Size L in numbers
Updated: 14 July 2026
In women's clothing, size L is European size 40. In the UK that is 12, in the US 8. The guide value behind it is 92 cm (36.2 in) bust.
L in numbers and country sizes
| EU / DE | International | UK | US | FR | IT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | S | 8 | 4 | 38 | 42 |
| 38 | M | 10 | 6 | 40 | 44 |
| 40 | L | 12 | 8 | 42 | 46 |
| 42 | XL | 14 | 10 | 44 | 48 |
| 44 | XXL | 16 | 12 | 46 | 50 |
L maps to exactly one European number, 40. Letter sizes are still a coarser grid than numbers, because every brand draws the boundaries a little differently.
The measurements behind L
| EU / DE | International | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Guide values for L: 92 cm (36.2 in) bust, 76 cm (29.9 in) waist and 100 cm (39.4 in) hips.
How to measure yourself
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.
The sizes either side
Below it sits M (European size 38), above it XL (European size 42). If you land between two letters, the number sizes help: they are a finer grid.
Common questions
What clothing size is L?
European size 40. In the UK 12, in the US 8.
What measurements does size L have?
As guide values 92 cm (36.2 in) bust, 76 cm (29.9 in) waist and 100 cm (39.4 in) hips.
Why does L fit differently at every brand?
Letter sizes bundle several number sizes together and every brand draws the boundary somewhere else. Go by your own measurements and the size chart of the brand.