I just came across this bit of information that might be useful for those of us who sew patterns made on a different continent.
For kids sizes I've learned to use both sides of a tape measure with inches on one side and centimeters on the other.
Here are some guidelines for adult sizes:
Women's suits and dresses:
Brit size numbers are 22-24 more than American; Euro numbers are 28 more than American
(ie, Am 10 = B 32-34 = Euro 38 ; Am 22 = B 44 = Euro 50
Women's blouses and sweaters:
Brit numbers are 2 more than American; Euro numbers are 28 - 30 more
ie Am 6 (S) = Brit 8 = Euro 34-36
I don't have much experience in patterns other than US, so if there are inaccuracies here, let me know! My source (a littlte general information almanac) doesn't list pants sizing -- maybe the same as suits?
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At 5'6" and 120 Lbs I'm a 38 all 'round in French clothes (not always satisfied with the fit but it's a reasonable compromise). American pants size = 6 short for kakis and levis; French 38 ready-to-wear fits ok except for the need to shorten a bit. The last tailored suit jacket I made was from an Elegance "Easy" pattern made in USA by Simplicity for export to spanish & french speaking countries and the US sizes were increased by 26 (US 10 = Euro 36). I made a 10 or euro36 that fit well over a blouse so it seems your system corresponds better than theirs. A Burda skirt pattern made in Germany and exported to Canada has the same equivalents. A recently purchased sweater sized 'M' - roomy to go over another knit - had 15 countrys listed with sizes from 40/42 (including France=42/44) to 44/46 plus 14/16 for UK! 'S' corresponds to 36/38 to 40/42 (France=38/40) & UK 10/12. Good luck!
11/10/04 1:03 AM
What I've found is that there are 4 major size "groups" in Europe. UK sizes which are one size greater than US (i.e. US size 10 = UK size 12), German/ Dutch/ Scandinavian where UK size 12 = German size 38, French/ Belgian (& maybe Spanish) where UK size 12 = French size 40 and Italian sizes where UK size 12 = Italian size 44 (I think!). A definitive list would be helpful but many European clothes do not identify their origin unless you know the make. Of course you're still left with manufacturers own variations.
11/10/04 12:38 PM