Let’s get real. UK to US size conversions can get confusing pretty quickly. Whether it’s shoes, bracelets, hoodies, apparel, or any kind of everyday wear, you want a go-to guide you can refer to. Unfortunately, most of the UK to US size conversion guides online don’t cover all the info you need.

Which is why we are here to support you. You will get all your questions answered in this blog. You will know how UK to US size conversions work, how to use a UK to US size conversion calculator, make rough guesstimates, and more. By the end of this post, you can confidently start shopping online, buy stuff from stores, or even start a fashion dropshipping business! Now, on to it.
UK to US Size Conversions for Men, Women, and Children
Women's clothing sizes generally follow a consistent pattern: US sizes are typically two sizes smaller than UK sizes. For example, a UK 10 converts to a US 6, and a UK 12 becomes a US 8. This conversion holds true across most clothing categories including dresses, tops, blazers, and casual wear.
Men's clothing sizes work differently. UK and US sizes are often identical for chest measurements and general clothing. A UK size M equals a US size M, and a 40-inch chest measurement remains the same in both systems. However, there can be slight variations in trouser waist sizes depending on the brand.
Children's sizes use age-based conversions that differ significantly between systems. US sizes often include "T" designations (2T, 4T) while UK sizes use straightforward age ranges. The conversion isn't always direct, and you'll need to pay attention to height and weight guidelines.
What is a UK to US Size Conversion Calculator?
A UK to US conversion size calculator is a tool that helps you convert clothing, footwear, or accessory sizes between UK and US sizing systems. By entering your UK size, the calculator provides the equivalent US size, making it easier to shop internationally and ensure a proper fit. You can use this one by Convertshoesize to get accurate measurements for UK to US shoe sizes.
Women's UK to US Size Conversion
Here’s an overview of UK to US size conversion for women:
General Women's Clothing (Dresses, Tops, Blazers)
Women's Jeans and Trousers
Quick conversion tip: If you wear a UK 10 dress, look for US size 6 jeans. If you're a UK 14, go for US size 10.
Women's Underwear and Lingerie
Bra Size Conversion
Note: US bra sizes are typically one cup size smaller than UK sizes. A UK 34C becomes a US 34B.
Men's Size Conversion Charts
Here is a guide to UK to US size conversions for men when it comes to clothing and everything else:
Men's General Clothing (Shirts, Jackets, Suits)
Note: Men's UK and US clothing sizes are generally identical for alpha sizing (S, M, L, XL). The main differences appear in specific measurements and brand variations.
Men's Trousers and Jeans
Men's Belt Sizes
Pro tip: Add 2 inches to your waist measurement for your belt size. If you have a 32-inch waist, get a 34-inch belt.
Children's Size Conversion Charts
You can use these tables to match children’s age-based clothing and footwear sizes across UK, US, and EU systems.
Children's UK to US Clothing Sizes by Age
Children's UK to US Shoe Size Conversion
Specific examples for children's shoes:
- European size 24 = UK size 8 = US size 8.5 = Japan size 16 (Age 5-6 years)
- European size 22 = UK size 6 = US size 6.5 = Japan size 14 (Age 3-4 years)
- European size 35 = UK size 3 = US size 3.5 = Japan size 24 (Age 13-14 years)
Women's International Shoe Sizes

Men's International Shoe Sizes
International shoe size examples:
- European size 42 = UK size 8 = US size 9 = Japan size 27 = Korea size 270 (Men's)
- European size 39 = UK size 6 = US size 8 = Japan size 25.5 = Korea size 255 (Women's)
UK to US Sock Size Conversions

