You walk into a store to buy denims, and you find yourself spoiled for choice. But like they always say, too much can ruin you (and in this case confuse you too). Not only are denims available in different brands, but they also come from different countries, each of which has a different sizing convention. How on earth are you supposed to know what size of jeans to look for? The easiest solution to your woes is a conversion chart.
Size Conversion Chart for Denims
When converting the size of the jeans, remember that the size scheme is derived from the measurement of the waist. The chart given here should give you an idea as to how your jeans size will differ according to the country that you buy them from.
| U.S.A | U.K | France | Italy | Japan |
| 0 | 2 | 30 | 34 | 3 |
| 2 | 4 | 32 | 36 | 5 |
| 4 | 6 | 34 | 38 | 7 |
| 6 | 8 | 36 | 40 | 9 |
| 8 | 10 | 38 | 42 | 11 |
| 10 | 12 | 40 | 44 | 13 |
| 12 | 14 | 42 | 46 | 15 |
| 14 | 16 | 44 | 48 | 17 |
| 16 | 18 | 46 | 50 | 19 |
| 18 | 20 | 48 | 52 | 21 |
| 20 | 22 | 50 | 54 | 23 |
Tips to Remember
- European clothing fits about 1 to 2 sizes smaller than the corresponding American size. Thus, make sure you try your size as well as denims one size bigger.
- Most countries measure denims in centimeters or inches. To convert centimeters into inches, divide the number by 2.54. To determine the size in centimeters, multiply the inches by 2.54.
- If the measurement of your denims is in inches and you need to convert it into the American style of measurement, then subtract 21 from the size in inches.
In order to find a pair of denims that fit perfectly, it is important to know how to measure yourself properly. The illustration given below and the corresponding description will help you understand the measuring technique.
1 To measure your waist properly, bend slightly to the side to find the crease of your natural waistline. Now use a measuring tape around this line to get your waist size. While measuring yourself keep one finger between the tape and your body so that the fit is comfortable.
2 This measurement will depend on your preference for a low rise, mid rise, or high rise pair of denims. Measure from the waistband till the bottom of the seam at the crotch.
- Low Rise Denims: The waistband sits 2" inches or more below the navel.
- Mid Rise Denims: The waistband sits immediately below the navel.
- High Rise Denims: The waistband sits at the novel or above the navel.
4 To measure the inseam of denims, measure the distance between the crotch seam and the bottom of the leg. This measurement may vary depending on whether you choose to wear denims with heels or flats.
The following table lays down the measurements for different sizes (from XS to XL) for different vital statistics, as applicable in the U.S.
| US Size | Waist | Hips | |
| XS | 0 | 23 | 34 |
| XS/S | 2 | 24 | 34 |
| S | 4 | 25 | 35 |
| M | 6 | 26 | 36 |
| M/L | 8 | 27 | 37 |
| L | 10 | 28 | 38 |
| XL | 12 | 29 | 39 |
With the help of the chart given in this article, you should be able to find out the approximate size of jeans to look for.
