, waist and hips) gives the most useful result. Because brands cut differently, always compare your measurements with the individual brand’s size chart before ordering.

Is the Clothing Size Converter free to use?

Yes — completely free, with no sign-up. Convert a size you know or find your size from your measurements as many times as you like, in centimetres or inches.

Convert Your Size Before You Shop

Clothing size conversion does not have to be a guessing game. Measure once, learn your three equivalents — UK, US and EU — and international shopping becomes as easy as shopping at home. Bookmark the free Clothing Size Converter, keep it open in a tab whenever you shop overseas brands, and never let a size chart talk you out of a piece you love again.

Related: Capsule Wardrobe for Women · Wide-Leg Jeans Outfits · Best Wedding Guest Dresses 2026 · Straight-Leg Jeans Outfits

About Business Outstanders

Business Outstanders is a UK fashion guide for women — daily outfit ideas, wedding and bridal style, nail designs, hairstyles and free fashion tools — written by the Business Outstanders editorial team. We help women in the UK, US and Canada shop smarter and dress with confidence, one guide (and one perfectly converted size) at a time.