Italian fashion houses label clothes with Italian (IT) sizes, which look very different from UK sizes. For women, the usual rule of thumb is that the Italian size is 32 more than the UK size: IT 40 is roughly a UK 8, IT 42 a UK 10, IT 44 a UK 12. For men’s jackets and suits, the Italian size is usually 10 more than the UK chest size in inches: IT 50 is roughly a 40 inch chest.
Those conversions are a starting point, not a guarantee. Brands cut differently, slim fits run small, and some labels print a letter size next to the IT number that does not match the standard chart. Before you order, compare your own measurements with the size chart on the shop’s page.
The rest of this guide explains the tables, the exceptions and how to measure yourself.
Women’s sizes: IT, UK and letter sizes
This conversion follows the chart published by the fashion search site Lyst:
| IT | UK | Letter (Lyst) |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 6 | XXS |
| 40 | 8 | XS |
| 42 | 10 | S |
| 44 | 12 | M |
| 46 | 14 | L |
| 48 | 16 | XL |
| 50 | 18 | XXL |
Letter sizes vary most. In the Dolce & Gabbana range, for example, many listings pair IT 42 with M and IT 38 with XS, which is one size different from the Lyst chart. When the IT number and the letter disagree, go by the brand’s own measurements in centimetres.
Some labels sold through Italian shops use other systems: Calvin Klein Jeans skirts are often sized by waist in inches (W24, W30), and some brands use numbered sizes such as 1, 2, 3. The skirts and tops ranges contain a mix of all of these.
Men’s sizes: jackets, suits and trousers
For tailored jackets and suits, the Italian or European size is usually your UK chest size in inches plus 10. Men’s outfitter 2Men lists the same conversion:
| IT / EU | UK and US chest |
|---|---|
| 44 | 34 |
| 46 | 36 |
| 48 | 38 |
| 50 | 40 |
| 52 | 42 |
| 54 | 44 |
| 56 | 46 |
Slim fit tailoring, which is common from Italian houses, can feel a size smaller across the chest and shoulders. If you are between sizes or have broad shoulders, the larger size is usually the safer choice, because a jacket can be taken in more easily than let out.
Trousers are trickier. Many Italian trousers use the same number as the jacket (IT 48, IT 50) rather than a waist measurement, and the rise and leg length vary a lot between cuts. Look for the waist measurement in centimetres on the shop’s size chart; the men’s trousers range mixes IT sizes and international letter sizes.
How to measure yourself
Use a soft tape measure, wear light clothing and keep the tape level and snug, not tight.
- Bust or chest: around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
- Waist: around your natural waist, the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: around the fullest part of the hips and seat, with feet together.
- Inside leg: from the crotch to the floor, standing straight, or measure a pair of trousers that fit you well.
- Shoulders (men’s jackets): from shoulder point to shoulder point across the back.
Write the numbers down in centimetres, because Italian size charts usually use metric. Then compare them with the shop’s chart for that brand, not a general chart.
Why the same size fits differently
- Cut: slim, regular and oversized fits change how a size feels even within one brand.
- Fabric: stretch fabrics with elastane give more room; silk, linen and rigid denim do not.
- Season: coats and knitwear are usually cut with room for layers.
- Brand: each label has its own block pattern, so a 42 from one house and a 42 from another rarely match exactly.
If a product page mentions how the model’s size compares with their height, or gives garment measurements, use them. Our guide to buying designer clothes online covers other checks worth making before you pay.
Quick checklist
- Women: IT size minus 32 gives the approximate UK size.
- Men’s jackets: IT size minus 10 gives the approximate chest in inches.
- Check the brand’s own size chart in centimetres.
- When the IT number and letter size disagree, trust the measurements.
- Slim fit tailoring: consider going up a size.
- Check fabric content for stretch.
- Read the shop’s returns policy before you order.
Common questions
What is IT 40 in UK sizes?
For women’s clothing, IT 40 is usually a UK 8. Some brands label IT 40 as XS and others as S, so check the brand’s size chart and your own measurements.
Is Italian sizing smaller than UK sizing?
The numbers are different rather than smaller, but many Italian labels cut slimmer, especially in tailoring. If you are between sizes or prefer a relaxed fit, consider the next size up.
What size is IT 52 for men?
For jackets and suits, IT 52 usually fits a 42 inch chest, roughly a UK size L. For the shoe side of Italian brands, see our shoe size guide.
