Women's shirt sizing can be particularly challenging because of the wide variety of cuts, styles, and brand-specific sizing standards. Whether you are shopping for a tailored blouse, a casual button-down, or a flowy tunic, understanding how women's shirt sizes work will help you find the perfect fit every time.
Proper measurements are essential for finding the right shirt size. Use a soft measuring tape and wear lightweight clothing for the most accurate results:
Bust circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. This is the primary measurement for women's tops and blouses. The tape should be snug but not compressing.
Waist circumference: Measure at your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso between your ribcage and hips. For women's shirts with darts or tailoring, this measurement is critical.
Shoulder width: Measure across your back from one shoulder point to the other. This determines the width of the yoke and ensures the shoulder seams sit correctly.
Sleeve length: With your arm slightly bent, measure from your shoulder point down to your wrist. This ensures the sleeves hit at the right length.
High hip: Measure around your body about 3 to 4 inches below your waistband. This is important for longer shirts and tunics that extend past the waist.
Women's shirts use several sizing systems depending on the region and brand:
US sizes typically range from 0 to 24, with even numbers being standard. A US size 4 corresponds to a 33.5 inch bust, size 6 to 34.5 inches, size 8 to 35.5 inches, size 10 to 36.5 inches, size 12 to 38 inches, size 14 to 40 inches, and size 16 to 42 inches.
Letter sizes (XS through XXL) are common for casual tops and knit shirts. XS generally fits a 30-32 inch bust, S fits 33-34, M fits 35-37, L fits 38-40, XL fits 41-43, and XXL fits 44-46.
European sizes use a different numbering system: EU 34 = US 2, EU 36 = US 4, EU 38 = US 6, EU 40 = US 8, EU 42 = US 10, EU 44 = US 12, EU 46 = US 14.
UK sizes are typically 4 sizes higher than US sizes: UK 6 = US 2, UK 8 = US 4, UK 10 = US 6, UK 12 = US 8, UK 14 = US 10.
Modern women's shirts come in various fit types that affect how a given size wears. Fitted or slim-fit shirts follow the body's contours closely and may require sizing up if you are between sizes. Regular fit offers a comfortable amount of ease through the bust and waist. Relaxed or oversized fit provides extra room for a casual, drapey look. Always consider the intended fit when selecting your size.
Many women focus only on bust measurement and overlook the waist and shoulder measurements, leading to shirts that pull or gap. Another common mistake is assuming your size is the same across all brands. Brand sizing can vary by a full size or more. Additionally, fabric choice matters greatly: woven fabrics have little stretch and require more precise sizing, while knit fabrics offer more flexibility.
When shopping online, always check the brand's specific size chart rather than relying on your usual size. Read customer reviews for insights about whether a shirt runs large or small. Look for garments with stretch content like elastane or spandex if you are between sizes. Consider the return policy, especially when trying a new brand for the first time.
What is the average women's shirt size? The average women's shirt size in the United States is between 16 and 18, which corresponds to a Large or X-Large in letter sizing.
How do I convert between US and European shirt sizes? Add 30 to your US size to get the approximate European size. For example, US size 8 equals EU 38, and US size 12 equals EU 42.
Should I size up for fitted blouses? If you are between sizes or have a larger bust relative to your shoulders, sizing up in fitted blouses is often a good strategy. You can always have the waist taken in by a tailor.
What is the difference between misses and women's sizes? Misses sizes (even numbers 2-16) are designed for women of average height and build. Women's or plus sizes (odd numbers 13-27 or 1X-5X) offer more room through the bust, waist, and hips with proportionally adjusted armholes and necklines.
| Size | US Size | Bust (Inches) | Waist (Inches) | Arm (Inches) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 00 | 28 - 29 | 22 - 23 | 29.5 | ||
| XS | 0 | 30 - 31 | 23 - 24 | 30 | ||
| XS | 2 | 31 - 32 | 25 - 26 | 30 | ||
| S | 4 | 32 - 33 | 27 | 30.5 | ||
| S | 6 | 34 - 35 | 27 - 28 | 31 | ||
| M | 8 | 35 - 36 | 29 - 30 | 31.5 | ||
| M | 10 | 37 - 38 | 30 - 31 | 32 | ||
| L | 12 | 38 - 40 | 32 - 33 | 32.5 | ||
| L | 14 | 41 - 42 | 34 - 35 | 33 | ||
| XL | 16 | 42 - 43 | 35 - 36 | 33.5 | ||
| XL | 18 | 44 - 45 | 37 - 38 | 34 | ||
| XXL | 20 | 46 - 48 | 39 - 40 | 34.5 | ||
| Women's Shirt Size Guide Chart Maker : iSizeChart.com | ||||||
| UK | AU Size | US Size | IT Size | RU Size | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 30 | 26 | 62 | 72 - 74 | 58 |
| 28 | 28 | 24 | 60 | 70 | 56 |
| 26 | 26 | 22 | 58 | 66 - 68 | 54 |
| 24 | 24 | 20 | 56 | 64 | 52 |
| 22 | 22 | 18 | 54 | 60 - 62 | 50 |
| 20 | 20 | 16 | 52 | 58 | 48 |
| 18 | 18 | 14 | 50 | 54 | 46 |
| 16 | 16 | 12 | 48 | 50 | 44 |
| 14 | 14 | 10 | 46 | 48 | 42 |
| 12 | 12 | 8 | 44 | 46 | 40 |
| 10 | 10 | 6 | 42 | 42 - 44 | 38 |
| 8 | 8 | 4 | 40 | 40 | 36 |
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 38 | 38 - 40 | 34 |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 36 | 38 | 32 |
| 2 | 2 | 00 | 34 | 36 - 38 | 30 |
| Women's Shirt Size Chart Maker : iSizeChart.com | |||||