Navigating a World of Sizes!
Shopping globally can be an exciting experience, but differing sizing systems often make it confusing. Why is a US size 8 a UK size 6 and an EU size 39? This guide breaks down the most common international sizing systems for both clothing and shoes, helping you understand their origins, how they work, and why discrepancies exist. With this knowledge, combined with your My Fit Profile, you'll be well-equipped to find your perfect fit anywhere in the world!
The Challenge of Global Sizing
Historically, countries developed their own sizing standards based on local measurement units (inches vs. centimeters) and typical body proportions. The lack of a universal standard, coupled with modern trends like "vanity sizing" (where clothes are labeled with smaller sizes than their actual measurements to appeal to consumers), makes international conversions tricky. That's why relying on your actual body measurements is key!
Common Shoe Sizing Systems:
1. US & Canadian Sizing (Inches)
- Basis: Primarily uses a system derived from the length of the last (the mold a shoe is built on), usually measured in inches.
- Characteristics: Numerical sizes, often includes half sizes (e.g., 7, 7.5, 8). Women's sizes are typically 1.5 sizes larger than men's US sizes for the same foot length. Kids' sizes are distinct.
- Example: US Men's 9, US Women's 10.5, US Kids' 2Y.
2. UK & Australian Sizing (Barleycorns / Inches)
- Basis: Traditionally derived from barleycorns (an old English unit of measurement, roughly 1/3 inch).
- Characteristics: Numerical sizes, often includes half sizes (e.g., 6, 6.5, 7). UK men's and women's sizes are generally the same for the same foot length. Australian women's sizes follow UK, but Australian men's often align with US men's.
- Example: UK Men's 8.5, UK Women's 8.5.
3. European (EU) Sizing (Paris Points)
- Basis: Uses the "Paris Point" system, where one Paris Point equals 2/3 of a centimeter (approximately 0.26 inches). The size number corresponds to the length of the last in Paris Points.
- Characteristics: Numerical sizes (e.g., 39, 40, 41). Often no explicit distinction between men's, women's, or children's sizes for a given foot length, though lasts may differ in width/volume.
- Example: EU 40.
4. Japanese Sizing (Centimeters)
- Basis: Simple and direct; the size directly corresponds to the **foot length in centimeters**.
- Characteristics: Highly accurate and easy to understand. No gender distinction in numerical size.
- Example: JP 25.5 means a foot length of 25.5 cm.
5. Other Asian Sizing (Korea, China, etc.)
- Korea (MM): Similar to Japan, often uses foot length in millimeters (e.g., 250 for 25 cm).
- China: Uses a metric system (CM) but often has its own numbering that doesn't directly correspond to EU or JP.
Common Clothing Sizing Systems:
1. US Sizing (Numeric & Letter)
- Basis: Uses arbitrary numbers (e.g., 0, 2, 4...) or letter codes (XS, S, M, L...).
- Characteristics: Highly prone to "vanity sizing" and can vary significantly between brands. Men's clothing often uses waist/chest measurements (e.g., 32W, 40R).
- Example: US Women's Size 8, US Men's Medium.
2. UK & Australian Sizing (Numeric)
- Basis: Uses numerical sizes, generally 2 sizes larger than US numeric women's sizes (e.g., US 8 = UK 10).
- Characteristics: Can also be subject to vanity sizing but generally more consistent within the region than US sizing. Men's often aligns with chest/waist measurements.
- Example: UK Women's Size 10, UK Men's Large.
3. European (EU) Sizing (Numeric/Metric)
- Basis: Often based on actual body measurements in centimeters, such as bust/chest circumference. ISO 3635 is an international standard often used.
- Characteristics: Typically starts from lower numbers (e.g., 36, 38, 40 for women; 48, 50, 52 for men). Can be more consistent than US/UK but still has brand variations.
- Example: EU Women's 38, EU Men's 50.
4. French & Italian Sizing (Numeric)
- Basis: These countries have their own numerical systems, which often differ from EU standard, even though they are in Europe.
- Characteristics: French sizes are often 2 more than EU (e.g., EU 38 = FR 40). Italian sizes can be more varied, sometimes 4 more than EU.
- Example: FR Women's 40, IT Women's 44.
5. Asian Sizing (Japan, Korea, China)
- Basis: Often utilize height and body measurements in centimeters, but can also use small, medium, large (S, M, L) with different base measurements than Western standards.
- Characteristics: Can run significantly smaller than Western sizes for the same label (e.g., an Asian L might be a Western S or M). Always check measurement charts!
The Bottom Line for Confident Shopping:
Given the complexity, the best strategy for international sizing is always to:
- Know Your Measurements: Accurately measure your body (Body Guide) and feet (Foot Guide) in both centimeters and inches. Save them to your My Fit Profile!
- Use Converters: Utilize our dedicated size converters to get an estimated equivalent.
- Check Brand Charts: Always, if possible, refer to the specific brand's size chart for the item you're interested in. This is the ultimate source of truth.
By combining these strategies, you'll dramatically increase your chances of finding the perfect fit, no matter where your next purchase comes from!