Because of non-rigid standards, vanity sizing, and local variations, size comparisons are not an exact science. Please check retailer's or online seller's return policy before purchasing purely on these size criteria alone.
Due to this industrial discrepancy, you should check the return policy of the retailer before purchasing items online or in-store. Chances are the sizes will not fit perfectly.
It is advised to take personal size measurements and to have them handy while shopping. Shopping with a small measuring tape is the best way to ensure proper sizing in order to compare personal size measurements with the clothing item.
Inch to cm conversion: 1 inch = 2.54 cm
Women's Pants
Unfortunately there are no uniform sizing systems for women's pants that are accurate enough to determine pant sizing by sizing charts alone. The best way to attain a great fit is to know your measurements and trying on the clothing item. The inseam, hip, and waist measurement are important to have handy for pant sizing.
Inseam measurement is used to determine proper pant length. This measurement is taken from the crotch seam to the inside bottom of the pant leg. In-store lengths often times are too long and can be easily shortened at an alterations shop for a small fee. The focus of the fit is then only in the waist, hips and thighs.
Blouses
Unfortunately there are no uniform sizing systems for women's blouses that are accurate enough to determine blouse sizing by sizing charts alone. The best way to attain a great fit is to know your measurements and trying on the clothing item. Women's blouse sizing is generally based on bust size which is measured around the fullest portion of the chest. (US - Women's apparel sizing is often times designated by Misses, Junior, Plus, Petite and Tall. This software provides conversion data for Misses sizing.)
Dresses
Unfortunately there are no uniform sizing systems for women's dresses that are accurate enough to determine blouse sizing by sizing charts alone. The best way to attain a great fit is to know your measurements and trying on the clothing item. (US - Women's apparel sizing is often times designated by Misses, Junior, Plus, Petite and Tall. This software provides conversion data for Misses sizing.)
Women's Shoes
It is highly recommended that shoes are at all times tried on before purchase. For online purchase make sure to check the seller's return policy before ordering.
It is advisable to measure both feet since one foot maybe slightly larger than the other. The recommendation is to choose the larger of the two sizes.
Due to the international nature of retail shopping, the sizing of shoes can be both varied and confusing as different manufacturers use different methods of sizing and retail stores often times sell items from multiple countries. The following is a general guideline to help describe the standards that some manufacturers may follow and an indication of which countries use which standard. Clothes Size uses these general standards for the different country categories.
USA/CA generally use the FIA (Footwear Industries of America) scale with the unit of measurement in inch.
UK generally uses the barleycorns method of measurement with the unit of measurement as thirds of an inch.
EU generally uses the Mondopoint system which is based on length and width of foot in millimeters.
FR/IT/DE generally uses the Continental Europe system which uses is also referred to the Paris points system. The unit of measurement is 2/3 of a centimeter.
AUS does not have a specific sizing standard that is followed however the sizing is similar to UK but generally one unit more.
Men's Jackets
For proper suit fitting it is advised that all measurements are taken by an experienced tailor and then noted. Due to the industrial variations in cut, fit, and styling the suit should be tried on for proper fit. Generally suit sizes is determined by your chest size and length measurement.
The chest measurement is taken just under the arms. Raise arms slightly and measure across the shoulder blades and the fullest part of the chest.
Jacket Length measurement is taken from the center of the back of the neck to the hemline which normally rests just below the curve of the buttocks.
Men's Pants
Due to the industrial variations in cut, fit, and styling the pants should be tried on for proper fit. Men's pants are generally specified by waist and leg measurements.
Inseam measurement to determine leg length is taken from the crotch seam to the inside bottom of the pant leg.
Waist measurement for men are taken around the natural waist at the top of the hip bone.
Men's Shirts
For proper dress shirt fitting it is advised that all measurements are taken by an experienced tailor and then noted. Due to the industrial variations in cut, fit, and styling the dress shirt should be tried on for proper fit. Men's shirt sizes are specified by neck size followed by sleeve length.
Neck measurement is taken approximately 1or 2.5 cm up from where the neck meets the shoulders. Size up if the neck measurement falls in between sizes.
Sleeve measurement should be taken standing up with the arm out in front even with the shoulder and bent at a right angle. Place the measuring tape between the shoulder blades and measure out and around the elbow and to the wrist.