Sock sizing tip: Most sock brands use shoe size ranges rather than exact conversions. If you wear UK size 8 shoes, look for M/L or L/XL socks depending on whether you prefer a snug or loose fit.
UK to US Size Conversions by Brand
Here is how UK to US size conversion for brands works:
Designer and Luxury Brands
High-end fashion houses often have their own sizing standards that may not match standard conversion charts. Brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Burberry frequently use European measurements even for UK and US markets.
Fast Fashion
Brands like H&M, Zara, and ASOS may have slight variations in their sizing, even when labeled as UK or US sizes. Always check their specific size guides and read customer reviews for fit feedback.
Athletic and Sportswear
Nike, Adidas, and other sportswear brands often run true to size but may have different fits for different activities. Running shoes typically need a half-size larger than your regular shoe size to account for foot swelling during exercise.
Why UK to US Size Conversion Matters?
Shopping internationally opens up a world of fashion choices, but it also introduces the challenge of finding the right size. UK and US sizes differ significantly, and without accurate conversions, customers may find themselves with ill-fitting clothes or shoes.
This is particularly crucial as online shopping continues to grow, with the global online apparel market projected to reach over $1,2 trillion by 2027. Accurate size conversion helps reduce return rates, enhances customer satisfaction, and boosts consumer confidence in cross-border shopping. Using Spocket's best US/EU suppliers you can easily benefit from this market and grow your dropshipping store.
UK to US Size Conversion Discrepancies: Statistics
Here is why you should worry about US to UK size conversion discrepancies:
- High Return Rates: The average return rate for e-commerce is around 20-30%. Wrong sizes can lead to incorrect gifts, rejected deliveries, and a lack of clarity in communication between the buyer and seller. It can lead to loss of customer trust and loyalty as well.
- Global Market Trends: The global online apparel market will be valued at USD 2178.55 billion by 2032. This means that the consumer base for shopping online clothing, footwear, and everyday accessories will grow - for men, women, and children. You can’t provide a high-quality customer shopping experience unless you get your sizes right.
How UK to US Size Conversions Work
EU sizes can be converted quite easily into UK sizes, although they will still differ from brand to brand so it's important to check your bust and waist measurements before selecting a standard size. The measurements are listed in centimeters, making them more standardized than other systems.
US sizes do not convert simply into UK sizes, and so it's always necessary to check your bust and waist measurements before selecting a standard UK size. The measurements for UK sizes are listed in inches, creating additional complexity.
UK to US Size Conversion Differences
The core difference lies in the measuring system. UK sizes typically run smaller than US sizes for women's clothing, but this pattern reverses for footwear.
- For women's clothing: US sizes are generally two sizes larger than UK sizes. A UK 6 equals a US 2, and a UK 10 equals a US 6.
- For men's clothing: UK and US sizes often match for general alpha sizing (S, M, L), but can differ in specific measurements like waist inches.
For footwear, UK to US size conversion varies by gender:
- Men's US shoes are typically one size larger than UK sizes
- Women's US shoes are typically two sizes larger than UK sizes
UK to US Size Conversion for Kids by Age
When choosing clothes for boys or girls, remember that US children's sizes often include "T" designations (2T, 4T, 5T) while UK sizes use age ranges. The conversion isn't always direct because children grow at different rates.
Height vs Age Considerations
European children's sizing uses height in centimeters, which can be more accurate than age-based sizing. A 4-year-old might wear different sizes depending on their height and build. Always check the height measurements when possible.
How to Measure for UK to US Size Conversions
Here is how to get started with UK to US size conversions:
Know Your Measurements
Measure yourself from key points rather than relying on labels alone. For clothing, you need:
- Bust/chest: Around the fullest part of the chest. Ensure that the tape measure is level.
- Waist: At the narrowest part of the waist
- Hips: Around the fullest part of your hips
- Inseam: From crotch to ankle for trousers. Measure from the bottom of the leg.
Think of this like knowing your waist size for buying trousers – which is something all of us should know.
Account for Gender-Based Differences
Always cross-check if the sizing is for men or women. A US men's size 9 shoe will not match a US women's size 9. There is usually a 1.5 size difference between gendered sizing in the US. It's a common mistake that often makes people end up with the wrong sized footwear.
Pay Attention to Width
While most conversion charts refer to length, remember that width is also key for comfort, especially for shoes. Certain brands may offer narrow, regular, or wide fit options. This can be specific to your body shape, so check it out properly.
When in Doubt, Size Up
When unsure or between sizes, it's often wiser to opt for the slightly larger size, especially if you plan on wearing layers or need room for movement. On the other hand, some items like leather shoes can expand a bit after initial wear, so take that into account.
Conclusion
Women's clothing typically converts with US sizes being two numbers smaller than UK sizes. Men's sizes often match between systems for general clothing. Children's sizes require more attention to age and height guidelines.
Good UK to US size conversion is all about knowing your measurements. Just know that brands can vary, and always check specific size charts when available. Keep this guide handy for reference, and remember that when in doubt, it's usually better to size up slightly than to end up with something too small. Whether you're shopping for yourself, buying gifts, or helping family members find the right sizes, these UK to US size conversion charts and tips will help you navigate the differences between UK and US sizing systems with confidence.