UK vs European Clothing Sizes: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re shopping online from European brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti or COS, or trying to convert sizes while travelling abroad, understanding how UK and EU clothing sizes compare is essential. Unlike shoe sizing, where the conversion is fairly straightforward, clothing sizes differ significantly in cut, fit, and even how they’re labelled.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about UK vs European sizes—including women’s and men’s conversions, regional differences within Europe, and why you can’t rely on the label alone. Plus, we’ll show you how to never second-guess your size again using the free tool at Tellar.co.uk.

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1. Understanding the Basics: UK vs EU Sizes

In general:

• UK clothing sizes for women are based on even numbers: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, etc.

• European sizes tend to be 4 digits higher: EU 34 ≈ UK 6, EU 36 ≈ UK 8, and so on.

However, this “+4” rule is only a rough guide.

European sizing is not standardised across all countries. For example:

• French and Spanish brands like Maje or Zara run smaller.

• German and Scandinavian labels like Hugo Boss or Ganni tend to be more generous in fit.

• Italian brands often use slimmer cuts and tailoring, even if labelled the same size.

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2. Quick Conversion Table: Women’s Clothing

Always check whether the brand uses continental (EU) or regional (Italy, France, Germany) systems. Sizes may appear identical but fit differently.

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3. Men’s Clothing Size Comparison

For men’s fashion, the differences are subtler but still important:

• UK sizes are generally in inches (e.g. 38R jacket, 32 waist).

• EU sizes use numbers for chest circumference in centimetres (e.g. EU 48 = UK 38R).

Quick Jacket Conversion

Trouser/Waist Conversion

Again, fit varies by brand—Scandinavian labels like Tiger of Sweden fit very differently than French tailoring from Sandro Homme.

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4. Why EU Sizes Don’t Fit Like UK Sizes

There are three key reasons why EU sizing often feels inconsistent for UK shoppers:

1. Different base body measurements

EU sizing often assumes different bust, waist, and hip ratios than UK brands. For example:

• UK sizing is generally based on a more hourglass standard.

• Many EU labels, especially Scandinavian, are cut straighter through the waist.

2. Fit model differences

Brands base their sizing on “fit models” from their own country. A UK 10 tested on a British frame will differ from a French EU 38 cut for a narrower bust or hip.

3. Lack of EU-wide standardisation

Unlike the UK (which uses BS EN 13402 sizing in some retail sectors), Europe lacks a universal system. Brands are free to interpret their sizing even within the EU framework.

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5. Is European Sizing More Accurate?

Not necessarily—it’s just different. Many EU brands offer clean, minimalist silhouettes but can run small across the bust or hips for curvier UK shoppers. This is why:

• Zara EU 38 might feel like a UK 8 or even 6.

• COS EU 38 might feel more like a UK 10 due to oversized cuts.

It’s not about which system is “better,” but about how well it fits your body.

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6. Best Approach: Use Body Measurements, Not Labels

Rather than relying on the “UK 12 = EU 40” rule, the smarter method is to compare your measurements (bust, waist, hip) to the actual size chart for that brand.

But that’s time-consuming—especially across hundreds of brands.

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7. Or Use Tellar.co.uk to Do It Instantly

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading clothing sizing tool, matching your body to the correct size in over 1,500+ brands including:

• Zara

• Massimo Dutti

• Arket

• COS

• Mango

• H&M

• Reiss

• & Other Stories

Whether it’s UK or EU sizing, Tellar tells you exactly what size to buy based on your measurements—or even a brand you already own.

How it works:

✅ Input your bust, waist and hip OR choose a size you wear from a known brand

✅ Instantly match to the right size across hundreds of others

✅ Use the Store Size Lookup to get your fit in seconds

✅ No downloads—Tellar works straight from your browser

✅ Free printable measuring tape included

Never get the wrong size again. No returns. No second-guessing.

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8. Why Tellar Works Better Than Conversion Charts

Standard size conversion charts can’t account for:

• Brand-specific differences (Zara vs H&M vs Reiss)

• Fabric flexibility (e.g. stretch denim vs structured tailoring)

• Your body shape (e.g. curvy waist-to-hip ratios or petite proportions)

Tellar does. It interprets every brand’s unique sizing logic and matches it to you, factoring in both UK and EU sizing systems.

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9. Popular EU Brands with Different Fit Profiles

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10. Additional Resources from Tellar

✔️ The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

✔️ What Size Am I in Next?

✔️ Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

✔️ UK vs USA vs European Sizes

✔️ Smart Casual Blazers for Women

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Follow Tellar for More Fit Advice

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @Tellar100

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest: TellarUK

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In Summary:

• UK and EU sizes differ by number, fit model, and brand.

• Size conversion charts are approximate at best.

• The safest, fastest, and most accurate way to shop EU or UK clothing is to use Tellar.co.uk.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”