Women's skirt sizes can be converted approximately between US, UK, EU, and alpha systems. The converted label is only a starting point because waist, hips, rise, skirt shape, fabric, lining, and brand grading vary.
Direct answer
General skirt size conversion chart
| US | UK | EU | General alpha size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 30 | XS |
| 2 | 6 | 32 | XS |
| 4 | 8 | 34 | S |
| 6 | 10 | 36 | S |
| 8 | 12 | 38 | M |
| 10 | 14 | 40 | M |
| 12 | 16 | 42 | L |
| 14 | 18 | 44 | L |
| 16 | 20 | 46 | XL |
| 18 | 22 | 48 | XL |
| 20 | 24 | 50 | 2XL |
| 22 | 26 | 52 | 2XL |
| 24 | 28 | 54 | 3XL |
| 26 | 30 | 56 | 3XL |
Conversion visual
Convert the Label, Then Verify Waist and Hips
A US size 10 generally converts to UK 14 and EU 40, but the exact skirt chart remains the final sizing guide.
How Skirt Size Conversion Works
Women's US, UK, and EU size labels follow different numerical sequences.
Conversion identifies a nearby label but does not guarantee identical measurements or garment shape.
US sizing
Separate numerical sequence
Common labels include 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
UK sizing
Generally four sizes higher
A US 10 commonly converts near a UK 14.
EU sizing
Uses another sequence
A US 10 commonly converts near an EU 40.
General Waist and Hip Chart by Alpha Size
| Alpha size | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 24 to 26 in | 34 to 36 in |
| S | 26 to 29 in | 36 to 39 in |
| M | 29 to 32 in | 39 to 42 in |
| L | 32 to 36 in | 42 to 46 in |
| XL | 36 to 40 in | 46 to 50 in |
| 2XL | 40 to 44 in | 50 to 54 in |
| 3XL | 44 to 48 in | 54 to 58 in |
| 4XL | 48 to 52 in | 58 to 62 in |
Inches-to-Centimeters Waist Conversion
| Waist in inches | Approximate centimeters |
|---|---|
| 24 in | 61 cm |
| 26 in | 66 cm |
| 28 in | 71 cm |
| 30 in | 76 cm |
| 32 in | 81 cm |
| 34 in | 86 cm |
| 36 in | 91 cm |
| 38 in | 97 cm |
| 40 in | 102 cm |
| 42 in | 107 cm |
Inches-to-Centimeters Hip Conversion
| Hips in inches | Approximate centimeters |
|---|---|
| 34 in | 86 cm |
| 36 in | 91 cm |
| 38 in | 97 cm |
| 40 in | 102 cm |
| 42 in | 107 cm |
| 44 in | 112 cm |
| 46 in | 117 cm |
| 48 in | 122 cm |
| 50 in | 127 cm |
| 52 in | 132 cm |
Example: US 4 to UK and EU
A women's US size 4 skirt commonly converts to UK 8 and EU 34.
Example: US 8 to UK and EU
A women's US size 8 skirt commonly converts to UK 12 and EU 38.
Example: US 10 to UK and EU
A women's US size 10 skirt commonly converts to UK 14 and EU 40.
Example: US 14 to UK and EU
A women's US size 14 skirt commonly converts to UK 18 and EU 44.
Why Alpha Sizes Do Not Convert Precisely
Small, medium, large, and extended alpha sizes cover different waist and hip ranges across brands.
Use actual measurements instead of assuming every medium is equivalent.
Why Converted Skirts Can Still Fit Differently
- Waistband position differs.
- Hip and seat grading differs.
- Dart placement differs.
- Skirt shape differs.
- Length and hem width differ.
- Fabric stretch and recovery differ.
- Lining may restrict the garment.
- Brand sizing may use another fit model.
Converting A-Line Skirts
Check waistband and upper-hip fit after converting the label.
Lower-skirt volume may be generous, but the waist and top hip remain important.
Converting Pencil Skirts
Verify hips, seat, thighs, lining, vent, and hem width after conversion.
Converting Pleated Skirts
Check whether the pleats remain closed through the waist and upper hips.
Converting Stretch Skirts
Confirm fabric stretch, recovery, lining, and intended compression.
Converting Elastic-Waist Skirts
Check relaxed and stretched waistband measurements and confirm the opening can pass comfortably over the hips.
How to Confirm a Converted Skirt Size
- Identify the original sizing system.
- Convert the numerical or alpha label.
- Compare waist measurement.
- Compare hips and seat.
- Check waistband position.
- Check skirt shape and intended fit.
- Review fabric stretch and lining.
- Confirm length and hem dimensions.
- Use the exact product chart.
Common Skirt-Conversion Mistakes
- Converting the label without checking measurements
- Assuming every alpha size matches
- Ignoring waist and hip differences
- Ignoring waistband position
- Ignoring skirt shape
- Ignoring fabric and lining
- Expecting equivalent labels to fit identically
- Using a general chart instead of the product chart
Skirt sizing tool
Use the Skirt Size Calculator
Enter waist, hips, height, waistband position, preferred length, skirt style, fit preference, fabric stretch, and regional system.
Questions and answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a women's US size 8 skirt in UK sizing?
A women's US size 8 generally converts to UK 12.
What is a women's US size 8 skirt in EU sizing?
A women's US size 8 generally converts to EU 38.
What is a women's US size 10 skirt in UK and EU sizing?
A general conversion is UK 14 and EU 40.
Are skirt size conversions exact?
No. Waist ranges, hip grading, rise, fabric, lining, and skirt shape vary by brand.
Can I convert alpha skirt sizes precisely?
Not precisely. Small, medium, and large cover different measurement ranges across brands.