Italian to US Size Converter | Shoes & Clothing Chart

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Italian to US Size Converter

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Size Conversion Charts

Women’s Clothing Sizes

Italian Size US Size Letter Size Bust (inches) Waist (inches)
38 4 XS 32-33 24-25
40 6 S 34-35 26-27
42 8 M 36-37 28-29
44 10 L 38-39 30-31
46 12 XL 40-41 32-33
48 14 XXL 42-43 34-35
50 16 XXL 44-45 36-37

Men’s Clothing Sizes

Italian Size US Size Letter Size Chest (inches) Waist (inches)
44 34 S 34-36 28-29
46 36 M 36-38 30-31
48 38 M 38-40 32-33
50 40 L 40-42 34-35
52 42 XL 42-44 36-37
54 44 XXL 44-46 38-39
56 46 XXL 46-48 40-41

Women’s Shoe Sizes

Italian Size US Size Foot Length (inches)
35 5 8.5
36 6 8.9
37 7 9.1
38 7.5 9.4
39 8.5 9.7
40 9.5 10
41 10 10.2
42 11 10.5

Men’s Shoe Sizes

Italian Size US Size Foot Length (inches)
39 6.5 9.3
40 7.5 9.6
41 8.5 9.9
42 9.5 10.2
43 10 10.5
44 11 10.8
45 12 11.1
46 13 11.4

How to Use This Converter

Converting Italian sizes to US sizes is straightforward with this converter. Select your clothing or footwear category from the buttons at the top, enter the Italian size you want to convert, and click the convert button to see your corresponding US size instantly.

Pro Tip: Italian sizing tends to run smaller than US sizing. When shopping for Italian brands, you may need to size up compared to your usual American size.

  • Always check the brand’s specific size chart when available, as sizing can vary between manufacturers
  • Italian shoes often have a narrower fit, so consider going up half a size if you have wider feet
  • For clothing, Italian sizes focus more on body measurements rather than vanity sizing
  • When between sizes, it’s generally safer to choose the larger size for a more comfortable fit
  • Measure yourself before shopping online to compare with size charts provided by retailers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Italian and US sizing?
Italian sizes use a different numbering system than US sizes. For women’s clothing, Italian sizes are typically 6 numbers higher than US sizes (Italian 40 equals US 6). For men’s clothing, Italian sizes are about 10 numbers higher (Italian 50 equals US 40). This difference stems from different measurement standards and sizing conventions used in each country.
Do Italian clothes fit differently than American clothes?
Yes, Italian clothing typically has a more tailored, slim-fitting cut compared to American clothing. Italian fashion emphasizes a closer fit to the body, while American sizing often allows for more room. This means you might need to size up when purchasing Italian brands, even after converting the size number correctly.
How do I convert Italian shoe sizes to US sizes?
For women’s shoes, subtract approximately 30 from the Italian size to get close to your US size (Italian 38 becomes roughly US 8). For men’s shoes, subtract about 33 from the Italian size (Italian 42 becomes roughly US 9). However, exact conversions can vary by half sizes, so always refer to a detailed chart for precision.
Are Italian shoe sizes the same as European sizes?
Yes, Italian shoe sizes follow the European sizing system. Both use the same numbering scale, which is based on the Paris point system where each size increment represents 2/3 of a centimeter. This makes Italian shoe sizes interchangeable with other European brands from France, Germany, Spain, and other EU countries.
Why do Italian sizes seem smaller?
Italian sizes may seem smaller because they are based on actual body measurements rather than vanity sizing common in the US market. Italian sizing standards have remained more consistent over time, while American sizes have gradually increased in measurements while keeping the same size numbers. This phenomenon, known as vanity sizing, means a US size 8 today is larger than a US size 8 from several decades ago.
Should I size up or down when buying Italian brands?
Most shoppers find that sizing up works better when purchasing Italian clothing and footwear. Italian fashion brands design for a closer, more fitted silhouette, and their sizing reflects actual body measurements more accurately. If you’re between sizes, choosing the larger option typically provides a more comfortable fit, especially for shoes where Italian designs tend to run narrow.
Can I use the same conversion for all Italian brands?
While the conversion charts provide accurate general guidelines, individual brands may have slight variations in their sizing. Luxury Italian brands might fit differently than mass-market Italian brands. Always check the specific brand’s size guide when available, and read customer reviews for insights about whether items run large, small, or true to size.
What measurements should I take before buying Italian clothing online?
Take your bust, waist, and hip measurements for clothing, and your foot length for shoes. For clothing, measure around the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist, and the widest part of your hips. For shoes, measure your foot from heel to longest toe while standing. Compare these measurements with the brand’s size chart rather than relying solely on size number conversions.

