Universal size guide: conversion and tips
Instantly convert your sizes between French, Italian, British, American and German systems. For dresses, tops, trousers and accessories.
International size converter
Select a category and your size in one system to get equivalences in all 4 other systems.
Each country has its own sizing system: France and Italy use different numbering, the UK and US have their own scales, and Germany follows the European standardised system. Conversions can vary from brand to brand because there is no single mandatory standard: the EN 13402 norm provides a European framework, but each fashion house retains its own adjustments. Use this table as a reliable reference, then compare with your actual measurements in centimetres for the best fit.
Practical tips for choosing the right size
Measure yourself properly
Stand straight in your underwear with a soft tape measure. Do not pull the tape tight: it should lie flat on the skin without compressing. Take your measurements in the morning, before meals, for consistent results.
Know your 3 key measurements
Bust: horizontally at the fullest point. Waist: at the natural crease, above the navel. Hips: at the widest point, about 20 cm below the waist. These three references cover 90% of women’s clothing.
Consider the fabric
Stretch materials (jersey, knit, elastane) forgive half a size difference. Rigid fabrics (taffeta, poplin, linen) demand a precise fit. When in doubt with structured fabric, size up.
Re-measure regularly
Your body naturally changes with the seasons. Retake your measurements every 6 months to avoid surprises. If you fall between two sizes, prioritise comfort: a slightly larger size always looks more elegant than a tight fit.
How to take your measurements
Measure yourself in underwear with a soft tape. Bust: at the fullest point. Waist: at the natural crease. Hips: at the widest point.
Methodology and sources
Size correspondences are based on the European standard EN 13402 and official fashion house size charts. Below are the sources and references used.
Standards applied
EN 13402 (European standard)
Size designation system based on body measurements in centimetres. Adopted by most European countries since 2004.
ASTM D5585 (American standard)
American standard for adult female body measurements. Defines correspondences between numerical sizes (0-20) and body measurements.
BS 3666 (British standard)
Specification for women garment sizes in the UK. Based on national anthropometric surveys.
Data sources
- CEN (European Committee for Standardization): standard EN 13402-1 to EN 13402-3
- ASTM International: standard D5585-11 (female body measurements)
- Official European fashion house size charts (2024-2026 compilation)
- Misciano internal analysis: customer feedback and adjustments over 3 seasons
References
- Bougourd, J. & Treleaven, P. (2010). National Size and Shape Surveys for Apparel Design. Woodhead Publishing.
- Beazley, A. & Bond, T. (2003). Computer-aided Pattern Design and Product Development. Blackwell Publishing.
- CEN Technical Committee 248 (2017). EN 13402: Size designation of clothes.
- Ashdown, S.P. (2007). Sizing in Clothing. Woodhead Publishing.
- Gupta, D. (2014). Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design. Woodhead Publishing.
Related resources
Cite this guide
You may freely cite the data from this page. Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0 licence.
Misciano. (2026). Universal size guide: conversion and tips.
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Data under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0 licence.