Standard US Clothing Size Guide Women Men

Standard US Clothing Size Guide For Women And Men

By Alex Assoune Jun 02, 2021

Measure your clothing size to avoid making mistakes when purchasing new clothes. To get an accurate fit according to your body measurements, use an ordinary measuring tape in inches or centimeters.

First take your bust, waist, and hips measurements, then match them to the charts below and easily select your ideal clothing size with this standard U.S. size guide for women and men.

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Women's clothing size guide

		XS		S		M		L		XL		XXL
Size (US)	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24
Bust (in)	31.5	32.5	33.5	34.5	35.5	36.5	38	39.5	41	43	45	47	49
Waist (in)	23	24	25	26	27	28	29.5	31	32.5	34.5	36.5	39	42
Hips (in)	33.5	34.5	35.5	36.5	37.5	38.5	40	41.5	43	45	47	49	51
Bust (cm)	80	82.5	85	87.5	90	92.5	96.5	100.5	104	109	114	119	124
Waist (cm)	58.5	61	63.5	66	68.5	71	75	79	82.5	87.5	93	98	113
Hips (cm)	85	87.5	90	93	95	98	101.5	105.5	109	114	119	124	129

Men's clothing size guide

		XS		S		M		L		XL		XXL
Size (US)	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26
Neck (in)	13	13.5	14	14.5	15	15.5	16	16.5	17	17.5	18	18.5	19
Chest (in)	33	34	35	37	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54
Sleeve (in)	31.5	32	32.5	33	33.5	34	34.5	35	35.5	36	36	36.5	36.5
Waist (in)	27	28	29	31	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	50
Neck (cm)	33	34	36	37	38	39	40	42	43	45	46	47	48
Chest (cm)	84	86	89	94	96	102	107	112	116	122	127	132	137
Sleeve (cm)	80	81	82	84	85	86	87	89	90	91	91	93	93
Waist (cm)	68	71	73	79	81	86	91	97	101	107	111	117	127

How to measure your clothing size

Keep the measuring tape comfortable.

Bust: Measure under the arms horizontally and around the fullest part of your bust.

Waist: Measure just below your natural waistline, just under your belly button.

Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, about 8 inches (20 cm) down from the natural waistline, while standing with your feet together.

Top length: Measure down from the chest to the natural waistline.

Bottom Inseam: Measure bare feet starting at the crotch seam down the inside leg to the ankle bone.

Clothing size tips

Try to take into consideration your body type before buying apparel, shoes, or accessories. If you have either gained or lost weight recently, you may want to increase or decrease your clothing size by a half size.

In general, especially if you are in-between sizes, it's better to go for a smaller size as a lot of garments tend to loosen up over time.

Keep in mind that clothing brands, manufacturers, and retailers use different techniques to design and produce their apparel. So sizing may vary accordingly.

These size charts are only guides to help you find the right size for you. Some brands may vary from these measurements but you can still use them as a guide.

If you prefer maximum comfort and freedom of movement, you may want to size up for less compression and avoid feeling uncomfortable in clothing that is too tight.

For the perfect fit, it's best to buy clothes that are your appropriate size, the one you feel the most comfortable in. Wear the right size for you to prevent any stitching or see-through issues.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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