Reference Library · Guide
Size Guide: Men’s to Women’s Clothing and Shoes
The short answer
Measure your bust, waist and hips and choose the women's size that fits your largest measurement; many men start around a U.S. 12 to 16. For shoes, add about 1.5 to your men's U.S. size and choose a wide width. EU shoe sizes are unisex, so they are the easiest to compare.
How to measure
Use a soft tape measure over thin underwear. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight.
- Bust: around the fullest part of your chest. Wearing breast forms? Measure with them on.
- Underbust: around your ribcage, just below the chest. This sets your bra band size.
- Waist: around the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Foot: stand on paper, mark heel and longest toe, and measure between the marks.
Women’s dress and top sizes
Find your measurements in the table and choose the size that fits your largest measurement. Stretch fabrics forgive; structured ones do not. Figures are typical U.S. misses sizing — every brand differs a little, so check the store’s chart before you order.
| U.S. size | Letter | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | S | 34 | 26.5 | 36.5 |
| 6 | S | 35 | 27.5 | 37.5 |
| 8 | M | 36 | 28.5 | 38.5 |
| 10 | M | 37 | 29.5 | 39.5 |
| 12 | L | 38.5 | 31 | 41 |
| 14 | L | 40 | 32.5 | 42.5 |
| 16 | XL | 41.5 | 34 | 44 |
| 18 | XL / 1X | 43.5 | 36 | 46 |
| 20 | 2X | 45.5 | 38 | 48 |
Most men’s bodies have a waist close to their hips, so the waist is often the measurement that decides your size. Dresses with a stretch waist, wrap shapes or an A-line skirt are easiest to fit. Over a size 20, look at plus sizes (1X–4X), which are cut with more room.
Converting men’s shirt sizes
As a rough start, a men’s S is often a women’s M, a men’s M a women’s L, and a men’s L a women’s XL. Women’s tops are cut narrower in the shoulders and longer in the chest, so check shoulder width and sleeve length if they are listed.
Women’s shoe sizes
In U.S. sizing, a women’s shoe is about 1.5 sizes larger than the same men’s shoe. European sizes are the same for men and women, so EU numbers are the most reliable way to compare.
| Men’s U.S. | Women’s U.S. | EU | Foot length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8.5 | 40 | 9.6 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 41 | 9.9 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 42 | 10.25 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 43 | 10.6 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 44–45 | 10.9 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 45–46 | 11.25 |
| 13 | 14.5 | 46–47 | 11.6 |
Width matters as much as length. A men’s standard width (D) is closer to a women’s wide (W, also marked D or C/D). Women’s standard width is B. If men’s shoes fit you at standard width, start with women’s wide.
Bra and breast form sizes
Your band size comes from your underbust measurement, rounded to the nearest even number — 38 inches is a 38 band. Your cup comes from the difference between bust and underbust: about 1 inch is an A, 2 inches a B, 3 inches a C, 4 inches a D.
With breast forms, choose the forms first. Sellers size forms to your band size, and the form sets your cup. A larger band with a modest cup usually looks most natural.
Common questions
What is my women’s dress size?
Measure bust, waist and hips, then pick the women’s size that fits your largest measurement. Many men start around a U.S. 12–16, but measure rather than guess.
How do men’s shoe sizes convert to women’s?
Add about 1.5 in U.S. sizing — a men’s 10 is roughly a women’s 11.5. Choose a wide (W) width if you wear standard width in men’s.
Are European shoe sizes the same for men and women?
Yes. EU sizes are based on length and are unisex, which makes them the easiest way to compare.
How do I find my bra size for breast forms?
Measure around your ribcage just under the chest and round to an even number for the band. Then choose forms sized for that band; the forms decide the cup.
