Complete Guide to International Size Conversion
Buying clothing or shoes online from another country can be confusing due to differences in sizing systems. Each region uses its own measurement standard, making a reliable size conversion chart essential.
Main Sizing Systems
There are four major sizing systems used worldwide:
| System | Primary use | Shoes | Clothing |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | United States, Canada | Numeric (6-14) | Letters and numbers |
| EU | Continental Europe | Numeric (35-47) | Numeric (30-62) |
| UK | United Kingdom, Australia | Numeric (3-13.5) | Numeric (4-24) |
| MX/Latam | Mexico, Latin America | Centimeters (22-32) | Letters (S-XXL) |
Shoe Size Conversion
Men's Shoes
The most common men's shoe size conversions:
| US | EU | UK | MX (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 40 | 6.5 | 25 |
| 8 | 41 | 7.5 | 26 |
| 9 | 42 | 8.5 | 27 |
| 10 | 43 | 9.5 | 28 |
| 11 | 44 | 10.5 | 29 |
| 12 | 45 | 11.5 | 30 |
Women's Shoes
| US | EU | UK | MX (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 35 | 3 | 22 |
| 6 | 36 | 4 | 23 |
| 7 | 37.5 | 5 | 24 |
| 8 | 38.5 | 6 | 25 |
| 9 | 39.5 | 7 | 26 |
| 10 | 40.5 | 8 | 27 |
MX shoe sizes are based on foot length in centimeters. Measure your foot on a sheet of paper to determine your correct size.
Clothing Size Conversion
Men's Clothing (Shirts)
| US | EU | UK | MX |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 44-46 | S | S |
| M | 48-50 | M | M |
| L | 52-54 | L | L |
| XL | 56-58 | XL | XL |
Women's Clothing (Dresses)
| US | EU | UK | MX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 34 | 8 | S |
| 6 | 36 | 10 | S |
| 8 | 38 | 12 | M |
| 10 | 40 | 14 | M |
| 12 | 42 | 16 | L |
| 14 | 44 | 18 | L |
Sizes can vary significantly between brands. Always check the specific manufacturer's size guide in addition to this general conversion chart.
How to Measure Your Correct Size
For Shoes
- Place your foot on a sheet of paper
- Mark the longest point from heel to toes
- Measure the distance in centimeters
- Compare with the MX size chart (which uses centimeters)
For Clothing
- Chest/Bust: Measure around the widest part
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part
- Hips: Measure around the widest part of the hips
Tips for International Shopping
- Always measure: Do not assume your size is the same across all brands
- Check reviews: Other buyers often mention if an item runs large or small
- Verify return policy: Make sure you can exchange sizes if needed
- Consider the material: Some fabrics shrink after washing
For men, add approximately 33 to your US size (e.g., US 9 + 33 = EU 42). For women, add approximately 30.5 (e.g., US 7 + 30.5 = EU 37.5). However, these are approximations; use our chart for exact values.
Mexican sizes are based on centimeters. Measure your foot and that number is your size. For example, if your foot measures 27 cm, your MX size is 27 (equivalent to men's US 9 or women's US 10.5).
No. A US women's size 6 equals EU 36. For men, a US M equals approximately EU 48-50. The numbers and scales are completely different between the two systems.
In men's shoes, the UK size is usually 0.5 less than US (US 9 = UK 8.5). In women's shoes, the difference is larger: UK is 2 numbers less than US (US 7 = UK 5).
For women, add 30 to your US numeric size (US 6 + 30 = EU 36). For men's shirts, letter sizes (S, M, L) remain similar, but EU numeric sizes are higher.
No. Children's sizes vary between countries. A US 10 for kids equals EU 27 and UK 9. Additionally, age ranges associated with each size may differ between manufacturers.
If your measurement falls between two sizes, it is generally recommended to choose the larger size for shoes (more comfort) and try both sizes for clothing. Check other buyers' reviews to see if the item runs large or small.