KobonakClothing size chart
Convert women's and men's clothing sizes between EU, US and UK, and from numbers to letters (S, M, L), with measurements in cm.
In short
- Measure three points
- Chest at its widest under the arms, waist at its narrowest above the navel, hips at their widest.
- EU to letters (women)
- 34 = XS, 36 = S, 38 = M, 40 = L, 42 = XL, 44 = XXL.
- Italian trap
- Italian sizes run about four numbers above standard EU: EU 38 is roughly Italian 42.
Taking your measurements
Use a soft tape measure. Chest: around the widest point under the arms. Waist: around the narrowest point above the navel. Hips: around the widest point. Trouser length: from the waist to the ankle. Then compare the numbers with the brand's chart rather than the letter on the label.
No tape at home? Lay a garment that fits you well flat on a table, measure straight across the chest, double it, and compare that with the chart.
Women's sizes across countries
| EU | UK | US | Italy | France |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 8 | 4 | 40 | 38 |
| 40 | 12 | 8 | 44 | — |
Why Italian and Asian sizes trip people up
The Italian size is about four numbers larger than the general European one, which confuses many shoppers buying luxury Italian labels. Turkish brands usually follow EU sizing, while some Asian brands run one or two sizes small, so size up and check the chart in centimetres.
Men's sizes (approximate)
| Size | Chest cm | Waist cm |
|---|---|---|
| S | 88–96 | 73–81 |
| M | 96–104 | 81–89 |
| L | 104–112 | 89–97 |
| XL | 112–124 | 97–109 |
| XXL | 124–136 | — |
Shirts, trousers and neck sizes
Men's formal shirts are sometimes sized by neck circumference in centimetres (39, 40, 41) or inches (15.5, 16). Trousers may be sized by waist in inches, such as 32 or 34.
Between two sizes?
For fitted clothes or fabrics without stretch, take the larger size; for relaxed cuts, the smaller. Stretch fabrics let you size down, while untreated cotton can shrink after washing, so size up. Check the fabric composition on the product page.
For sportswear, choose by use: tighter for running and yoga, looser for everyday gym wear.
If it doesn't fit
| Store | Return window | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| noon | 15 days for eligible items | Return, then reorder |
| Namshi | 14 days, free | One free size exchange per item |
| Level Shoes | 30 days, free | No direct exchange; return and reorder |
Next steps
Namshi's one free size exchange per item is the safety net most fashion shoppers in the Gulf rely on. Our Namshi size guide goes deeper on abayas, jeans and plus sizes, and the Namshi dresses page lists current codes. Re-measure yourself every few months so your numbers stay current.
Letter sizes versus number sizes for women
Women's clothing on Gulf fashion sites mixes letters and numbers. As a rough guide, EU 34 is XS, 36 is S, 38 is M, 40 is L, 42 is XL and 44 is XXL. UK sizes run four numbers below EU at the small end, so EU 36 is UK 8 and EU 40 is UK 12, while US sizes run another four numbers lower again.
These are starting points only. A European high-street M and a luxury Italian M can be quite different garments, which is why the brand's own table in centimetres always beats a generic conversion.
Common measuring errors
Pulling the tape too tight, measuring over thick clothing, and measuring the waist at the trouser line instead of the natural waist all push you into the wrong size. Stand relaxed, breathe normally and keep the tape level all the way round. Ask someone to help with the chest measurement if you can.
Why the same size fits differently across a big marketplace
Namshi alone carries more than 2,000 brands from many countries, each with its own pattern block. You might be an M in one label and an L in another. Save your measurements in centimetres and check them against each new brand, rather than trusting the letter you usually buy.
FAQs
What's the difference between EU and Italian sizes?
Italian sizes run about four numbers higher: EU 38 is roughly Italian 42.
Is a size S the same in every brand?
No. It varies by brand and country, so always check the chart in centimetres on the product page.
How can I find my size without a tape measure?
Lay a well-fitting garment flat, measure across the chest, double it and compare with the chart.
Are men's and women's sizes measured the same way?
No. Men's are usually based on chest and waist circumference; women's use EU or UK number sizes.
What if the size is wrong?
Namshi allows one free size exchange per item, Level Shoes returns within 30 days, and noon within 15 days for eligible items.