How to Measure for Women's UK Sizes

Measure for U.K. sizing

Sizing for women's clothing in the United Kingdom, like in many other countries, depends a great deal upon the clothing manufacturer. Size charts in the U.K. resemble U.S. sizing charts, but the sizes are not the same. Sizes in the U.K. tend to run smaller than U.S. sizing by one or two full sizes, depending upon the manufacturer.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Determine your U.S. size for the article of clothing you wish to wear. You can check the size of an existing article of clothing that fits well and is not stretched out of shape and worn. If you do not have a comparable article of clothing in your current size, use a tape measure to record your measurements at the bust, waist and hip. Once you have obtained the measurement, look at any U.S. manufacturer's size chart for the garment and write down your approximate U.S. size.

2. Add two full sizes to your U.S. size for a general approximation of your UK size; for example, a size 6 in the U.S. becomes a size 10 in the U.K. This method is not precise and, since sizes vary based on manufacturers, it may not be accurate, but it will give a general indication of your U.K size.

3. Enter your U.S. size into an online size conversion tool (see resources). These tools can calculate sizes for different types of garments including blouses, bras, dresses and trousers.

4. Confirm your results with the garment manufacturer's sizing chart, if possible, using the measurements taken in the first step.

References

• Online Conversion: Women's Clothing Conversion
• Ethically Me: Clothing Sizes
• Ask Numbers: Clothing Size Conversion Chart