USA vs European Clothing Sizes: The Ultimate Guide to Converting and Shopping Globally

Navigating fashion sizes across countries is a common challenge for anyone shopping internationally. Whether you're browsing luxury French labels or buying denim from a US-based store, knowing how to convert sizes between USA and European systems is critical to getting the right fit. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about US vs EU sizing across womenswear, menswear, shoes, and brand inconsistencies—and explains how Tellar.co.uk simplifies it all.

1. Core Differences Between USA and European Sizing Systems

A. Womenswear Sizing – USA vs Europe

USA Size	EU Size
2	32
4	34
6	36
8	38
10	40
12	42
14	44
16	46

🔍 Key Insight: European sizing is based on the chest/bust measurement in centimetres, whereas US sizes are abstracted and incremented by 2. EU sizing is typically seen in French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Scandinavian brands.

B. Menswear Sizing – USA vs Europe

USA Jacket Size	EU Jacket Size
36	46
38	48
40	50
42	52
44	54

🔍 Note: European menswear sizing is typically 10 points higher than the US equivalent. However, this does not apply to trousers/waist sizing, which are more aligned across both systems when measured in inches.

2. Shoes: One of the Most Confusing Sizing Areas

Women’s Shoe Size Comparison:

USA	EU
5	35–36
6	36–37
7	37–38
8	38–39
9	39–40
10	40–41

Men’s Shoe Size Comparison:

USA	EU
7	40
8	41
9	42
10	43
11	44
12	45

🔍 Important: European shoe sizes don’t account for width the same way US sizes do (e.g. B, D, E widths in the US system). This can lead to tight fits unless the brand specifies width options.

3. Why Sizes Don’t Convert Perfectly

Clothing size conversion charts are a rough guide, but they’re not foolproof. Several factors impact accuracy:

Body shape assumptions differ by region—US sizing is based on hourglass averages, while EU brands (especially French and Italian) cater to straighter or narrower builds.
Vanity sizing in the USA means that some brands label larger garments as smaller numbers (e.g. a size 4 at one store could measure the same as a size 8 elsewhere).
Fabric stretch and cut: Tailored EU brands often run small with less give, while US brands may design with more relaxed cuts.

4. Regional Brand Examples and Sizing Notes

Brand	Country	Sizing Notes
Zara	Spain	EU sizing; runs small, especially on hips/waist
H&M	Sweden	EU sizing; true to size but varies by garment
Massimo Dutti	Spain	EU sizing; structured fits, often small on arms and bust
Levi’s	USA	US sizing; jeans often run large unless labeled “Skinny”
Reformation	USA	US sizing; fitted and shorter torso lengths
COS	Sweden	EU sizing; oversized fit in many garments
& Other Stories	Sweden	EU sizing; boxier fits but true to measurements
Everlane	USA	US sizing; consistent with standard charts
Mango	Spain	EU sizing; accurate but occasionally short in rise for taller bodies

5. Understanding Number Gaps and Common Pitfalls

There’s no US size 0 or 00 in EU sizing. These sizes are more conceptual than standardised and typically translate to EU 30 or 32.
Tall and petite ranges are less common in EU sizing systems, making length alterations more frequent for shorter or taller women.
Inconsistent labelling: Sometimes you’ll see sizes like “M/L (US 8–10 / EU 38–40)” on global e-commerce platforms, leading to overlap confusion.

6. How Tellar.co.uk Fixes the Problem

With so many regional inconsistencies and non-standardised labels, getting your size right can feel impossible when shopping across borders. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

🔍 Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool that solves international sizing confusion:

Match your exact bust, waist, and hips (or known brand size) to 1,500+ brands in real time.
Works for UK, US, and EU clothing—automatically handles conversions brand-by-brand.
No size guides, no math, no returns caused by wrong sizing.

📏 How to use Tellar:

Create your free profile at Tellar.co.uk
Enter your measurements or known size in a brand you already wear
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool to instantly find your best size in brands like COS, Zara, Everlane, Reiss, H&M, Arket and more

7. Why It Matters: The Hidden Costs of Sizing Confusion

Returns cost time and money: Global returns often mean shipping fees and long delays.
Sustainability impact: Over-ordering to “try on at home” leads to unnecessary emissions and landfill waste.
Poor fit = poor confidence: An ill-fitting item can ruin an outfit or deter you from trying that brand again.

Tellar eliminates this guesswork and empowers you to shop globally with confidence.

8. Tellar Fashion Hub – Free Education for Global Shoppers

Beyond size matching, Tellar’s Fashion Hub offers an expanding library of expert-written posts covering everything from body shape tips to brand fit reviews.

Explore some of the most popular reads:

9. Follow Tellar.co.uk on Socials for Global Fashion Fit Advice

For international shopping tips, fit science, and styling inspiration:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing

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

Only at Tellar.co.uk