Explaining EN 13402 sizing

EN 13402 is the European standard for clothing size labelling. Officially titled "Size designation of clothes – Part 1 to 4", this standard was introduced by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to unify sizing across European countries and simplify international garment shopping.

🧵 What Does EN 13402 Do?

Instead of using arbitrary size codes like “S”, “M”, “L”, or inconsistent number sizing (e.g. UK 12, EU 40, US 8), EN 13402 uses actual body measurements (in centimetres) to define clothing sizes.

🔍 How It Works:

EN 13402 is structured into four parts:

1. EN 13402-1 – Body measurement definitions: Defines how body measurements should be taken (e.g., bust, waist, hips).

2. EN 13402-2 – Primary and secondary dimensions: Specifies which measurements apply to which garment types. For example, trousers use waist and inseam.

3. EN 13402-3 – Size labelling system: Replaces size numbers with centimetre-based labels, such as "Chest 96 cm" or "Waist 84 cm".

4. EN 13402-4 – Coding system: Optional numeric codes for retail/scanning purposes (e.g. barcodes).

✅ Example: Women’s Trousers Labelled by EN 13402

Instead of saying “Size 14”, a label would read:

• Waist: 84 cm

• Hips: 108 cm

• Height: 168 cm (optional for length)

💡 Why EN 13402 Matters

• Transparency: Labels are based on body measurements, not arbitrary brand sizing.

• Consistency: Helps reduce confusion across UK, EU, and US sizing systems.

• Inclusivity: Enables precise fit for more body types.

• Cross-border shopping: Essential for customers buying online internationally.

However, not all brands have adopted it yet—especially in the UK and US, where legacy systems still dominate.

🧭 How to Navigate Sizing Until EN 13402 Becomes Universal

Until global brands fully adopt EN 13402, use platforms like tellar.co.uk which bridge the gap between traditional sizing systems and actual body measurements.

With Tellar, you can:

• Input your measurements (or use your known size in one brand)

• Instantly see your correct size in over 1,500 global brands

• Reduce returns and misfitting purchases

• Get size-matched recommendations using live data, not vague estimatesInstruction on Posts

Start now:

• Create your free profile

• Use the Store Size Lookup

• Get the ultimate sizing guide

For more on sizing systems, visit:

• UK vs USA vs EU Clothing Sizes Guide

• Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

And follow:

• Instagram:@Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X:@TellarSizing

• Facebook:Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest:TellarSizing

Summary:

EN 13402 simplifies clothing sizing by using body measurements (cm) rather than inconsistent size labels. While not yet universally adopted, it's a step toward global size transparency. In the meantime, tools like Tellar.co.uk bring EN 13402-style precision into your online shopping experience—today.