Mastering Global Clothing Sizes: The Definitive Guide to UK, US & European Sizing

Shopping for clothes across borders can be both exciting and confusing. Whether you're ordering from a favourite European label, browsing US retailers, or sticking to familiar UK brands, understanding international clothing sizes is essential—but rarely straightforward.

Size labels don’t always reflect the same measurements across regions. A UK size 10 may translate to a US size 6 or an EU size 38, but even then, differences in fit, fabric, and brand-specific sizing can dramatically affect the actual garment dimensions.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about UK, US and European clothing sizes—and how Tellar.co.uk eliminates the guesswork with real-time, measurement-based size matching across 1,500+ brands.

Why International Clothing Sizes Don’t Match Up

There is no global standard for clothing sizes. Countries and brands base their sizing systems on different body shapes, measurement methods, and historical norms. Here’s why this leads to confusion:

UK sizes are traditionally based on inches and reflect actual body measurements.
US sizes are typically two sizes above UK sizes (e.g., a US 6 is roughly a UK 10), but vanity sizing often distorts this.
EU sizes are numeric, starting from 32 upwards, and are generally based on centimetres—but they often run slimmer and taller in fit.

Many shoppers rely on conversion charts—but these don’t account for differences in garment construction, stretch, or tailoring. This is where Tellar.co.uk’s real measurement matching offers a better solution.

UK vs US vs EU: Size Comparison Chart

Here’s a high-level women’s size conversion table:

UK Size	US Size	EU Size
4	0	32
6	2	34
8	4	36
10	6	38
12	8	40
14	10	42
16	12	44
18	14	46

While this chart is a helpful starting point, brand-specific differences can result in a significant mismatch. For precise recommendations based on your exact measurements, use Tellar’s size lookup tool.

Brand Examples: How Sizes Vary

Understanding how international sizing differs also means recognising how each brand interprets sizes:

Zara (EU-based)

Uses EU sizes (34–44), equivalent to UK 6–16.
Generally runs small, particularly in trousers, jackets and slim-fit tops.

Mango (EU-based)

Also uses EU sizing but with slightly more generous fits than Zara.
Sizing tends to be more consistent across their casual and tailored lines.

Abercrombie (US-based)

Uses US sizing (XS–XL and 0–14).
Fit is typically body-conscious, so UK shoppers often need to size up.

White Stuff (UK-based)

True UK sizing (6–18).
Known for relaxed, casual fits with slight allowances for layering.

Massimo Dutti (EU-based)

EU sizing with structured, tailored fits.
Jackets, shirts and trousers can run narrow at the shoulders and hips.

You can instantly compare sizing between all these brands using Tellar’s measurement-based matching system—no label guessing needed.

How to Accurately Measure Yourself

To ensure you get the right size every time, it’s crucial to know your exact body measurements. You’ll need:

Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your waistline.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips.

Use a soft tape measure or, if you don’t have one, download a free printable measuring tape from Tellar.co.uk.

You can also visit the How to Measure page for a visual guide.

The Limitations of Traditional Conversion Charts

Traditional size conversion charts provide a helpful framework but miss many critical details:

Fit preferences: Some brands design tighter silhouettes; others allow more room.
Fabric considerations: Stretch materials may allow for more flexibility.
Regional design philosophies: EU clothing may assume taller frames; US sizing often accommodates more ease.

Instead of guessing, use Tellar.co.uk to instantly match your real body measurements to verified size charts from over 1,500 fashion brands, including high street, designer, and online labels.

Why Tellar.co.uk Is the Smarter Solution

Unlike basic conversion tools or brand-specific recommendations, Tellar.co.uk offers a precise, data-led approach:

✅ Measurement-based recommendations: Tailored to your actual body, not just label sizes.

✅ Brand-level accuracy: Matches you to the exact sizing standards of each brand.

✅ Supports UK, US and EU brands: One universal system that works across all sizing formats.

✅ Free to use: Create a profile, check your size, and return whenever you like.

✅ No passwords required: One-time login for fast, secure access.

✅ Free tools: Includes a downloadable measuring tape and visual fit guides.

🟩 Create your free size profile today

International Sizing for Men

Men’s clothing also varies between UK, US and EU markets, although generally less dramatically than women’s sizes:

UK Size	US Size	EU Size
S	S	46
M	M	48
L	L	50
XL	XL	52

Waist sizes (e.g., 32", 34") are often more consistent globally, but tailoring, sleeve length and rise can still vary significantly by brand and region.

Use Tellar to get accurate size guidance for men’s shirts, trousers, jeans, and jackets—across both UK and international retailers.

🟩 Explore men’s sizing with Tellar

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When shopping across UK, US and EU sizing systems, avoid these typical mistakes:

Assuming a size label is universal: A UK 10 in one brand may fit like a UK 8 or 12 in another.
Ignoring fabric content: Stretch garments allow more flexibility—woven pieces do not.
Ordering without measuring: Relying on past purchases often leads to errors, especially across brands.
Using general conversion charts: These do not consider brand-specific quirks.

Instead, trust Tellar.co.uk to do the work for you—instantly, accurately, and free.

Tellar vs Other Sizing Tools

Feature	Traditional Size Charts	Fit Review Tools	Tellar.co.uk
Based on actual measurements	❌	❌	✅
Brand-specific matching	❌	❌	✅
Supports UK, US, EU brands	✅	✅	✅
Free & privacy-friendly	✅	✅	✅
Fast, real-time results	❌	✅	✅
Printable tape measure	❌	❌	✅

🟩 Try it yourself here

Connect with Tellar

Follow Tellar.co.uk for style updates, sizing guides, and fit tips:

Final Word: Never Guess Your Size Again

Understanding UK vs US vs EU sizing is just the beginning. The real solution is moving beyond guesswork altogether. Tellar.co.uk lets you shop confidently, knowing you’re selecting the right size—every time, for every brand.

🟩 Create your free profile now

🟩 Find your size in seconds

🟩 Download your free measuring tape

Tellar.co.uk – Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s Free & Easy.

Mastering Global Clothing Sizes: The Definitive Guide to UK, US &amp; European Sizing