In a store, when choosing clothes, a situation often arises when people do not understand and cannot decide what sizes they need. This is due to the fact that they are indicated on the tags in different variations.
What it is
Clothing size is a letter or numerical designation of the linear parameters of the body or part of it for which this or that type of clothing is intended. In Russia, since Soviet times, it has been customary to use a numeric code, just like in Germany, France, Italy and the USA, with the only difference being that the same size is coded in different countries with different numbers. For example, Russian size 44 is considered 42 in France, and 40 in Germany.
Where did these Latin letters come from?
Since each country has its own numerical codes for designating sizes, a single international code was introduced so that people do not get confused when they take clothes made in a country other than their own.
Latin letters on clothing labels are conventional abbreviations. So XS (size) stands for extra small, that is, very small. Accordingly, S is just small, M is medium, L and XL are large and “extra large”. There is also a size XXL, that is, twice large or super-large (extra extra large).
How to know if your clothing size is XS
For women and men, the size chart will be different. To determine the clothing size that is right for you, you should first measure your volume using a regular measuring tape. Based on them you can judge what clothes to choose. It should be taken into account that most often the sizes of upper and lower clothing do not match.
XS - women's size for outerwear (blouses, T-shirts, trench coats, etc.), if your chest circumference is 78-82 centimeters, waist - 60-62, and sleeve length is 59-61 centimeters. For trousers and shorts, you should take into account the same waist circumference from 60 to 62 centimeters and hips - from 84 to 88 centimeters.
It is correct to measure the circumference of the chest and buttocks at the highest, i.e., protruding points. Sleeve length is measured from the base (shoulder) to the thinnest part of the wrist on the outside.
Height matching is also taken into account. XS (size) is worn only by women and men up to 164 centimeters tall (there are rare exceptions). Next comes S or M.
Sometimes the size XXS is distinguished separately (in Russian coding 38), but it is extremely rare in stores. Most often, XS is something universal, suitable for women of both size 38 and 40. Or adults have to go to the children's department for the necessary things. XXS corresponds to the following parameters: chest circumference 74-76 centimeters, waist - 56-58, hips - 80-84, sleeve length - 57-60.
If we talk about women's underwear, then size XS will correspond to the Russian 40th and the American 0th. The parameters taken into account are: chest - 78-82 centimeters, waist - 62-65 and hips - 88-91. This information is especially needed when choosing swimwear. So, with a size 40 according to Russian standards, you will need a swimsuit size XS by international standards and 32A - top, 32AA - bottom according to US size codes.
XS (size) in different countries
There are general parameters by which certain sizes are determined. In addition, you need to know which Russian sizes correspond to international ones, as well as European ones, since this is the most common category of sizes found in Russian stores.
So, the international designation XS corresponds to Russian size 40 and European size 34, as well as American size 2. But it is worth considering that if you mean XS - the size for jeans, then in the USA it will be size 0-2, and the waist size is measured not in centimeters, but in inches. 25 inches equals 86 centimeters.
Men's smallest size
For men, size XS is considered the smallest. He has a height of 164 cm and below. In Russia it is designated as 44th for outerwear. This size is yours if the chest circumference is 88 centimeters or less, the waist is 76 and the neck is 38. For men's determinations of T-shirt and shirt sizes, the neck circumference in centimeters is also taken into account. It is measured at the very base, where the collar is usually located.
When buying clothes, many are already accustomed to seeing this or that letter on the label, which has become “native” to them! Since we are talking about the size “M”, then further we will talk precisely in its aspect. Size “M” - what is this in Russian in numbers?
Of course, for men and women the same “emka” will be different from each other, so it’s worth turning to the comparative table of sizes to understand what is the equivalent of “our” sizes in “M”. The fact is that in different countries the correspondence with the treasured letter can also be different, which is why sometimes embarrassing situations arise when the size seems to be the same, but the thing is either small, or, on the contrary, as if it came from someone else’s shoulder...
Plus, let’s add here that clothes are divided into several categories, and each of them has its own “M”. There is no need to be scared, everything is not as scary as it might seem at first glance.
Owners of this size (and there are quite a few of them, since M, that is, Medium, is very common and is one of the most common), having read the article to the end, will be able to understand this issue thoroughly, both representatives of the stronger sex and women.
Table No. 1. Comparison of "M" with Russian for men:
And here is a table that will allow you to determine the “Russian” analogue of beautiful ladies. Table No. 2. Comparison of "M" with Russian for women:
Note:
- EU – European clothing;
- UK – products manufactured in the UK;
- US – goods from the United States;
- FRA - clothes from France;
- SPA – size chart and ratio for Spain;
- ITA – designation of Italy;
- RUS – finally “our” size.”
For the convenience of using the information from this article, we have added here dimensional comparisons with other countries, and then we will compare “M” only with its Russian counterpart.
