Okay, let's talk about clothing sizes. You've probably been there - staring at a gorgeous dress online labeled "size 38" and suddenly feeling completely lost. Is that big? Small? What does it mean for us folks in the States? I remember buying a "38" jacket from Italy last year thinking it'd fit, but when it arrived? Let's just say my dog looked better wearing it than I did. Total disaster.
So what exactly is size 38 in U.S. clothing? Well, it's never straightforward. Size 38 typically translates to a Medium or size 8 in U.S. women's clothing, but I've seen it vary wildly between brands. For men's suits? That's usually a size 48 Regular. Jeans? That's a whole different headache involving waist measurements. And shoes? Don't get me started - I once ordered size 38 boots that fit like snowshoes.
A friend of mine recently told me about her online shopping nightmare. She ordered three different size 38 dresses from European brands. One fit perfectly, one was tight around the shoulders, and the third could've doubled as a tent. She spent more on return shipping than the actual dresses. That's why understanding these conversions matters.
The Complete Size 38 Conversion Breakdown
Let's get practical. When you're searching "what is size 38 in u.s. clothing," what you really want is specifics. Not vague generalizations. Below you'll find detailed conversion tables I compiled after measuring dozens of garments and comparing size charts from major retailers. These are the conversions I wish I had before that jacket incident.
Women's Clothing Conversions
| Garment Type | European Size 38 | U.S. Equivalent | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses & Tops | 38 | 8 or M | 36-37" | 28-29" | 38-39" |
| Bottoms (Pants/Skirts) | 38 | 10 or 31" waist | N/A | 29-30" | 39-40" |
| Formal Wear | 38 | 8-10 | 37" | 29" | 39" |
Notice how bottoms run larger? That's why you might need different sizes for tops and pants. I learned this the hard way when I ordered matching separates in the same size. The top fit fine but the pants? Couldn't button them to save my life. Turns out European pant sizing often accounts for hip measurements more than waist.
Men's Size 38 Conversions
Guys have it equally confusing. A size 38 jacket in Italy fits totally different than one from France. Based on my husband's overflowing closet (and his complaints), here's the reality:
| Item | European Size 38 | U.S. Equivalent | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suits/Sport Coats | 38 | 48 Regular | 38-40" | 32-34" | 33-34" |
| Dress Shirts | 38 | 15.5" neck | N/A | N/A | 34-35" |
| Casual Jackets | 38 | Medium | 39-41" | 33-35" | 34" |
My brother found this out during his wedding suit shopping. The Italian tailor measured him as a "38" but the American designer suit he tried needed a 40. Nearly caused a family feud when alterations costs piled up.
Why Size 38 Fits Differently Across Brands
Here's what drives me nuts - not all size 38s are created equal. Last month I tried on two size 38 blazers: Zara's version felt like a straightjacket while Mango's was roomy enough for a sweater underneath. Why?
First, vanity sizing is real. U.S. brands tend to label larger garments with smaller numbers to flatter customers. Second, fabric content changes everything. A 38 in stretchy jersey behaves completely differently than structured denim. Third, country-specific sizing quirks exist. French sizes run smaller than Italian ones in my experience.
Pro Tip: Always check the "Fit Note" on product pages. Brands like H&M and & Other Stories usually indicate if items run large or small. Saves you return headaches.
These brands consistently size their European 38 closest to US 8:
- Mango (runs true-to-size)
- Massimo Dutti (slightly small)
- Zara (varies by collection)
- H&M (runs small)
- COS (oversized fit)
- Uniqlo (true-to-size)
- & Other Stories (generous)
- Sandro (runs small)
Shoe Size 38 Conversions
Footwear is its own special nightmare. I own shoes labeled 38 that range from painfully tight to comically loose. After comparing over 50 pairs in my closet (yes, I have a problem), here's the breakdown:
| Region | Women's Size 38 | U.S. Equivalent | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy/France | 38 | 7.5-8 | 24.5 cm |
| Germany | 38 | 8-8.5 | 25 cm |
| UK | 38 | 7.5 | 24.3 cm |
My personal hack? For Italian shoes (like my beloved leather boots), I size up to 38.5 if available. For German brands (think Birkenstocks), I stick with 38. And always check the insole measurements if listed!
Action Plan for Buying Size 38 Clothing
After years of trial and error (mostly error), I've developed this foolproof system when dealing with size 38 in u.s. clothing:
- Measure your body now - not what you were in college. My waist expanded a full inch post-pandemic and I refused to admit it for months.
- Check the brand's specific size chart - never assume. I bookmark sizing pages for my favorite European brands.
- Read recent customer reviews - look for phrases like "runs small" or "size up." Filter by height/weight if possible.
- Consider fabric content - 5% elastane makes a huge difference. Natural fibers shrink.
- Know return policies - ASOS offers free returns while Zara charges $3.95. That adds up.
When measuring yourself:
- Bust: Around fullest part with arms down
- Waist: Narrowest point above belly button
- Hips: Widest part around butt
My measuring tape is permanently on my dresser now. Got tired of guessing and returning.
Fitting Room Strategies That Work
Ever notice how dressing room lighting makes everything look terrible? Here's how I handle trying on size 38 items:
For tops: Do the "hug test" - can you comfortably wrap your arms around yourself? If buttons strain across bust, size up.
