What is the difference between US, UK and EU dress sizes?

US sizes run 0–16+ (e.g., US 8 = UK 12 = EU 38). UK sizes are typically 4 numbers higher than the US equivalent. EU sizes are based on centimetre measurements and usually follow a 30–48 scale. Always check a brand's own size chart as sizing can vary between labels.

Should I size up or down if I am between sizes?

It depends on your body type. Pear and hourglass shapes should size for the hips and then alter the waist if needed. Apple shapes should size for the bust or waist. Rectangle shapes can usually split the difference. When in doubt, size up for comfort and have a tailor adjust the fit.

Clothing Size Calculator

Dress Size Calculator

Q: How do I calculate my dress size?

Measure your bust (around the fullest part of your chest), waist (at the narrowest point), and hips (at the widest point) in inches or centimetres. Then compare your largest measurement to a dress size chart. Most brands size primarily by bust or hip measurement, so always check the specific brand chart.

Convert your bust, waist, and hip measurements to US, UK, EU, and AU dress sizes. Includes a full clothing size chart, inch-to-size conversion, and sizing tips by body type.

View size chart Find my body type first

How to take measurements for a dress size calculator

Bust

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not tight. Wear a well-fitting bra.

Waist

Measure at the narrowest point of your torso — usually 2–3 cm above your navel. Do not suck in your stomach.

Hips

Measure around the widest part of your hips and bottom, about 20 cm below your natural waist, with feet together.

Tip: Measure over your underwear, not your clothes. Write down all three measurements before looking at the chart — having all three lets you handle cases where they fall across different sizes.

Dress size chart — US, UK & EU sizes

Find your row by locating your bust, waist, or hip measurement. Where measurements split across two sizes, size up for comfort or consult the brand's fit guide.

Measurements in inches

US	UK	EU	Bust (in)	Waist (in)	Hips (in)
0	4	32	31–31.5"	23–23.5"	33–33.5"
2	6	34	32–32.5"	24–24.5"	34–34.5"
4	8	36	33–33.5"	25–25.5"	35–35.5"
6	10	38	34–34.5"	26.5–27"	36.5–37"
8	12	40	35.5–36"	28–28.5"	38–38.5"
10	14	42	37–37.5"	29.5–30"	39.5–40"
12	16	44	38.5–39"	31–31.5"	41–41.5"
14	18	46	40–40.5"	32.5–33"	42.5–43"
16	20	48	41.5–42"	34–34.5"	44–44.5"
18	22	50	43.5–44"	36–36.5"	45.5–46"
20	24	52	45.5–46"	38–38.5"	47.5–48"

Measurements in centimetres

US	UK	EU	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hips (cm)
0	4	32	79–80 cm	58–60 cm	84–85 cm
2	6	34	81–83 cm	61–62 cm	86–88 cm
4	8	36	84–85 cm	63–65 cm	89–90 cm
6	10	38	86–88 cm	67–68 cm	92–94 cm
8	12	40	90–91 cm	71–72 cm	96–98 cm
10	14	42	94–95 cm	75–76 cm	100–102 cm
12	16	44	98–99 cm	79–80 cm	104–105 cm
14	18	46	102–103 cm	83–84 cm	108–109 cm
16	20	48	105–107 cm	86–88 cm	112–113 cm
18	22	50	110–112 cm	91–93 cm	116–117 cm
20	24	52	116–117 cm	96–98 cm	121–122 cm

Note: Size charts are indicative averages. Sizing varies between brands and garment types. Always check the specific brand's size guide for the most accurate result, and measure twice before ordering online.

Clothing size tips by body type

When your measurements fall across sizes, knowing your body type helps you decide which measurement to prioritise. Find your body type first if you haven't already.

Hourglass

Size for your bust or hips (whichever is larger) — they should be equal. Look for dresses with waist seams you can alter, or choose wrap styles that self-adjust.

Pear

Size for your hips and buy a size down at the bust if needed, or opt for styles with adjustable or elastic waistbands. A-line skirts and fit-and-flare dresses are forgiving.

Apple

Size for your bust or waist (whichever is larger). Empire-waist and A-line silhouettes cut straight from the bust, bypassing the waist entirely — excellent for comfort and fit.

Rectangle

Your measurements are usually proportional across bust, waist, and hips, so standard sizing tends to fit well. If a dress has a defined waist you can belt or tuck for added shape.

Dress size calculator — FAQ

How do I calculate my dress size from measurements?

Measure your bust, waist, and hips with a soft measuring tape. Then locate your measurements in the size chart above. If your measurements fall in different size rows, choose the size that matches your largest measurement (usually hips or bust) and have the other areas altered if needed.

What is the difference between a cloth size and a dress size?

"Cloth size" and "dress size" typically refer to the same thing in everyday usage — the standardised number label on ready-to-wear clothing. Cloth size can also refer to fabric measurements in metres or yards when buying material for tailoring. In the context of this page, both terms mean the standardised sizing number (US 8, UK 12, EU 40, etc.).

Why do dress sizes vary between brands?

Dress sizes are not standardised across the industry — each brand has its own size chart and grading rules. Vanity sizing (using smaller-number labels for larger garments) has also shifted over time, which is why a US size 8 today is often larger than a US size 8 from 30 years ago. Always measure yourself and compare to the specific brand's chart rather than assuming your usual size will work.

How do I convert my dress size between US, UK, and EU?

As a general rule: US + 4 = UK, and EU is based on body measurements in centimetres rather than a simple offset from US/UK. For example, US 8 = UK 12 = EU 38–40 depending on the brand. However, always use the size chart above or the brand's own chart rather than relying on conversion formulas alone.

Should I size up or size down if I'm between sizes?

Size up for comfort if the item doesn't stretch or have much ease, especially in structured fabrics like denim or woven cotton. Size down if the item is stretchy or has an elastic waistband. If you're unsure, size up — it's easier to take in a garment than to let it out.

Know your size — and your shape

Once you know your dress size, find your body type to get advice on which silhouettes and cuts flatter your proportions most. Free, instant, no account needed.

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