"M" - what is the size of men's clothing?
- As can be seen from the tables published a little higher, for men, size “M” will correspond to Russian 48. Sometimes people may be faced with the question: “What sports size should I give you?” If this suddenly happens to you, feel free to answer: “4-5”! This is a real “emka”.
- When you go to the store for new jeans, the presence of the letter size “M” on the label means that these are 28-29 “ours”!
- When choosing a shirt, you must remember that the measurement here is the neck circumference at the base, that is, the collar, and “M” corresponds to 38-39.
"M" is what size for women's clothing?
It is usually easier for women to understand such “dimensional chaos”, however, up-to-date information on the issue will not hurt.
- So, "M" = 44-46;
- If we are talking about purchasing women's underwear, then 46;
- In the situation with jeans, Russian size will be 48.
What is children's size "M"? How tall is the child?
If everything is clear with men’s and women’s clothing in this direction, then the “children’s question” remains open. In fact, it is not so often that you can find such markings on children's things; moreover, they are usually only placed on goods made in the USA. If you do see the letter “M” on the tag, then use the data from the table below:
| Age (years) | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) | Marking | |
| Russia | USA | |||
| 10 | 140-146 | 68 | 38 | M |
| 11 | 146-152 | 72 | 38-40 | M |
| 12 | 152-156 | 72 | 40 | M |
What size is size "M" in underwear?
- Let's start with men's underwear. Here “M” corresponds to 48 Russian.
- For women, as already noted in the corresponding information block, it is 46.
What is the most accurate way to determine your size?
Below we will provide criteria due to which the determination will not be difficult, namely.
Bust
When taking this measurement, you need to hold your breath and wrap the tape around your chest in a circle in the area of the nipples, while your arms are lowered. The most important rule in this matter is taking measurements from a naked body.
If this option is difficult, you need to remove as many things as possible. When taking measurements, the measuring tape should fit tightly to the body, but not squeeze, no discomfort.
Shoulder width
Here you can even take a shirt (naturally, one that is exactly your size), spread it on a flat surface and stretch a measuring tape from shoulder to shoulder, thereby obtaining the desired number.
The length of the sleeve
We take the same shirt and take it off, applying the tape to the seam of the sleeve and stretching it to the cuff. All action is performed from the outside of the sleeve.
On a note
It happens that when taking measurements, you will need to take into account the person’s height. For example, when choosing a suit for an event, this is an important factor.
The information presented in the article is relevant for things that are produced by certain brands, that is, officially.
Naturally, if you order an item of dubious quality, which, quite possibly, was sewn without taking into account the dimensional grids, then the letter there can be whatever you want, and it is not a fact that it will coincide with the desired parameter.
And additional useful information on determining clothing size is in the next video.
Maria Zakharova
A woman devoid of good taste will look tasteless even in a stylish dress.
Content
When buying women's clothing in a traditional or online store, it is important to know exactly the parameters of your body. There are different size charts, and not every company provides information on them. Be aware that in individual tables the values may differ by several units, so it is important to make correct calculations in advance.
How to correctly determine your clothing size
Most domestic clothing manufacturers use the values adopted by GOST back in Soviet times. When choosing a product in an online store, look at the indicated labeling and determine how well it corresponds to your parameters: it is important that the items do not hinder movement and are comfortable to wear.
To find out your body parameters, measure your hips, waist, chest: bust circumference is needed when purchasing shirts, blazers, jackets, T-shirts, tops; waist circumference, hips - when purchasing tights, leggings, jeans, trousers, shorts. Accurate measurements and calculations are carried out in underwear or thin items. Use the following recommendations:
- Chest - girth is the distance from one armhole to the other at bust level. When taking measurements, apply the tailor's tape to the following points: to the most protruding places of the breasts (nipples), under the muscle cavity. At the back, the tape runs along the back, without sagging. When moving the centimeter up or down the bra cups, the value should not increase: for correct calculation, it is better to reduce the size a little. When determining the size, stand straight, do not slouch, or straighten your shoulders too much.
- Waist - girth is determined by the belt line. When measuring, do not pull in or open your stomach; the body should be in a natural position. Remember that the belt line is not necessarily located at the level of the navel; often the natural curve is located above or below the umbilical area. The main task is to find the smallest parameter.
- Hips - a centimeter is applied to the most protruding points of the buttocks. The tape should not sag, but if there is a belly, then the necessary margin is made in front.
“Cumpies” should take measurements in a special way:
- With your chest down, lift it up a little.
- Find your waist line like this: tie a thin ribbon on your belt and move actively.
- When determining your hip circumference, do not pull in your stomach too much.
