Selling clothes internationally is one of the most exciting steps for any brand in the fashion industry — but it comes with one persistent headache: sizing. A size 14 in the UK is not a size 14 in the USA — differences like these can leave both you and your customers feeling puzzled. A "68" in Germany means nothing to a customer in Australia. This guide cuts through the confusion with quick size conversions and clear international size charts for children, women, and men — plus practical advice on how to label your products so customers anywhere in the world can order with confidence.
Children's Clothing Sizes: From Age to Centimeters
Children's clothing sizes are expressed differently depending on the country: some use age ranges (e.g. "3–4 years"), others use height in centimeters (e.g. "98 cm"), and the US adds letter codes like "T" for toddler and "Y" for years. This inconsistency is one of the most common pain points for brands selling children's apparel internationally.
When dealing with baby, toddler, and children's clothing, size labels can vary significantly across different countries. Some countries label sizes based on age, such as "1–2 months" or "3–4 years." Others use height measurements in centimeters, like "68 cm." France and Italy typically use months and years as size references for babies and children, while Germany uses numerical centimeter-based sizing that can confuse British and American customers.
American sizes for children's clothing follow a unique system — instead of solely relying on numbers or measurements, they incorporate letters: "mo" for months, "T" for toddler (ages 2–4), and "Y" for years.
International Size Chart: Children's Sizes in Europe, USA, UK, Australia and Japan
Children's international size chart — Europe · USA · UK · Australia · Japan
Women's Clothing Sizes: Embrace the Differences
Women's clothing sizes are the most complex to convert internationally because they reflect not just measurements but regional body proportion standards, and the same number can mean entirely different things in different countries. A size 14 in the UK is equivalent to a size 10 in the US and a size 42 in most of Europe — three completely different numbers for the same body.
While some garments use S/M/L/XL labeling, trousers and more tailored pieces typically use numerical sizing for a better fit. Italian and French sizes follow their own standards, diverging from both pan-European norms and Anglo-American conventions. Australian sizing historically ran two sizes smaller than UK sizing, though this gap has narrowed in recent years.
International Size Chart: Women's Sizes in Europe, USA, UK, Australia, Italy and Japan
Women's international size chart — Europe · USA · UK · Australia · Italy · Japan
Men's Clothing Sizes: Simpler but Not Universal
Men's clothing sizes are more consistent internationally than women's sizes, but key differences remain — particularly for shirts (collar size), trousers (W/L measurements), and fitted jackets where European and Anglo-American systems diverge.
Tops, Jackets and T-Shirts
For casual tops, t-shirts, sweaters, and unstructured jackets, men's sizing tends to be straightforward — S, M, L, XL across most markets. The US, UK, and Italy share the same size indications for these garments, which simplifies labeling for brands targeting those markets. However, body proportions still vary by region, so a "large" cut for the US market may fit differently than a European "large."
Shirts and Trousers
Dress shirts typically include collar size (in inches for US/UK, centimeters for Europe). Trousers and jeans carry the waistband size and inseam length (W/L) in inches across the US, UK, and Australia, while much of Europe uses centimeter-based sizing. A US W32 corresponds to approximately 81 cm waist.
International Size Chart: Men's Sizes in Europe, USA, UK, Australia, Italy and Japan
Men's international size chart — Europe · USA · UK · Australia · Italy · Japan
How to Label Your Products with Sizes
Once you know how to convert sizes across markets, the next step is deciding how to display that information on your products. Labeloom offers four main labeling solutions for size information, each suited to different product types and brand aesthetics.
Premade Size Labels
Small ready-made woven size labels sewn into the collar or neckline. Made from 100% recycled yarn, available in standard sizes XS through XXL and ready to ship immediately — no custom order needed.
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Printed Care Labels with Size
Custom laundry labels printed on satin or Tyvek that combine care instructions (up to 5 wash symbols) with your size indication in a single label. Eliminates the need for two separate labels and keeps the inside of your garment clean.
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Custom Woven or Printed Logo Labels
Order your brand label with a built-in size indication, or use the split label option — same design, different size on each piece. Available in woven and printed versions from 100 pieces.
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Custom Hangtags
Paper or fabric hang tags give you space to include multiple regional size equivalents — ideal for brands selling across several markets simultaneously. Available in custom shapes and sizes.
Shop hangtags →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between US and UK clothing sizes for women?
US women's sizes run approximately 4 sizes smaller than UK sizes. For example, a UK size 14 is equivalent to a US size 10. Both differ from European sizing, where the same measurement would be labeled size 40 in most EU countries, size 44 in Italy, and size 42 in France.
How do European children's clothing sizes work?
Most European countries size children's clothing by height in centimeters. For example, size 68 fits a baby approximately 68 cm tall (around 3–6 months), and size 98 fits a child approximately 98 cm tall (around 2–3 years). France and Italy also use age-based labeling for babies and young children alongside height measurements.
What does "T" mean in US children's clothing sizes?
"T" stands for toddler in US children's sizing. Size 2T fits toddlers aged approximately 2 years, 3T fits 3 years, and 4T fits 4 years. The "T" range typically covers children aged 2–4, after which US sizing switches to the "Y" (years) system, such as 5Y, 6Y, 7Y.
Are men's clothing sizes the same in the US and UK?
For casual tops, t-shirts, and unstructured jackets, yes — US and UK men's sizes (S, M, L, XL) are generally equivalent. Italy also uses the same size indications for these garments. For dress shirts and trousers, the US and UK both use inches for collar and W/L measurements, while most of Europe uses centimeters.
How should I label clothing I sell in multiple countries?
The most effective approach is to include at least two regional size equivalents on your label — for example, "M / 38" for US and EU customers, or "10 / 38" for UK and EU. Labeloom's split label option lets you order the same design with different size variants in a single run, from 100 pieces, starting at $70 for woven labels.
What is the minimum order for custom size labels?
Labeloom's minimum order is 100 pieces for both woven and printed labels. Premade size labels (XS–XXL) are available in smaller quantities and ship immediately without a production wait. Custom labels include a free digital proof before production starts.
Need Size Labels for Your Brand?
Premade sizes ready to ship, or fully custom labels from 100 pieces — woven, printed, or hangtags.
