European Dress Size Comparison Chart
| German | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| French | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| Italian | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 |
European Dress Sizes
European dress sizes are different to those in the UK and use a numbering system similar to "women's sizes" in the US, there is also variation between European nations. There are three major sets of clothing sizes to remember, the French, the German and the Italian. The French system is used in the latin based language nations (France, Belguim, Spain & Portugal) apart from Italy. The German system is used in the germanic language speaking nations (Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden & Finland). The Italian system is only used in Italy. Luxembourg uses both French and German systems.
Plus Sizes In Europe
For those who require plus size clothing, it is just as readily available in Europe as in the US with many high street stores offering good ranges. However, if you are looking for high fashion, it is often better and, surprisingly, cheaper to get something tailored specifically for yourself.
European Sizes In Other Countries
South Africa uses German clothes sizes as standard, although many places will also have conversions to UK sizes available.
Haute Couture
Paris and Milan are the traditional homes of haute couture and will have the best ranges of fashion clothes, dresses, skirts, jackets etc available. However there are good fashion houses in most European capitals and in many of the major cities too. If you are looking for jewelry to go with your outfits we recommend Amsterdam and Copenhagen as being the best places for fine and high fashion jewelry.