Men's Shoes
It is highly recommended that shoes are at all times tried on before purchase. For online purchase make sure to check the seller's return policy before ordering.
It is advisable to measure both feet since one foot maybe slightly larger than the other. The recommendation is to choose the larger of the two sizes.
Due to the international nature of retail shopping, the sizing of shoes can be both varied and confusing as different manufacturers use different methods of sizing and retail stores often times sell items from multiple countries. The following is a general guideline to help describe the standards that some manufacturers may follow and an indication of which countries use which standard. Clothes Size uses these general standards for the different country categories.
USA/CA generally use the FIA (Footwear Industries of America) scale with the unit of measurement in inch.
UK generally uses the barleycorns method of measurement with the unit of measurement as thirds of an inch.
EU generally uses the Mondopoint system which is based on length and width of foot in millimeters.
Clothes Size uses the Mondopoint system of sizing however retailers may sell items using other sizing systems i.e Continental Europe (Paris points).
FR/IT/DE generally uses the Continental Europe system which uses is also referred to the Paris points system. The unit of measurement is 2/3 of a centimeter.
Clothes Size uses the Continental Europe system of sizing however retailers may sell items using other sizing systems i.e Mondopoint.
AUS does not have a specific sizing standard that is followed however the sizing is similar to UK but generally one unit more.
Men's Tee
T-shirts as well as items such as loungewear, pullovers, and sportswear often times are designated with XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. These size designations are generally determined by chest circumference. (General guideline are as follows: XS 34-36, S 37-39, M 40-42, L 43-45, XL 46-48, XXL 49-51) This type of designation is normally used in the United States; however, divide the inch size by 2.54 to attain centimeters.
Baby / Toddler Clothes
The size data shown in the Clothes Size program for babies and toddlers covers an age range between 0 to 6 years of age. Baby sizes range from Preemie to 24 months. When no age range is listed; the labeled size is then the maximum size. Toddler sizes range from 24 months to 4 years. US measurement and sizing is derived from inches. UK and European measurements and sizing are derived from cm.
Kids' Shoes
It is advisable to have children's feet measured by a professional for proper shoe fit. Allow the child to walk around the shop as much as possible to ensure comfort and correct sizing. Baby's first shoes should provide support and protection in that the natural foot growth is not restricted. Child's shoe sizes are derived in the US and the UK with inches, and EU by cm.
Rings
Unfortunately, there is no world-wide standard for ring sizes so it is advised that rings are tried on before purchase. Other things to consider in buying a ring is the dynamics change of the human finger during the course of the day. This is due to changes in temperature, diet, and state of health.
The average adult women wear sizes ranging from 6 to 8 or L to Q. Average adult men wear sizes ranging from 9 to 11 or J to W. Average European sizes range from 38 to 69 millimeters.
Bras
The proper bra size is determined by taking underbust and overbust measurements. Underbust is the ribcage measurement taken just below the bust. To determine bra size, take the underbust measurement and add 5. If the number is odd round up to the next even number. Overbust is the cup size measurement taken at the fullest part of the bust. To determine cup size, take the overbust measurement and subtract the bra size number. Use the following guideline to determine cup size: 0-1/2 = AA, 1/2-1 = A, 1-2 1/2 = B, 2 1/2-3 1/2 = C, 3 1/2-4 1/2 = D, 4 1/2-6 = DD (E), 6-7 = DDD (F), 7-8 = G, etc.
Cup size designation is used in all Western countries. Convert from inch to cm to determine the difference between US to EU bra sizes.
Changes such as pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and age can affect bra size throught life. Measurements should be taken periodically to ensure for proper bra fit and comfort.
Hats
Hat sizes represented in Clothes Size indicate the measurement of the INSIDE of the finished hat.
For complete and accurate sizing, measure carefully 2 or 3 times with a flexible measuring tape. Wrap the tape lightly around the head making sure the tape lies at the little bump in the middle of the back or your head and just above your ears and at the middle of the forehead. Make sure not to measure too tightly, otherwise the hat will also fit too tightly.
Hats are like other apparel, in that sizes can vary somewhat from one manufacturer to another. Trying the hat on is the best method for proper fitting of a hat.