Italian Size to UK Size Conversion Table
| Italian Size (IT) | UK Size (UK) | Reference Benchmark | Formula Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 IT | 4 UK | Petite Savile Row silk faille cocktail dress | UK = 40 − 36 = 4 |
| 42 IT | 6 UK | Fitted British equestrian tailored blazer | UK = 42 − 36 = 6 |
| 44 IT | 8 UK | Printed floral cotton lawn garden party dress | UK = 44 − 36 = 8 |
| 46 IT | 10 UK | Double-breasted weatherproof city trench coat | UK = 46 − 36 = 10 |
| 48 IT | 12 UK | Scottish highland cashmere crewneck knitwear | UK = 48 − 36 = 12 |
| 50 IT | 14 UK | Tailored wool tweed country overcoat | UK = 50 − 36 = 14 |
| 52 IT | 16 UK | Structured British corporate trousers & blazer | UK = 52 − 36 = 16 |
| 54 IT | 18 UK | Draped satin formal evening gala ballgown | UK = 54 − 36 = 18 |
| 56 IT | 20 UK | Plus-fit English quilted countryside jacket | UK = 56 − 36 = 20 |
| 58 IT | 22 UK | Tailored British fine-wale corduroy trousers | UK = 58 − 36 = 22 |
| 60 IT | 24 UK | Heavyweight stormproof waxed utility parka | UK = 60 − 36 = 24 |
| 62 IT | 26 UK | Elegantly draped velvet evening caftan | UK = 62 − 36 = 26 |
| 64 IT | 28 UK | Insulated winter fleece-lined storm overcoat | UK = 64 − 36 = 28 |
| 66 IT | 30 UK | Bespoke Mayfair velvet dinner tuxedo | UK = 66 − 36 = 30 |
| 68 IT | 32 UK | Hand-embroidered luxury gala couture dress | UK = 68 − 36 = 32 |
| 70 IT | 34 UK | Atelier ceremonial embroidered evening robe | UK = 70 − 36 = 34 |
Italian Size to UK Size Formula & Unit Definitions
Because both the Italian and British garment sizing systems increment in consistent 4 cm (or 2-inch) body circumference intervals, the mathematical relationship is an exact integer subtraction: UK = IT − 36.
Quick Estimation: Simply subtract 36 from your Italian size to determine your British dress size. For example, an IT 42 is a UK 6, an IT 44 is a UK 8, and an IT 46 is a UK 10.
Italian Size (IT)
Source Standard- Standardized across Italian luxury fashion ateliers and ready-to-wear designers.
- Numbered on an even scale starting from IT 38 through IT 52 to extended sizes.
- Tailored with narrow shoulder spans, high armholes, and sculpted waist contours.
UK Size (UK)
Target Standard- Standardized under British Standards Institution BS 3666 specifications.
- Graded on an even scale offset 36 sizes below Italian sizing (IT 46 equates to UK 10).
- Garments feature structured shoulders, tailored chest suppression, and moderate waist ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How do you convert Italian clothing size to UK size?
Subtract 36 from your Italian size. For example, an IT 44 is a UK 8, and an IT 46 is a UK 10. To convert in the opposite direction, consult our UK to IT clothing converter.
Q.What is the formula for converting Italian to UK clothing sizes?
The official formula is UK = IT − 36. It translates the Italian apparel numbering system into the British BS 3666 standard.
Q.What is an Italian size 44 in UK clothing?
An Italian size 44 corresponds to a UK size 8 (44 − 36 = 8). In British fashion retail, this represents a standard Small.
Q.Do Italian clothes fit smaller than UK clothes?
Yes. Italian designer patterns are cut with higher armholes, narrower shoulders, and a tighter bust and waist silhouette than British ready-to-wear.
Q.What is an Italian size 44 in UK?
Italian size 44 converts directly to UK size 8 using the exact formula UK = IT − 36. This applies to women's dresses, suits, and coats following the BS 3666 British standard.
Q.What is an Italian size 40 in UK?
Italian size 40 equals UK size 4 (40 − 36 = 4). It is typically the smallest standard ready-to-wear size across Milanese fashion houses.
Q.Do Italian luxury brands run small compared to UK sizing?
The numerical offset is a constant 36, but many Italian luxury houses (e.g., Versace, Dolce & Gabbana) cut slimmer through the waist with narrow shoulders and high armholes. If you are between sizes, sizing up is often the safer choice for structured garments.
Q.Does the IT to UK conversion work for men's clothing?
No. Men's Italian suits and jackets use a different system based on chest measurements in centimeters (usually 46–60), while UK men's jackets use inches. A separate conversion chart is needed for menswear.