Shopping for clothes online doesn't have to end with a pile of return shipping labels. With sizing varying wildly between brands, guessing your dress size based on what's currently in your closet is a risky game.
If you want to shop internationally with absolute confidence, it’s time to skip the guesswork. Use our Interactive Dress Size Calculator above to get instant, accurate size conversions, and read on for our expert guide on mastering your measurements at home.
How to Measure Your Dress Size at Home
To get the most accurate result from the dress size calculator, you need fresh measurements. Strip down to your undergarments (the bra you plan to wear matters!), grab a soft measuring tape, and follow these three simple steps:
1. Measuring Your Bust
Wrap the tape measure under your arms and across the absolute fullest part of your chest. Make sure the tape remains parallel to the floor across your back. It should sit comfortably snug, but not tight enough to flatten your chest.
2. Measuring Your Natural Waist
Bend slightly to one side to find the natural crease in your torso. This is your natural waistline, usually located an inch or two above your belly button. Wrap the tape around this narrowest point, keeping it relaxed.
3. Measuring Your Hips
Stand straight on a flat floor with your heels together. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest, widest part of your hips and buttocks. For most women, this point sits roughly 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist.
International Dress Size Conversion Chart (US, UK, EU)
Found a stunning dress from a European designer? Use this master conversion table to easily translate your US size into UK, European, and International standard (Alpha) sizing.
| US Size | UK / AU | EU Size | Int'l Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 32 | XXS | 31" | 24" | 34" |
| 2 | 6 | 34 | XS | 32" | 25" | 35" |
| 4 | 8 | 36 | S | 33" | 26" | 36" |
| 6 | 10 | 38 | S | 34.5" | 27.5" | 37.5" |
| 8 | 12 | 40 | M | 36" | 29" | 39" |
| 10 | 14 | 42 | M | 37.5" | 30.5" | 40.5" |
| 12 | 16 | 44 | L | 39.5" | 32.5" | 42.5" |
| 14 | 18 | 46 | L | 41.5" | 34.5" | 44.5" |
| 16 | 20 | 48 | XL | 43.5" | 36.5" | 46.5" |
| 18 | 22 | 50 | XXL | 45.5" | 38.5" | 48.5" |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my measurements fall between two sizes?
The golden rule of fashion is to always size up to fit your largest measurement. If your waist is a size 6 but your hips are a size 10, buy the 10. A tailor can easily take in a loose waist, but making a dress bigger across the hips is usually impossible.
Are UK and Australian dress sizes the same?
Yes! In almost all cases, UK and Australian (AU) sizes are identical. Generally, these sizes run two sizes larger than standard US sizes (e.g., a US 6 is typically a UK 10).
How does fabric stretch affect my dress size?
If a dress is made of woven, non-stretch materials like 100% cotton, linen, or silk, you must strictly follow your largest measurement. If the fabric contains spandex, elastane, or is a ribbed knit, it will mold to your body, and you may be able to size down for a tighter fit.