Women size calculator

Women's sizes converted

Q: What is German size 38 in US sizes?

German size 38 is usually a US 6 and a UK 10. At generously cut US brands a US 4 can fit as well.

Q: How do Italian women's sizes convert?

Italian sizes run 6 numbers above the German ones: IT 44 = EU 38, IT 46 = EU 40. Italian brands often cut narrow, so go one size up if in doubt.

Q: What does US size 0 mean?

US 0 is a very small size and works out to about EU 32 or UK 4 (XXS in letter sizing).

A dress from London, a blouse from Milan, jeans from New York: tap your size and see right away which number you need in other countries — or let the calculator work out your size from your measurements.

Women's sizes conversion: the short answer

Here is how German and EU women's sizes convert: FR = EU + 2, IT = EU + 6, UK = EU − 28 and US = EU − 32. Example: German size 38 is FR 40, IT 44, UK 10, US 6 — and usually an M in letter sizing.

Women's size chart: international sizes with body measurements

Women's size chart: international sizes with body measurements
US	UK	EU	FR	IT	JP	INT	Petite	Tall	Bust / chestcm	Waistcm	Hipscm
0	4	32	34	38	5	XXS	–	–	76	60	84
2	6	34	36	40	7	XS	17	68	80	64	88
4	8	36	38	42	9	S	18	72	84	68	92
6	10	38	40	44	11	M	19	76	88	72	96
8	12	40	42	46	13	M	20	80	92	76	100
10	14	42	44	48	15	L	21	84	96	80	104
12	16	44	46	50	17	L	22	88	100	84	108
14	18	46	48	52	19	XL	23	92	106	90	113
16	20	48	50	54	21	XL	24	96	112	96	118
18	22	50	52	56	23	XXL	25	100	118	102	123
20	24	52	54	58	25	XXL	26	104	124	108	128
22	26	54	56	60	27	3XL	27	108	130	114	133

Body measurements in cm, taken on the body (not on the garment). Guide values based on German standard sizing; individual brands differ.

US – United States, Canada
UK – United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia
EU – EU sizing (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands)
FR – France, Belgium, Spain
IT – Italy
JP – Japan
INT – Letter sizes (XS–XXL)
Petite – Petite sizes (EU system)
Tall – Tall sizes (EU system)

Every size in detail

Which measurements matter for which garment

You need three measurements to find the right women's size: bust, waist and hips. Not every measurement counts equally for every garment:

Blouses, tops, sweaters, jackets: the bust above all.
Pants (US) / trousers (UK) and skirts: waist and hips — for low-rise styles mainly the hips.
Dresses and jumpsuits: all three. If they point to different sizes, go by the largest one — a little extra room can be taken in, a tight spot cannot be let out.

Petite and tall sizes

German standard sizes (32 to 54) are cut for an average height. Shorter and taller women get their own size ranges with the same girths but different lengths at the sleeves, body and legs:

Petite sizes (e.g. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) for shorter women: petite size = standard size ÷ 2. So size 19 is a 38.
Tall sizes (e.g. 72, 76, 80, 84) for tall, slim women: tall size = standard size × 2. So size 76 is a 38.

The calculator shows both ranges under “Petite” and “Tall” — you can also enter them directly.

Why your size changes from brand to brand

There is no binding worldwide rule for how big a “38” has to be. The European standard EN 13402 says body measurements should be given in centimeters, but every maker picks the number on the label itself. Three effects show up again and again:

Vanity sizing: American brands in particular label generously — at some labels a US 6 is closer to an EU 40.
Cut by target market: Italian, French and Asian labels often run narrow. Going one number up usually pays off.
Letter sizes: S, M and L each cover about two numeric sizes and vary the most.

The most reliable guide is always the shop's own size chart — compared against your own measurements.

Tips for getting the size right

Between two sizes?

In firm fabrics (linen, wool, blazers) take the larger size. In jersey and stretch the smaller one often fits better.

Shopping online

Compare your measurements with the shop's size chart, not just the label size. Many shops also list the model's measurements and the size she is wearing.

Measure a favorite piece

Lay a garment that fits well flat and measure the bust or waist width. Double that number and you have the girth to compare against.

FAQ about women's sizes

What is German size 38 in US sizes?

German size 38 is usually a US 6 and a UK 10. At generously cut US brands a US 4 can fit as well.

Is size 38 a small or a medium?

Size 38 is usually sold as an M. Some brands treat 36/38 as S and 40/42 as M, so check the maker's size chart.

How do Italian women's sizes convert?

Italian sizes run 6 numbers above the German ones: IT 44 = EU 38, IT 46 = EU 40. Italian brands often cut narrow, so go one size up if in doubt.

What does US size 0 mean?

US 0 is a very small size and works out to about EU 32 or UK 4 (XXS in letter sizing).

Is a UK 12 the same as a US 8?

Yes. UK 12 is a US 8, and both match German women's size 40 (IT 46, FR 42).

What are petite and tall sizes?

Petite sizes are made for shorter women and are half the standard size (19 = 38). Tall sizes are for tall, slim women and are double the standard size (76 = 38).