Figuring out the right size for your clothes these days is like solving a meticulous crime. You may be sitting on an online shopping spree, or maybe on the racks in a store, and suddenly you see Size 38.
Looks easy, right? And then, your brain detonates with questions. Is that a UK size? Maybe it is European. Is that for men or women? So and so on.
So, if you have ever been stuck in such confusion, well, you are not the only one in this mess.
The fact is that clothing sizes can become incredibly frustrating when you are trying to get something on short order or from an international brand.
But don’t worry because we are going to unravel it all in really straightforward, no-nonsense English, so you will never have to guess again when you go out to shop for yourself or your loved one.
What Even is Size 38?
Here’s the deal, my friend. Size 38 does not translate into one same thing. It can change quite a lot as to whether it is a man’s size or a woman’s size and in which country’s system it is being counted.
And that is why this is precisely where the context is very crucial. So let me walk through this grand explanation in a way that you really understand perfectly.
Here we go:
For Men
This one’s for you guys. Size 38, the majority of times refers to the chest size in inches when you see this number on a jacket or blazer in the UK. So, if your chest is round, somewhere in range, then that’s your size.
Pretty easy to understand, right?
This procedure is all about when you are looking for formal wear such as suits, blazers, or tailored coats.
So, if you have are looking at a razor-sharp suit and you see the label UK 38 on it, then that means it is talking to a person who has a 38-inch chest.
Casual clothes like t-shirts, hoodies, or jeans get a little laxer. Brands will generally go for small, medium, or large, or they will go for waist sizes.
Simply put: A size 38 UK jacket should fit you perfectly if you are a man with a 38-inch chest.
For Women
What makes the determination of size 38 fairly complex is the fact that this would be just about a European size for a dress, top, or pair of jeans for women, as opposed to a UK size.
Size 38 is one of the more ordinary women’s sizes in Europe, whereas the UK uses a different numbering system altogether. So, what does EU 38 translate into a UK size?
Drumroll, please.
An EU Size 38 equals a UK Size 10.
In other words, while shopping online at European retailers such as Zara, H and M, or Mango, if you spot a size 38, it is most likely fitted into a UK size 10.
This happens to be the standard size that falls right in the middle of the size range for most women’s clothing.
Remember, with half a size, a shift might feel a little more snug, depending on the cut or fabric and the style of the clothing.
So, dear ladies, if you’re used to wearing a UK 10, and you see a European 38, take it. That’s your size.
Why is Sizing So Complicated?
Picture this. If you have ever tried one size in one store and another in another store, then something boils down to fitting one like a glove while the other makes you feel like a stuffed sausage.
Then I am afraid you are not imagining things at all. Sizes of clothes do differ from one brand to another and even, sometimes, within the same brand.
So what the hell is going on here, you wonder?
The first reality check for you is that there is no universal rulebook for clothing in the fashion world.
Some even designed their character for a tighter fit, while to the other end of the spectrum, they are designing their styles on baggier, oversized styles.
Other companies simply make body shapes different from the rest of the countries in terms of their markets for sales.
And then there is that endless international thing. What might be medium in the UK could be large in Japan.
It is truly a Wild West out here. That is why understanding what size 38 is will require you to do a bit of detective work.
A Quick Recap Without All The Techy Stuff
Just to be on the safe side, let’s rewind everything and break it down so that it is easily remembered:
- For Men: if you see that size 38, then it is an indication that one should possess a 38-inch chest measurement.
- For Women: If the label says size 38, it means that it is a European size, which is, by default, equal to the UK’s size 10.
Remember, always check the sizing from the brand if you ever get confused, as this will save you a lot of time and money and a return trip to the post office.
A Few Pro Tips So You Never Have to Guess Again
But let’s be real here. You are still going to get confused, and this will not go away any time soon.
So, here are some really helpful bits of advice that will surely make things go much smoother for you.
Take a look:
- Take a Measurement of Yourself
Oh, for heaven’s sake, please buy yourself a tape measure. Knowing your measurements for your chest, waist, and hips helps a great deal in determining the correct size. This is far more useful, especially when it comes to online shopping.
Then, shoot a picture or write it on your phone to refer back to later.
- Know Where the Product Comes From
If it’s a European brand like Zara or Mango, it’s safe to assume you’ll be seeing EU sizing. Size 38 in EU is basically UK 10, and if this is a UK brand, it’ll be just 10 or 12, etc.
- Don’t Just Trust The Numbers Alone
Now, go check the reviews and see how the clothing fits. Some people will usually comment on running a particular item, small or large. After all, the number is just a standard; fitting the garment onto your body is the real deal.
- When in Doubt, Just Size Up
Not a definite rule, but if you find yourself in between sizes and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to return it easily or at all, sometimes it’ll be wiser to size up, and after all, you can always take it in later.
Final Thoughts: So Should You Buy That Size 38?
If you fit right in, then go for it. That’s my final answer to you. The fashion world will always try its attempts to confuse us with its never-ending size numbers, codes, and conversions, but you’ve got this.
Now that you know what Size 38 means, you can shop confidently, whether you are perusing a boutique in London or scrolling through an online store of a European label.
And remember, the best size for you is the one in which you feel great about yourself. Labels help, of course, but they don’t tell the whole story. So always trust how comfortable you are when you wear something.
Because in the end, that is what truly matters.
Happy shopping.
FAQs
Q: What will size 38 be for women in the UK?
A: It is size 10.
Q: What size 38 will be in men’s jackets or suits?
A: It means the one should have a chest size of 38.
Q: Are the sizes the same in the UK and EU?
A: No, they are both completely different systems, so always double-check before buying.