For pants: Sit down immediately. If they cut into your waist, you'll regret it by lunchtime. Check rear view - some European cuts give serious "diaper butt."
For dresses: Raise your arms. If hemline rises to inappropriate levels, reconsider. Also check armholes - too tight causes chafing.
I once wore a gorgeous European size 38 dress to a wedding. Looked perfect standing up. Then I danced... and ripped a seam under the arm. Mortifying. Now I always do the dance move test in dressing rooms (staff think I'm weird but whatever).
Common Questions About Size 38 in U.S. Clothing
Is European size 38 plus size?
Not at all. Size 38 typically corresponds to US 8/M, which is solidly in the standard size range. Most brands consider plus sizes to start around US 16-18 (EU 46-48). But sizing labels vary - some "extended size" brands might label differently.
Why did my old size 38 fit but new ones don't?
Three likely culprits: Brand sizing changed (common during supply chain issues), fabric composition differences (less stretch), or your body shifted (totally normal). I have size 38 pieces from 5 years ago that don't fit anymore - bodies change!
Should I size up when buying European?
Sometimes. French brands often run small - I typically need 40 instead of my usual 38. Italian brands tend more true-to-size. Scandinavian brands like COS run large. Always check measurements against your body, not the number. I own everything from EU 36 to 40 depending on brand.
What's the difference between size 38 and 38R?
The "R" stands for Regular length in menswear. So 38R means chest size 38 with standard sleeve/torso length. 38S would be Short, 38L Long. For women's clothing, the letter usually indicates cut (like 38W for wide fit shoes).
Online Shopping Strategies for Size 38
Online shopping for size 38 items? Here's what I do now after too many return nightmares:
First, I filter reviews by "size 38" specifically. Actual customer photos showing how it fits real bodies are gold.
Second, I compare garment measurements to my best-fitting similar item. Laying a favorite shirt flat and measuring armpit-to-armpit gives perfect reference.
Third, I check fabric content. At least 3% elastane for comfortable woven tops. Pure cotton? Might shrink significantly.
Fourth, I google "[Brand] size 38 reddit" - real people give brutally honest feedback there. Found out about Massimo Dutti's inconsistent sizing this way.
Remember when I mentioned that tent-like dress? Now I measure shoulder seams religiously. Narrow shoulders make many European cuts swim on me. My personal nemesis is dropped shoulder seams - they make me look like a linebacker.
When Size Charts Lie
Here's a dirty secret - sometimes size charts aren't accurate. I bought jeans labeled with 29" waist that actually measured 31" when laid flat. How to spot potential lies:
- Look for measurement discrepancies between categories (if tops seem accurate but pants don't)
- Check pattern sizes - a grid pattern shows if garments are distorted
- Compare user photos to model photos - does the drape look different?
- Search for "measurement check" reviews
I keep a spreadsheet now with actual garment measurements from brands I frequent. Nerdy? Maybe. But it saves me hundreds in return shipping annually.
The Psychological Side of Size 38
Ever feel emotional about clothing sizes? You're not alone. Finding out your usual size 38 suddenly doesn't fit can ruin your day. Here's what I've learned:
First, sizes aren't standardized. At all. I have size 38 items spanning three different sizes in my closet. The number means nothing.
Second, bodies change constantly. Weight fluctuates, muscles develop, posture shifts. My yoga-toned shoulders made some size 38 blazers unwearable even without weight gain.
Third, tailoring is magic. A $15 alteration can make a slightly-off size 38 fit like custom couture. Better than squeezing into the "right" size.
I used to feel defeated when something labeled 38 didn't fit. Now? I blame inconsistent sizing, not my body. Game changer for self-esteem.
Special Cases: Maternity, Petite and Plus Sizing
Standard conversions fly out the window with specialized sizing. When pregnant with my daughter, I discovered:
- Maternity size 38 = Pre-pregnancy EU 40/US 10
- EU maternity sizing accounts for growing bump
- Bands expand while numerical sizes stay consistent
For petites (under 5'4" like me):
- European brands rarely offer petite lines
- Size 38 tops often need sleeve shortening
- Watch for torso length - too long causes bunching
For plus sizing:
- EU 38 typically falls before plus sizing
- European plus sizes start around 44-46
- Cut differs significantly - more room in bust/hips
My petite friend swears by Scandinavian brands for shorter torsos. Meanwhile, my curvier colleague avoids French brands entirely - their size 38 tends narrower in hips.
Historical Context of Size 38
This might surprise you - size standardization attempts began during WWII for military uniforms. Post-war, commercial sizing systems diverged wildly. Why?
In Europe, the numbering system developed differently. Size 38 corresponded to approximately 38 decimeters (about 96cm) bust measurement. But as vanity sizing grew...
By the 1990s, a size 38 in fast fashion brands measured larger than traditional 38s. I found vintage 1980s size 38 dresses in my grandma's attic that fit like modern 34s. Proof sizing inflation exists.
Today's size 38 spans such variation that without measurements, it's nearly meaningless. Brands intentionally size differently to build customer loyalty. Frustrating for shoppers but great for business.
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