Understanding French sizing: the ultimate guide to French brands
As with most things, the French approach to garment sizing is utterly unique - it’s entirely different from any other sizing approach. That’s right, the French sizing and European sizing systems are, usually, completely different. Obviously, this results in many shoppers feeling frustrated when they can’t navigate their way through French sizes with ease, but we’re here to help. We’ve put together a guide that helps decodify French sizes to help you shop our selection of familiar and fresh French brands. It’s important to note, however, that in luxury fashion, designers don’t always follow this guide. Always refer to the size guide under the size & fit tab on a product page.
What is your French size?
The number one rule of French sizing is that there are no rules - your size may change depending on the cut of the clothing, the brand you’re purchasing from and the country the brand is from (French sizing is used in Spain, Portugal and Belgium as well as France). Thus, we recommend always comparing your measurements to that of the garment.
It's also important to know that French sizing works under two systems: Alpha sizing and numerical sizing. Let us fill you in about both sizing systems.
Alpha sizing
Alpha sizing is the simplified system where two to three numerical clothing sizing are combined into a single letter size (think S, M & L etc.). Typically, alpha sizing is reserved for casual clothing, such as tees, hoodies, joggers and sweatshirts.
Our best advice when it comes to alpha sizing is to either stick to your regular alpha size when shopping from French brands, or to size up as the French alpha sizing system isn’t as accommodating as other sizing systems.
Numerical sizing
The more classical French sizing system is the numerical sizing system in which a number denotes a size relating to specific measurements - say a male’s chest or a female’s bust. This system is used when a precise cut and fit is paramount. Below, we help you get your head around French numerical sizing.
Women’s numerical French clothes sizing:
US size + 32 = French size
UK size + 28 = French size
EU size – 4 = French size
French sizing examples:
If you’re a UK size 6, you’re a French size 34.
If you’re a US size 2, you’re a French size 34.
If you’re an EU size 38, you’re a French size 34.
Men’s numerical French clothes sizing:
Shirt sizing
US/UK size x 2.54 = French size (if you round the figure up to the nearest whole number)
EU size = French size
Suit sizing
US/UK Size + 10 = French size
EU Size = French size
Are French and European shoe sizes the same?
Most French fashion houses and footwear brands use the EU/IT shoe sizing approach. Having said that, there are a select few French brands that abide by the French shoe sizing approach. Unless explicitly stated by FARFETCH, shoes from French brands on FARFETCH are listed in their EU sizes.
The French approach to shoe sizing is based on an antique measure established by French cobblers in the mid-19th century. Originally, it was called the ‘point de Paris’ or Paris point system.
Shoe sizing:
US size + 31 = French size
UK size + 32 = French size
EU size + 1 = French size
French fashion brands
Now you know your French sizing, it’s time to peruse our top selection of French brands to apply your newfound knowledge. Browse FARFETCH’s offering which epitomizes French style - chic, timeless and always effortless.
Jacquemus
Marine Serre
Saint Laurent
Lemaire
Balmain
Isabel Marant
Chloé
AMI Paris
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OLIVIA WOODHOUSE, SEO copywriter at FARFETCH
Olivia Woodhouse is an SEO copywriter at FARFETCH, where she optimizes on-site content and has helped relaunch the fashion blog as the Fashion Feed. With a background spanning fashion, lifestyle, tech and travel, she brings a versatile voice to every project.