Parent measuring teenager in a costume

EU to US Costume Sizes: 6 Measurements Beat Label Guesswork

Quick answer: for women’s costumes, add 30 to the US size to get the EU size, for men’s jackets add 10 to the US chest number, and kids’ EU sizes equal the child’s height in centimeters. The EN 13402 labeling standard backs the centimeter approach, so always check the brand’s chart too. Our Toylandeu™ measuring guide walks you through taking each measurement.

TL;DR:

  • Treat label conversions as estimates: some women’s brands use a 32 point difference, Italian sizing often runs smaller, and each product chart takes priority.
  • Measure in centimeters, using bust or chest for tops and jackets, hips for bottoms, and height for children’s garments; compare figures with the brand’s chart.
  • Round up between sizes, then size up again for costumes worn over clothing; structured or padded designs need extra room at the chest and shoulders.
  • Costume shoe conversions vary widely: women’s US sizes run about 30 below EU numbers, while men’s run about 33 below, so check each brand’s chart.
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Table of Contents

Which EU to US costume size conversions should you use?

The tables below give you a starting point. Treat every number as an approximation and confirm it against the product’s own size chart, because brands vary. The EN 13402 European standard recommends labeling by body dimensions in centimeters, not generic letter codes, and measurement baselines differ across regions.

Women’s sizes use the EU = US + 30 shortcut. Some brands use +32, so a US 8 lands at EU 38–40. Body ranges below are typical estimates, so verify them on the brand’s chart.

Men’s jackets follow US chest size + 10. A suit chart from 36 to 44 shows the same pattern. Chest centimeters are approximate.

Children’s sizes are height-based. EU size 150 means a height of 150 cm, about 59 inches, which usually lines up with a US 10–12.

Shoes are a quick reference only: women’s US sizes commonly run about 30 below EU numbers, and men’s about 33. Costume footwear charts vary a lot, so use the brand’s own chart.

Approximate EU to US costume size conversions

How do you measure for a costume?

Measure in centimeters first, then note inches. EN 13402 treats bust or chest as the primary measure for tops and jackets, hip for trousers and skirts, and height for kids’ garments. Our guide to measuring for costumes has a printable checklist.

  1. Height: Stand barefoot against a wall, heels together, and mark the top of your head (cm and in).
  2. Bust or chest: Wrap the tape under the arms and across the fullest part, keeping it level.
  3. Waist: Measure the narrowest point of the torso, usually just above the navel.
  4. Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
  5. Inside leg: Measure from the crotch to the ankle bone.
  6. Neck and head: Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, then around the forehead above the eyebrows for hats and masks.

Pro Tip: Measure over the clothes you plan to wear under the costume (a thin shirt or a sweater) and write each number on a checklist before you open any size chart.

What formulas and rounding rules apply?

Three rules cover most costume shopping:

  • Women’s dresses and tops: EU = US + 30, or +32 for some brands. These are approximations, not guarantees.
  • Men’s jackets: EU = US chest + 10. It works because continental sizing divides chest centimeters by two. It does not account for the drop between chest and waist, so use the brand’s chest centimeters.
  • Children’s costumes: EU size = height in cm. Ignore age labels.

Round up when you land between sizes, and size up again if the costume goes over clothes.

Worked examples:

  • US women’s size 8: a US 8 maps to EU 38 with +30, or 40 with +32. Pick by your bust and hip.
  • US men’s jacket 40: 40 + 10 gives EU 50, roughly 102 cm of chest.
  • Child at 150 cm: order size 150, about a US 10–12.

Brand quirks matter: Italian sizing often runs smaller than the +30 rule predicts, so check those lines against their own charts.

What if you are between sizes or the costume is layered?

For children, size up. Between sizes, a child’s costume should fit comfortably over everyday clothing, and kids grow. Parents who have only US labels can match height to EU sizes, since US kids’ sizing is often age-based and varies widely.

  • Stretch fabrics tolerate a closer fit, so size to your measurements.
  • Structured or padded costumes need extra room at the chest and shoulders.
  • Planned alterations: choose the size that keeps the silhouette you want after tailoring.
  • Quick check: measure, compare to the chart, add layer thickness, then pick for comfort and look.

Pro Tip: If you are ordering for a group, a shirt size breakdown for group orders helps you split sizes sensibly.

Why do we trust body measurements over label conversions?

Our approach stays the same every time: measure the body in centimeters, then match the chart. Label conversions are shortcuts, and brands round them differently. Body centimeters, the basis of EN 13402, give you one fixed number to compare across charts, which is why we expect fewer misbuys and returns. Our own measuring article walks through the steps in detail.

— Thane Holland

Where can you shop costumes with listed measurements?

Our costumes and cosplay collection is the place to browse once you have your numbers. You can compare your measurements before checkout.

  • Costumes for kids, teens and adults, from Halloween to cosplay
  • Size charts and measurements on many product pages
  • Shipping information is available at checkout.

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Check each product’s measuring notes before you order, and start with your height and chest or bust.

FAQ

How do I convert EU dress sizes to US sizes?

Subtract 30 from the EU size to get the US size, since women’s EU sizes run about 30 above US. Some brands use 32, so a US 8 can be EU 38 or 40. Confirm with the brand’s chart.

Is US XL the same as EU XL?

Not reliably. Letter sizes are not standardized, and EN 13402 favors body measurements in centimeters over letter codes. Compare your chest or bust centimeters to the product’s chart.

What size is 150 in kids costumes?

Size 150 fits a child about 150 cm tall, roughly 59 inches. It usually matches a US 10–12.

What is the equivalent EU suit size for a US size 40?

A US 40 jacket is about EU 50, since you add 10 to the US chest number. That corresponds to a chest of roughly 102 cm.

Sources

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