How to Compare European & American Women's Clothing Sizes

There is no universal standard for clothing sizes. Therefore, when making comparisons between American and European women's clothing, you must study conversion charts. You also must allow for sizing differences among manufacturers.

Conversions

It may be necessary to compare clothing sizes if you're buying clothes online or by mail order. The Internet has made it possible to buy clothes from anywhere in the world; however, you must take into account the differences between sizes. A conversion chart will reveal, for example, that a U.S. size 32 women's sweater is a European size 40.

Variations

The USATourist website notes that clothing sizes can vary among manufacturers and even among different designs by the same manufacturers. This means that clothing conversion charts should be used as a rough guide only.

Considerations

Sellers should measure their clothes and list them both in centimeters and inches, according to the Online Conversion website. When buying clothes online, ask the seller for exact measurements. Establish that the seller has a no-hassle return policy, in case the clothes do not fit.

References

• Online Conversion: Women's Clothing Size Conversion
• USATourist: Women's Clothing Size Conversions

Resources

• The Engineering ToolBox: Clothing--Comparing US, UK and European Sizes