Introduction: Your Quick Guide to Decoding Size 38
Ever found a perfect piece of clothing labeled ‘Size 38’ and wondered what that actually means in U.S. sizes? You’re not alone. The answer isn’t as simple as a single number.
Size 38 changes meaning dramatically depending on whether you’re looking at women’s clothing, men’s clothing, or shoes. This confusion is the number one problem for international shoppers.
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The Size 38 Conversion Cheat Sheet: Your Quick Answers
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| Category | European Size | Common U.S. Size Equivalent | Key Measurements (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Dresses & Tops | EU 38 | US 6 / US 8 (Small/Medium) | Bust: 35-36″ (89-92cm), Waist: 28-29″ (71-74cm) |
| Women’s Pants | EU 38 | US 6 / US 8 | Waist: 28-29″ (71-74cm), Hips: 38-39″ (97-99cm) |
| Men’s Suit Jackets/Blazers | EU 48 (US 38) | US 38 | Chest: 38″ (96-97cm) |
| Men’s Pants/Trousers | N/A (US sizing) | US 38 | Waist: 38″ (96-97cm) |
| Unisex/European Shoes | EU 38 | US Women’s 7.5 – 8 / US Men’s 6 | Foot Length: ~9.5 inches (24.1 cm) |
Disclaimer: This is a general guide only. Sizes can vary a lot between brands. Always check a specific brand’s size chart for the most accurate information.
Decoding Size 38: A Detailed Breakdown by Clothing Category
To really understand what Size 38 means, we need to look at each type of clothing separately. The meaning changes completely based on what you’re buying. Size 38 for a woman’s shirt is totally different from Size 38 pants for a man.
For Women’s Clothing: The Most Common Scenario
In women’s fashion, a “Size 38” almost always means a European size (EU 38). Many countries in Europe use this system, including France, Germany, and Spain.
An EU Size 38 usually converts to a U.S. Size 6 or 8. Why the range? Different brands fit differently. A brand known for “slim” or “tailored” cuts might have an EU 38 that fits like a U.S. 6. A brand with “relaxed” or “oversized” styles might have an EU 38 that feels more like a U.S. 8 or even larger.
For Men’s Clothing: Understanding Jackets and Pants
For men’s clothing, “Size 38” has two very different meanings. It’s important to know which one applies.
For suit jackets, blazers, or sport coats, Size 38 (often written as 38R, 38S, or 38L) refers to your chest measurement. It fits a man with a chest of about 38 inches (96-97 cm). This is a U.S. standard.
For pants, trousers, or jeans, Size 38 means the waist measurement. Men’s pants labeled Size 38 should fit a man with a 38-inch waist (96-97 cm). People often mix these up. Remember: for jackets, 38 is about the chest; for pants, 38 is about the waist.
For Shoes: Converting EU 38 Footwear
For shoes, EU 38 is a unisex European size, though it’s more common in women’s shoes. An EU Size 38 generally equals a U.S. Women’s Size 7.5 or 8. For men, it’s about a U.S. Men’s Size 6.
Since good-fitting shoes are so important, don’t just rely on number conversions. The best way to find your size is to measure your foot length and check the brand’s specific chart. An EU 38 is usually about 9.5 inches or 24.1 centimeters long.
The ‘Why’ Behind the Numbers: Why Clothing Sizes Are So Inconsistent
Understanding that “38” means different things is just the start. You might also wonder why a women’s U.S. Size 8 fits differently from store to store. Knowing these reasons will help you shop smarter.
Sizing problems come from a few main issues:
- Vanity Sizing: This is when brands label clothes with smaller sizes than they really are. They do this to make shoppers feel good and buy more. An item that should be a Size 12 might be labeled as a Size 8.
- No Universal Standard: The U.S. has no official standard that all brands must follow. Every company can create its own sizing system based on who they think will buy their clothes.
- Brand and Country Differences: A brand’s target customer affects their sizing. A teen brand fits differently than one for middle-aged adults. Also, U.S. sizes often differ from U.K. or Italian sizes, making global shopping tricky.
How to Measure Yourself Accurately: The Foundation of a Perfect Fit
With size numbers being so unreliable, your best tool is a measuring tape. Your actual measurements matter more than any size label. Taking your measurements is easy and quick. Use them with a brand’s size chart to find your true size.
Studies show that using your exact measurements can cut online return rates in half. Here’s how to measure:
- Get the Right Tools: Use a soft, flexible measuring tape (tailor’s tape). Don’t use a metal tape measure – it won’t wrap around your body correctly.
- Chest/Bust: Stand straight with relaxed shoulders. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level with the floor. Make it snug but not tight.
- Waist: To find your natural waist, bend to one side. The crease that forms is your waistline, usually just above your belly button. Measure around this point, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
- Hips: Stand with your feet together. Measure around the widest part of your hips and bottom. Keep the tape level and snug.
- Inseam (for pants): Take pants that fit you well. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. This is your inseam.
Beyond the Chart: A Practical Guide to Nailing Your Size When Shopping Online
You have your measurements and you’ve checked a conversion chart. Great start! But online shopping success requires a few more strategies to avoid returns.
These tips go beyond numbers and address real-world shopping challenges:
Always Check the Brand’s Own Size Chart
This is rule number one. Ignore general charts and find the specific “Size Guide” on the product page. Compare your measurements to their chart. This is the only reliable way to know what “Size 38” means for that particular item.
Read Customer Reviews for Fit Feedback
Customer reviews provide real-world insights about fit. Don’t just look at star ratings. Look for comments like “runs small,” “runs large,” or “true to size.” If multiple people say “size down,” that’s usually good advice. Look for reviewers who share their height, weight, and the size they bought.
Understand Fabric and Cut
The material affects how clothes fit. A dress made of cotton with some spandex will stretch and be more forgiving than a dress made of polyester or linen, which doesn’t give. The description of the cut also matters – “slim fit,” “relaxed fit,” or “A-line” tells you how the item is supposed to look on your body.
When in Doubt, Contact Customer Service
If you’re spending a lot or buying for an important event, reach out for help. Most online stores have staff who can give you specific measurements or sizing advice. A quick email or chat can save you from mistakes.
Conclusion: Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Understanding international clothing sizes doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right knowledge, you can shop confidently anywhere in the world.
Remember these key points:
- Context Matters: Size 38 means different things for women’s clothes, men’s jackets, men’s pants, or shoes.
- Trust Your Measurements: General charts help, but your personal measurements are the most important.
- Use All Available Information: Check brand-specific charts, read reviews, and consider fabric types to make the best choice.
With these tools, you can decode any size label and build a wardrobe of perfectly fitting clothes. Happy shopping!
FAQs
- What is size 38 in U.S. clothing for women’s dresses?
Size 38 in European women’s clothing typically converts to a US size 6-8 (Small/Medium), fitting approximately a 35-36″ bust and 28-29″ waist. - What does a size 38 mean in men’s pants and jackets?
For men’s pants, size 38 refers to a 38″ waist. For men’s jackets and blazers, size 38 indicates a 38″ chest measurement. - How do I convert a European shoe size 38 to U.S. sizing?
A European size 38 shoe is approximately a US women’s size 7.5-8 or a US men’s size 6, fitting a foot length of about 9.5 inches. - Why does size 38 fit differently across different clothing brands?
Size 38 varies between brands due to vanity sizing, lack of universal standards, and different target demographics for each clothing manufacturer. - How can I ensure a size 38 will fit me when shopping online?
Always check the brand’s specific size chart, read customer reviews for fit information, consider fabric stretch, and measure yourself accurately for the best fit.
