Why do different brands have different sizes?

This is known as 'vanity sizing.' To make customers feel better, some brands label clothes with a smaller size than their actual measurements. Also, there is no legally enforced international standard for clothing sizes, so brands often develop their own sizing based on their target demographic. This is why a size 'M' from one brand can be very different from another.

Is this converter 100% accurate?

This converter uses standard, widely accepted conversion charts. However, because of variations between brands, it should be used as a strong guideline. The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to check the specific brand's size chart and compare it to your own body measurements.

What's the difference between UK and Australian sizes?

For women's clothing, UK and Australian sizes are generally the same (e.g., UK 10 = AUS 10). For shoes, they are also very similar. Our calculator reflects these standards.

Clothing & Shoe Size Converter (International)

How Does This Work?

This size converter uses standardized conversion charts to help you find your equivalent size in different international systems.

Select Your Category: First, choose the type of clothing you're interested in (e.g., Women's Dresses, Men's Shoes). This is crucial because conversion rules are different for each category.
Choose Your Known Size: Select the country/region and size that you already know.
Find Your Match: The calculator then looks up this size in its database and finds the corresponding row in the conversion chart. It displays all the equivalent sizes from that row, giving you a quick and easy comparison across different systems.

The Surprising History of Standardized Sizing

Ready-to-wear clothing is a modern luxury. For most of history, clothes were custom-made. The first attempt at standardized sizing came not from fashion, but from war. During the American Civil War, the government needed to mass-produce uniforms for millions of soldiers. They conducted the first large-scale statistical survey of men's body measurements.

They discovered that chest size was the most reliable predictor of other measurements, and this became the basis for the first standardized sizing system. However, this system was only for men. It wasn't until the 1940s that the U.S. government sponsored a similar study for women's clothing. This study was ultimately flawed because it was based on a small, non-diverse sample of women. This historical lack of a robust, universal standard is a key reason why women's clothing sizes are notoriously inconsistent between brands even today.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why isn't there one universal size system?

Several factors contribute to this: historical precedence (different countries developed their systems independently), different measurement units (inches vs. centimeters), and different manufacturing standards. While there have been attempts to create an international standard (like ISO 8559), adoption has been slow.

What does "EU" size mean?

EU (European Union) sizing is common across continental Europe (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain). It's different from UK sizing. For example, a women's EU size 38 is typically a UK 10 and a US 6. This calculator helps clarify these differences.

Should I rely solely on this converter for online shopping?

This converter is an excellent starting point and provides a very reliable guide. However, the best practice is to also check the specific brand's size chart, which is usually available on their website. If they provide measurements in inches or centimeters, comparing those to your own body measurements will give you the most accurate fit.

International Size Converter

Equivalent Sizes: