Converting old clothing sizes requires three steps: measuring the garment, knowing the era, and using the right conversion chart for the country of origin.
| EU | US | UK | USSR/RU | Chest cm | Chest in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | XS/34 | 34 | 44 | 88 | 34.6" |
| 46 | S/36 | 36 | 46 | 92 | 36.2" |
| 48 | S/38 | 38 | 48 | 96 | 37.8" |
| 50 | M/40 | 40 | 50 | 100 | 39.4" |
| 52 | M/42 | 42 | 52 | 104 | 40.9" |
| 54 | L/44 | 44 | 54 | 108 | 42.5" |
| 56 | L/46 | 46 | 56 | 112 | 44.1" |
| 58 | XL/48 | 48 | 58 | 116 | 45.7" |
| 60 | XXL/50 | 50 | 60 | 120 | 47.2" |
| 62 | 3XL/52 | 52 | 62 | 124 | 48.8" |
Step 1: Measure the Garment
Lay the garment flat and measure: (a) chest — across the widest point, doubled; (b) waist — at the narrowest point, doubled; (c) length — from shoulder seam to hem. These measurements are more reliable than the tag.
Step 2: Identify Country and Era
Check the label for country of origin and any date codes. 'Made in USSR' pieces predate 1992. 'Made in West Germany' predate 1990. French and Italian labels from before 1990 use older EU sizing conventions.
Step 3: Use the Right Chart
Use our vintage size converter for US, EU, UK and USSR conversions. For unusual labels, compare the garment measurement directly to your own body measurements.