How to Find Your Clothing Size: Men's, Women's & Kids' Guide
Updated: May 27, 2026
The Two-Step Method
Finding your correct clothing size takes two steps:
- Measure — bust/chest, waist, and hips (see below)
- Compare — match your measurements to a size chart
Never rely on what size you wore 2 years ago or what size “feels right” in a store — measurements are the only reliable method, especially for online shopping.
Women’s: How to Find Your Size
Measure: Bust, waist, hips (in inches or cm).
Compare to the chart:
| US | Letter | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | XS | 32.5 | 25.0 | 35.5 |
| 6 | S | 33.5 | 26.0 | 36.5 |
| 8 | S | 34.5 | 27.0 | 37.5 |
| 10 | M | 35.5 | 28.0 | 38.5 |
| 12 | M | 36.5 | 29.0 | 39.5 |
| 14 | L | 37.5 | 30.0 | 40.5 |
| 16 | L | 38.5 | 31.0 | 41.5 |
| 18 | XL | 40.0 | 32.5 | 43.0 |
| 20 | XXL | 42.0 | 35.0 | 45.0 |
Rule: Take the largest size indicated by any one measurement.
Example: Bust = 35.0” (fits size 8–10), Waist = 29.5” (fits size 12), Hips = 39.0” (fits size 12). → Your size is 12 / M.
Men’s: How to Find Your Size
Measure: Chest and waist.
| Letter | Chest (in) | Waist (in) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 34–37 | 28–31 |
| M | 38–41 | 32–34 |
| L | 42–45 | 35–38 |
| XL | 46–49 | 39–42 |
| XXL | 50–53 | 43–46 |
For suits and dress shirts: Suit size = chest size in inches (40R = 40” chest). Dress shirt collar size is measured separately around the neck, just above the Adam’s apple. See the Men’s Clothing Size Guide for collar, sleeve, and suit size charts.
Kids’: How to Find the Right Size
Height is the most reliable starting point:
| US Size | Height (in) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4T | 38–41 | 97–104 |
| 5 | 41–44 | 104–112 |
| 6 | 44–47 | 112–119 |
| 8 | 50–52 | 127–132 |
| 10 | 52–56 | 132–142 |
| 12 | 56–59 | 142–150 |
If the child is between two sizes by height, use chest and waist to decide. When in doubt for growing children, choose the larger size.
Shopping Online: The Right Process
- Measure first — always before looking at the product page
- Find the brand’s size chart — it’s usually on the product page or in a size guide link
- Compare your measurements to the chart — not to the letter size you normally wear
- Read reviews — search for “sizing” in reviews; brands often run small or large
- Check return policy — if the brand has free returns, ordering two sizes is low risk
Why this matters: A size M from one brand can be equivalent to a size L from another. The ASTM body measurement standards are not mandatory — brands set their own sizing. See Why Clothing Sizes Vary by Brand for the full picture.
When You’re Between Sizes
Size up if:
- Any single measurement is in the larger size
- The garment type doesn’t allow much adjustment (structured jacket, swimsuit)
- The fabric has no stretch
Consider smaller if:
- All three measurements are at the low end of a size
- The garment has significant stretch (jersey, knit)
- You prefer a fitted look
Use the Clothing Size Calculator — enter your measurements and get your size across all systems instantly.
See also: International Clothing Size Chart and How to Measure Clothing Size.