Size XL in numbers
Updated: 14 July 2026
In women's clothing, size XL is European size 42. In the UK that is 14, in the US 10. The guide value behind it is 96 cm (37.8 in) bust.
XL in numbers and country sizes
| EU / DE | International | UK | US | FR | IT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | M | 10 | 6 | 40 | 44 |
| 40 | L | 12 | 8 | 42 | 46 |
| 42 | XL | 14 | 10 | 44 | 48 |
| 44 | XXL | 16 | 12 | 46 | 50 |
| 46 | XXL | 18 | 14 | 48 | 52 |
XL maps to exactly one European number, 42. Letter sizes are still a coarser grid than numbers, because every brand draws the boundaries a little differently.
The measurements behind XL
| EU / DE | International | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Guide values for XL: 96 cm (37.8 in) bust, 80 cm (31.5 in) waist and 104 cm (40.9 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 L (European size 40), above it XXL (European size 44). If you land between two letters, the number sizes help: they are a finer grid.
Common questions
What clothing size is XL?
European size 42. In the UK 14, in the US 10.
What measurements does size XL have?
As guide values 96 cm (37.8 in) bust, 80 cm (31.5 in) waist and 104 cm (40.9 in) hips.
Why does XL 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.