Russian size chart for women's clothing
The characteristics of skirts, shorts, trousers, dresses, jackets, jackets contain values of chest, hips, waist volumes with an average height of 163–170 cm. Sizes are divided into small, medium and large. The first category includes sizes 38–46, suitable for slender, thin women. The second group includes markings 48–50: for ladies of average build. The third category - 52–58 is characterized by relatively large parameters, therefore suitable for plump, large women.
The common Russian scale includes values from 38 to 56. The girth of the waist, chest, hips is determined depending on the type of women's clothing (waist, shoulder, upper). Before purchasing products or updating your wardrobe, use the general table that applies to any women’s clothing:
|
Size according to GOST |
Waist(cm) |
Chest (cm) |
Hip circumference (cm) |
Tables of clothing sizes for women of different countries
Different countries provide tables with different sizing grids. Find out about their features:
- International - remember the decoding of the Latin designations: L - large (48), S - small (44), M - medium (46). The marking on the left may contain the letter X (from English - extra): for example, XXS is equal to Russian size 40, XS - 42, XL - 52, XXL - 54-56, XXXL - 58-60.
- European sizes (most European countries - France, Spain, Germany, Sweden) differ from domestic sizes by 6 units. If the Russian value is 46, then subtracting 6, you get the European value - 40.
- Italian - differs from domestic by 2 units. If Russian size is 44, then Italian size is 48.
- English - is considered the most complex measurement system: the main values are from 4 to 26. It is not easy to calculate the appropriate size yourself, so it is recommended to refer to the size comparison table or to the English size chart with the characteristics of the chest, hips, and waist girth for different sizes.
- American - the tables show values from 0 to 22. When selecting things, you need to subtract 38 from your Russian size. So, for example, if you have size 44, then in the American marking it will be 6.
- Chinese (with international designations) - almost all Asian clothing manufacturers are equal to these values. Many customers are familiar with the fact that in Eastern countries women's clothes are made in small sizes, so they should be bought 1-2 sizes larger.
Basic size chart
When selecting women's sweaters, blouses, T-shirts, dresses, jackets, measure the volume of the chest, waist, and hips. Check out the basic size chart for adults:
|
Bust (cm) |
Waist(cm) |
Hip circumference (cm) |
International size |
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Low – 150–160 |
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Average – 160–168 |
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Above average – 168–175 |
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High – 175 and above |
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Outerwear
When buying women's jackets, down jackets, coats, raincoats, especially pay attention to the circumference of the hips. Take measurements while wearing the sweater. If the final parameters indicate 2 adjacent values (for example, 42 and 44), then purchase things with a larger designation. A lower value is suitable for ladies with narrow shoulders. When determining sizes, use the following size table:
|
Chest (cm) |
Waist(cm) |
Hip circumference (cm) |
International size |
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|
Low – 150–160 |
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Average – 160–168 |
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Above average – 168–175 |
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High – 175 and above |
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Pants, shorts and skirts
Important parameters when choosing women's trousers, shorts, and skirts are the circumference of the hips and waist. In the table below compare Russian, English, American, international values:
|
Waist(cm) |
Hip circumference (cm) |
International size |
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|
Low – 150–160 |
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Average – 160–168 |
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Above average – 168–175 |
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High – 175 and above |
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Women jeans
This version of women's clothing is selected in a special way. Many manufacturers recommend focusing on a separate size chart:
|
Waist(cm) |
Hip circumference (cm) |
Great Britain |
International size |
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Low – 150–160 |
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Average – 160–168 |
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Above average – 168–175 |
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High – 175 and above |
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Underwear
It is often very difficult for women to choose a bra or swimsuit without first trying them on. The following size chart will be useful:
|
Chest circumference (cm), cup |
Bust circumference (cm) |
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Women's panties are selected separately. Before purchasing them, refer to the table below, which includes clothing sizes for women:
|
Waist(cm) |
Hip circumference (cm) |
Germany |
Belarus |
International size |
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European, English, American markings of stockings and tights have some peculiarities. When determining the parameters, the following table of clothing sizes for women will be useful: VideoFound an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything! |
The letter M on the label stands for medium, that is, average. It’s worth arming yourself with a measuring tape and finding out the parameters of size M.
What to measure for women
To find out the correspondence between the parameters and clothing size M, you need to measure the volumes of the lower and upper parts of the body separately. Also important factors are height, leg length and shoulder width.
First of all, you should measure your chest circumference. You need to put on a bra without foam, run a measuring tape under your shoulder blades and armpits, and then close the edges at nipple level. Size M corresponds to a chest circumference of 90-96 cm.
Hips are measured at the widest part of the pelvis. The measuring tape should not go straight. From behind it should be lowered to the most convex part of the buttocks, and slightly raised in front. Those with hips 95-99 cm wide wear clothing size M.
