French sizes in EU
Updated: 14 July 2026
FR 42 is European size 40. The rule behind it is simple: FR is EU plus 2. The chart lists every women's size from EU 32 to 54, with the bust measurement as a guide value.
FR and European sizes side by side
| FR | EU / DE | International | UK | Bust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 32 | XXS | 4 | 76 cm |
| 36 | 34 | XS | 6 | 80 cm |
| 38 | 36 | S | 8 | 84 cm |
| 40 | 38 | M | 10 | 88 cm |
| 42 | 40 | L | 12 | 92 cm |
| 44 | 42 | XL | 14 | 96 cm |
| 46 | 44 | XXL | 16 | 100 cm |
| 48 | 46 | XXL | 18 | 104 cm |
| 50 | 48 | 3XL | 20 | 110 cm |
| 52 | 50 | 3XL | 22 | 116 cm |
| 54 | 52 | 4XL | 24 | 122 cm |
| 56 | 54 | 4XL | 26 | 128 cm |
The calculation
The offset is the same across the whole chart: FR is EU plus 2. Both scales run in steps of two, so nothing drifts at the top or the bottom.
That holds for the numbering, not for the cut. How a garment sits is up to the brand. The numbers only tell you which row to look at.
Measurements instead of numbers
| EU / DE | International | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | XXS | 76 cm / 29.9 in | 60 cm / 23.6 in | 84 cm / 33.1 in |
| 34 | XS | 80 cm / 31.5 in | 64 cm / 25.2 in | 88 cm / 34.6 in |
| 36 | S | 84 cm / 33.1 in | 68 cm / 26.8 in | 92 cm / 36.2 in |
| 38 | M | 88 cm / 34.6 in | 72 cm / 28.3 in | 96 cm / 37.8 in |
| 40 | L | 92 cm / 36.2 in | 76 cm / 29.9 in | 100 cm / 39.4 in |
| 42 | XL | 96 cm / 37.8 in | 80 cm / 31.5 in | 104 cm / 40.9 in |
| 44 | XXL | 100 cm / 39.4 in | 84 cm / 33.1 in | 108 cm / 42.5 in |
| 46 | XXL | 104 cm / 40.9 in | 88 cm / 34.6 in | 112 cm / 44.1 in |
| 48 | 3XL | 110 cm / 43.3 in | 94 cm / 37 in | 118 cm / 46.5 in |
| 50 | 3XL | 116 cm / 45.7 in | 100 cm / 39.4 in | 124 cm / 48.8 in |
| 52 | 4XL | 122 cm / 48 in | 106 cm / 41.7 in | 130 cm / 51.2 in |
| 54 | 4XL | 128 cm / 50.4 in | 112 cm / 44.1 in | 136 cm / 53.5 in |
Measure in your underwear with a soft tape. Three measurements are enough:
- Bust: around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back.
- Waist: around the narrowest part, usually a hand width above your navel.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your seat.
Keep the tape snug but not tight. The values in the chart are guide values, not a promise. If you fall between two sizes, go by your bust for tops and by your hips for trousers and skirts.
Common questions
What is French size 40 in EU sizes?
FR 40 is European size 38.
How do I convert French sizes?
Subtract 2 from the French number. FR 42 becomes EU 40.
Why is France only 2 numbers above the rest of Europe?
Both scales run in steps of two, the French one simply starts one step higher. The offset stays constant across the whole chart.