dress size chart & calculator
Enter your bust, waist and hips to find your dress size, then convert it between US, UK, French, German, Italian, Australian and letter sizes.
fashion law journal · tools deskupdated 25 sep 2026women’s misses sizes
Quick answer: a US 8 is a UK 12, a French 40, a German 38, an Italian 44 and an Australian 12, usually a size M. UK and Australian sizes are 4 above US. French sizes are US plus 32, and Italian sizes are French plus 4.
international dress size chart
| US | UK | FR / ES | DE / NL | IT | AU | letter | bust (in) | waist (in) | hips (in) |
|---|
Body measurements are typical of US misses sizing. Brands grade their patterns differently, so treat them as a starting point and check the retailer’s own chart.
how to take your measurements
- bustWear a non-padded bra. Measure around the fullest part of your chest with the tape level across your back.
- waistFind your natural waist, the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button. Breathe out normally.
- hipsStand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- keep it snugThe tape should sit flat without digging in. Measure over thin clothing or none.
why your size changes by brand
There’s no law setting what a “size 8” must measure. In the US, ASTM publishes voluntary body-measurement standards, and in Europe the EN 13402 standard recommends labelling clothes by body measurements in centimetres. Neither is mandatory, so brands grade to their own customer.
That’s also why “vanity sizing” happens: a label can drift smaller over the years while the garment stays the same.
which measurement wins?
- Fitted or bodycon: go by your largest measurement and have the rest taken in.
- Wrap and A-line: go by your bust.
- Shift and slip dresses: go by your hips.
- Stretch fabrics: you can usually size down if you’re between sizes.
dress size questions
What is a UK 10 in US size?
A UK 10 is a US 6. UK sizes run 4 above US sizes, so a UK 12 is a US 8 and a UK 14 is a US 10.
What is EU size 38 in US?
It depends on the country. A French 38 is a US 6, but a German 38 is a US 8, because German sizes run 2 below French. Check which “EU” scale the brand uses.
What is an Italian 42 in US size?
An Italian 42 is a US 6 and a UK 10. Italian sizes are US plus 36.
What size is a medium in dresses?
A women’s M is usually a US 8 to 10, a UK 12 to 14 or a French 40 to 42.
My measurements fall into different sizes. Which do I pick?
For fitted dresses, choose the size that fits your largest measurement and tailor the rest. For forgiving shapes, go by bust (wrap, A-line) or hips (shift).
Size conversions are standard retail equivalents. Measurements are typical and vary by brand. General information, not legal advice. More from FLJ: shoe size converter · ring size chart.