Italian vs US Sizing Explained

The sizing systems in Italy and the United States evolved independently, reflecting different approaches to garment manufacturing and fit preferences. Italian sizing prioritizes precision and body-conscious fits, while American sizing has historically offered more relaxed fits with additional ease built into garments.

Women’s Apparel

Italian women’s sizes start at 36 and progress in increments of 2, while US women’s sizes typically use even numbers starting from 0 or 2. An Italian size 40, which is considered a medium in Italy, corresponds to a US size 6. This 34-number difference remains fairly consistent across the size range. Italian designers create clothes with the expectation that they will fit closely to the body, following the natural silhouette without excess fabric.

Men’s Apparel

Men’s Italian suit jackets and shirts use a numerical system that differs from US sizing. For jackets, subtract 10 from the Italian size to get the US equivalent (Italian 50 equals US 40). For dress shirts, Italian sizes are measured by collar circumference in centimeters, while US shirts use inches. An Italian 40 shirt collar translates to a US 15.5 to 16 inch collar, depending on the brand’s fit.

Footwear Sizing

Both Italian and other European countries use the Mondopoint or Paris point system for shoes, where sizes increase by 2/3 of a centimeter per size. This creates a different scale than the US Brannock device system. The conversion between Italian and US shoe sizes is not perfectly linear, which is why half sizes sometimes appear in conversions. Italian shoes are also renowned for having a narrower last (the foot-shaped form shoes are built around), which means width can be as important as length when selecting the correct size.

Regional Variations

Within Italy, some regional variations exist, particularly with smaller boutique brands. Northern Italian brands might fit slightly differently than southern Italian brands, though these differences are minimal compared to the overall Italian-US sizing gap. High-fashion Italian brands from Milan often have the most fitted cuts, designed for runway-inspired silhouettes.

Tips for Shopping Italian Fashion

Before You Shop

  • Measure yourself accurately using a soft tape measure, taking bust, waist, hip, and inseam measurements
  • Keep a record of your measurements in both inches and centimeters for easy reference
  • Research the specific brand’s reputation for sizing – some Italian brands fit larger or smaller than others
  • Read customer reviews on retail sites to see if items run small, large, or true to size
  • Consider your body shape and how Italian tailoring typically accommodates different proportions

When Shopping Online

  • Look for detailed size charts on the retailer’s website that show measurements for each size
  • Compare your body measurements to the garment measurements, not just size numbers
  • Check the return policy before purchasing, especially for international orders
  • Read the product description for fabric composition – stretch fabrics offer more flexibility in fit
  • Look at how the item fits on models and check if the model’s measurements are provided

In Physical Stores

  • Try on multiple sizes to find the best fit, as sizing can vary between different garment types
  • Bring shoes similar to what you’ll wear with the outfit to check length and proportions
  • Move around in the fitting room – sit, bend, and raise your arms to test comfort and fit
  • Ask sales associates for advice on how the brand typically fits
  • Consider how the garment will fit after washing, as some Italian fabrics may shrink slightly

For Shoe Shopping

  • Try shoes on later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen for a more realistic fit
  • Wear the type of socks or hosiery you plan to wear with the shoes
  • Walk around in the shoes for several minutes to check for pressure points or discomfort
  • Consider width as well as length – Italian shoes often run narrow
  • Leave about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe

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