Shopping for clothes abroad is one of travel's small pleasures — until the numbers on the label make no sense and you walk out with something that doesn't fit. The converter below does the quick translation; the rest explains why sizes differ and how to get it right first time.
Why sizes differ so much
Each region developed its own sizing standard, so the same body maps to different numbers. UK and Australian women's sizes usually align, the US uses lower numbers for the same fit, and Europe runs on a completely different, larger-numbered scale. On top of that, vanity sizing means brands flatter customers with generous labels, so even within one country two brands' "size 10" can differ. Asian sizing also tends to run smaller than Western, which catches a lot of travellers out.
Women's tops and dresses — rough equivalents
| US | UK | EU | AU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (S) | 8 | 36 | 8 |
| 6 (M) | 10 | 38 | 10 |
| 8 (M) | 12 | 40 | 12 |
| 10 (L) | 14 | 42 | 14 |
Approximate only — sizing varies between brands. UK and AU women's sizes often match, while US runs lower numerically.
Convert your size
Pick the category, the system you know your size in, and your size — the converter shows the equivalents.
Size converter → approximate; always check the brand's chart
Indicative only — use the brand's own size chart for anything you can't try on.
How to get the right fit abroad
- Know your measurements — bust/chest, waist, hips in cm. Measurements never lie, even when labels do.
- Use the brand's own size chart, especially online; it beats a generic conversion every time.
- Try before you buy where you can — the surest fix for sizing uncertainty in a physical store.
- Expect Asian sizes to run small — consider sizing up when shopping in much of Asia.
- Check the return policy before buying online from abroad — international returns can be costly or impossible.
Go deeper
Questions
Are UK and Australian clothing sizes the same?
For women's clothing they usually align closely, so a UK 12 is typically an AU 12. They're not always identical between brands, so still check the size chart, but UK and AU are the closest match of the major systems.
Why is US sizing a smaller number?
The US uses a different numbering scale, so the same garment that's a UK/AU 12 is often a US 8. It's just a different labelling convention, not a different fit — use a conversion or the measurements to compare.
Do Asian sizes run smaller?
Generally yes — clothing and shoe sizes in much of Asia tend to run smaller than Western equivalents. If you're shopping there, consider going up a size or two, and always try on or check measurements first.
What is vanity sizing?
It's labelling clothes with a smaller size than the actual measurements, to flatter customers. It means a "size 10" varies between brands even in the same country, which is why your own measurements and the brand's chart are more reliable than the label.
How do I shop for clothes online from abroad?
Use your body measurements against the brand's own size chart rather than a generic conversion, and check the return policy before ordering — international returns are often expensive or not possible. When unsure between two sizes, the measurements decide.
What measurements should I know?
For tops and dresses: bust/chest, waist and hips in centimetres. For bottoms: waist and hips, plus inseam for trousers. Having these in cm lets you use any brand's chart anywhere in the world.
Size conversions are approximate and vary by brand and garment. This is general guidance only — always check the specific brand's size chart and, where possible, try items on before buying.