Many of the designer pieces you will find here come from Italian and French fashion houses, so the size on the label is often IT 40, FR 38 or EU 39 rather than a UK 10. These numbers follow different scales, and the same “S” can mean a different size from one brand to the next.
The quickest way to order the right size is to convert first, then check. Use a conversion table to find your likely size, then compare your own measurements with the brand’s size chart on the shop’s product page. Where the two disagree, trust the measurements.
This guide gives the common conversions for women’s and men’s clothing, explains waist and leg sizes on jeans, and lists what to measure.
Women’s clothing sizes
Italian sizes are usually 32 higher than UK sizes, and French sizes about 28 higher. The common conversions look like this:
| UK | IT | FR | US | Letter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 38 | 34 | 2 | XXS |
| 8 | 40 | 36 | 4 | XS |
| 10 | 42 | 38 | 6 | S |
| 12 | 44 | 40 | 8 | M |
| 14 | 46 | 42 | 10 | L |
| 16 | 48 | 44 | 12 | XL |
| 18 | 50 | 46 | 14 | XXL |
You will see some product names carry two labels, such as “IT40 | S”. On many designer listings, both the Italian number and a letter size are given; the letter is the shop’s or brand’s own match and is worth reading alongside the number. If they seem not to agree with this table, go by the brand’s chart.
Italian designer cuts, particularly fitted dresses and tailoring, are often slim through the waist and shoulders. If you are between sizes, or the fabric has little stretch, the larger size is usually the safer choice; a tailor can take a garment in more easily than let it out.
Men’s clothing sizes
Italian sizing for men’s jackets, blazers and suits usually follows chest size: as a rough guide, the Italian number is the UK chest size in inches plus ten.
| UK chest (in) | IT jacket | Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 46 | S |
| 38 | 48 | M |
| 40 | 50 | L |
| 42 | 52 | XL |
| 44 | 54 | XXL |
Italian shirts are often sized by collar: IT 48 roughly matches a 15.5 inch collar, IT 50 a 16 inch collar. Italian trouser sizes such as IT 48 or IT 50 usually map to a 32 or 34 inch waist. For jackets and blazers, check the shoulder width and sleeve length on the brand’s chart too, as these are hard to alter.
Jeans and trousers: W and L
Most jeans are sized in inches: W for waist and L for leg (inside leg length). “W30 L32” means a 30 inch waist and a 32 inch inside leg. When only one number is given, such as 31 or 26, it is usually the waist.
A few things affect fit beyond the numbers:
- Rise. High rise jeans sit at the natural waist, low rise on the hips; the waist measurement changes accordingly.
- Stretch. Jeans with elastane give a little and can loosen with wear, so many people size down if they are between sizes. Rigid cotton denim does not give much.
- Cut. Skinny, slim, straight and wide leg cuts in the same size have the same waist but very different thighs and hems.
Italian trousers may be sized as IT 44, 46 and so on. Convert them with the tables above, then check the waist measurement on the brand’s chart.
How to measure yourself
You need a soft tape measure and, ideally, someone to help. Measure over underwear or a thin layer and keep the tape level and snug but not tight.
- Bust or chest: around the fullest part, under the arms.
- Waist: around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.
- Inside leg: from the crotch to the floor, without shoes.
- Collar (men): around the base of the neck, with a finger’s width of room.
Write the numbers down in both centimetres and inches; Italian brands often use centimetres. Better still, measure a garment you own that fits well and compare it with the measurements on the product page.
Before you order
- Read the size chart linked on the shop’s product page, not just a general table.
- Check the fabric: wool, silk and cotton without stretch fit more precisely than jersey.
- Read the shop’s returns policy before buying, especially for sale or final items.
- If you are choosing an outfit for an event, see the guide to choosing a party dress for dress codes and lengths, and browse the wider clothing section.
Quick checklist
- Convert IT, FR or US sizes with a table as a first step.
- Compare your measurements with the brand’s own size chart.
- Size up in slim Italian cuts without stretch if you are between sizes.
- For men’s jackets, check chest, shoulders and sleeve length.
- For jeans, know your waist, inside leg and preferred rise.
- Measure a garment that fits you well and compare.
- Check the returns policy before you order.
Common questions
What UK size is an Italian 42?
In women’s clothing, IT 42 usually matches a UK 10. In men’s clothing, IT 42 is very small and rarely used for jackets; men’s Italian sizes usually start around 44 or 46.
Do Italian sizes run small?
Many Italian designer pieces are cut slimmer than high street UK clothing, so they can feel small even when the conversion is correct. Check the measurements on the brand’s chart and consider sizing up in fitted, non stretch styles.
What does “one size” or “NOSIZE” mean?
It is used for items that are not sized, such as most bags, scarves and some accessories. For clothing, one size usually means a stretchy or loose garment meant to fit a range of sizes, so check the measurements given.
