Women's Shirt Size
Shirts are graded through the bust: measure it, cross-check the waist, and read your XS–3XL size with US, UK and EU conversions.
How to use
- Measure the fullest part of your bust with the tape level.
- Enter the measurement to highlight your row in the chart.
- Read your letter size and the US/UK/EU equivalents across the row.
Frequently asked questions
Which measurement matters most for a shirt or blouse?
Bust — shirts are cut and graded through the bust first. That is why this chart is bust-only: one measurement decides the row. For fitted styles, the shoulder and waist matter as tie-breakers a chart cannot see — a blouse that matches your bust but is cut for a much smaller waist will pull at the buttons.
Which letter covers which US size?
The bands follow the numeric grade with extra ease: XS = US 0–2, S = US 4–6, M = US 8–10, L = US 12–14, XL = US 16–18, XXL = US 20, 3XL = US 22–24 (UK = US + 4, EU = US + 30). Tops are graded on a shorter body with more room at the bust, which is why this scale extends to 3XL.
Shoulder width — do I need to measure it?
Not for choosing a size from this chart, but it is worth knowing: if shirts always feel tight across the upper back while the button gap is fine, your shoulders are broad for your bust and a size up (or a cut with raglan sleeves) solves it.
Why does the same bust measure one letter larger here than in the dress chart?
Ease. Shirts and blouses are cut with a few centimeters more allowance than structured dresses, and brands grade tops roomier. The bands here already include that ease — so a measured bust can land one letter up compared with a fitted dress row. That is expected, not an error.
How much ease is built into these bands?
A few centimeters beyond the top of each band — enough for movement and a light layer underneath. For a slim, tailored fit read the bottom of your band; for a relaxed fit read the top or go up one letter.
Are UK and EU numbers different?
The UK number is usually the US number + 4 and the EU number the US + 30 (US 8 ≈ UK 12 ≈ EU 38). Brands drift by a step here and there, so treat the highlighted row as a starting point and the brand’s own chart as the authority.