Just arrived in the UK and struggling with clothing sizes?
You’re not alone! Many shoppers — especially international students and newcomers — find UK size labels confusing. Is a UK 8 the same as a Chinese M? What’s the difference between UK 10 and European 38?
This complete guide explains how to convert between Chinese, UK, and international clothing sizes for tops, bottoms, dresses, underwear, and more. It also breaks down the size standards from six major UK shopping sites, helping you shop with confidence online or in-store.
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1. Overview of UK S / M / L and Numeric Sizes
In the UK, clothing sizes often use S / M / L (Small, Medium, Large) for a rough fit guide, or numeric sizes like 6 / 8 / 10 / 12, etc. The meanings of these sizes can vary slightly by brand, but here’s a general approximate mapping:
2. Tops (Shirts, Blouses, Jackets) & Dresses
Here’s how UK top and dress sizes compare to China, Europe, and US standards.
Measurements such as bust, waist, and hips are reference points — depending on brand cut or personal style, you might prefer one size up or down.
3. Bottoms (Trousers, Skirts)
UK bottoms sizes are typically given as even numbers (6, 8, 10, 12, …). Here’s an approximate correspondence with waist / hip measurements and Chinese sizes:
Again, this is for general guidance — materials, stretch, and brand fit may shift the best size.
4. Underwear & Bras
When converting bra sizes between UK / Chinese / international systems, you generally look at band size and cup size.
- UK band sizes are given in inches (e.g. 32, 34, 36…), which you multiply by 2.54 to get cm.
- Cup letters (A, B, C, D, etc.) follow similar progression across systems, but the starting point may differ.
Example mapping:
- UK 32B ≈ China 70B
- UK 34C ≈ China 75C
- UK 36D ≈ China 80D
Always check the brand’s sizing chart, as there can be small discrepancies.
5. Six Major Shopping Site Size Standards
Different UK retailers have their own size & fit guides — a size 10 from ASOS might not fit the same as one from Barbour or John Lewis.
Here’s an overview of how major UK shopping sites define sizes and conversions:
John Lewis size&fit guide
House of Fraser size&fit guide
Harvey Nichols size&fit guide
Barbour size&fit guide
The White Company size&fit guide
ASOS size&fit guide
✨ Final Tips
- Always check the brand’s specific chart before purchasing — even UK brands vary slightly.
- Use a measuring tape for bust, waist, and hips to get the best match.
- Consider fit type: “slim,” “regular,” and “relaxed” fits can change sizing.
- When shopping online, many UK websites (like ASOS or John Lewis) also provide fit feedback from other shoppers — super useful!
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