The waist - the narrowest part of the body - should not exceed 70 cm in girth. The shoulder width in size M is 37-38 cm, and the sleeve length is 56-58 cm. Jeans in size M are mainly sewn for girls 170-176 cm tall with a leg length of 104-107 cm. International size M corresponds to European 38 and Russian 46th.
Options for men
Size M is worn by fairly thin guys of average height. Since the fitting process is more popular among women, wives, mothers or sisters often buy clothes for men. In addition, it is women who decide to buy sweaters and jeans as gifts for their loved ones, while a guy, not understanding the size, will prefer something like perfume or household appliances.
So, those who are used to choosing clothes by eye should measure the parameters of size M right in the store, armed with a measuring tape. You need to attach it to the widest part of the T-shirt just under the sleeves, being careful not to stretch the fabric. The girth for size M should be 96 cm or 37-38 inches.
A man's waist is measured when purchasing jeans and trousers. In size M, it should not exceed 88-90 cm. The length of the trouser leg will be 106-108 cm.
The hardest thing is to choose a shirt without trying it on. It is necessary to know exactly the shoulder width, sleeve length and neck circumference. These parameters are usually written right away on the shirts, so you don’t have to measure them in the store. Size M corresponds to shoulders 43-45 cm, sleeves 60-61 cm and neck 38-39 cm.
Sometimes neck circumference is indicated using the American non-metric system, which corresponds to 15-15.5 inches. For outerwear - jackets, coats, raincoats - it is necessary to add a couple of centimeters to the neck circumference, since the collar of these clothes should not fit closely.
Sizes on clothes began to be indicated since they began to be produced on an industrial scale. They are determined using linear measurement (mm, cm, inches). In this way, you can determine the size of any parts of the body: waist, arms, shoulders and their volumes. On clothing or shoes, the manufacturer always indicates the appropriate size of the product (on the tag, sole). Each country's designation systems may differ significantly.
What parameters are used to determine the size of things and clothes?
The international line (INT) starts with XS. Next in ascending order are S, M, L, XL, XXL. But the designation XXS (very small) is also accepted.
In France and Europe it is customary that XS is size 34, S is 36, M is 38, etc.
| Clothing sizes for men: shirts, outerwear, t-shirts | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International guidelines | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| Russian designation | 42*44 | 44*46 | 46*48 | 48*50 | 50*52 | 52*54 |
| cm, (chest, from max. to min.) | 82*87 | 88*94 | 94*101 | 102*109 | 110*117 | 118*124 |
| cm, (waist, from max. to min.) | 69*73 | 74*80 | 81*87 | 88*95 | 96*103 | 104*110 |
Pants, shorts, jeans for men (the table shows some sizes: from XS to M) |
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| Parameters (indicated in numbers) | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 |
| Parameters (indication in letters) | XS | S | M | |||
| cm, (waist, girth, min.*max.) | 70,01*73 | 73,01*74 | 78*80,01 | 80,01*82 | 84*86,01 | 90*92 |
("*" - indication from minimum to limit values in tables)
All data is listed in ascending order.
Features of women's clothing parameters
The female body has its own characteristics and it is often more difficult for the fair sex to choose the appropriate size. For example, chest circumference may correspond to sizes 44-46 (Russian designation, international designation will be S), and in terms of hip volume, the parameters will correspond to sizes 46-48 (international designation - M).
For example, let's look at some data in the table for determining sizes for women (dresses, outerwear, T-shirts) according to international and Russian standards.
| International size indication | Russian sizes | cm, (by min./max.) | cm, (hip circumference, from min. to max. values) | Waist measurements, see |
| XS | 40*42 | 80*84 | 88*92 | 60*64 |
| S | 42*44 | 84*88 | 92*96 | 64*68 |
| M | 44*46 | 88*92 | 96*100 | 68*72 |
| L | 46*48 | 92*96 | 100*104 | 72*76 |
| XL | 48*50 | 96*100 | 104*108 | 76*80 |
| XXL | 50*52 | 100*104 | 108*112 | 80*84 |
| XXXL | 52*54 | 104*108 | 112*116 | 84*88 |
After looking at the instructions in the table, it is easy to determine the designation S (what is the size of clothing for women), based on body parameters. Many manufacturers use S-M sizes, since these sizes are among the most popular, and this average size helps to take into account both the parameters of the bust, hips, and waist.
Size S for women's jeans, shorts, and trousers also has a fairly broad designation: most likely sizes 27, 26 or 28 (waist circumference from 78 to 84 centimeters).
Nature has endowed some women with standard, and some with “special” dimensions. This also applies to the structure of the male body. When buying clothes in a store, you always have the opportunity to try on the item, but purchasing through online sites will require some effort in the form of measuring your own body parameters. The size chart of any online store indicates the correspondence of the size (regardless of the country of production) to the basic parameters of the human body (chest, waist, hip).
