US Trends

what size is 38 in us clothing

Size 38 in clothing usually corresponds to a small/medium in U.S. sizes for women and about a medium in U.S. sizes for men, but it depends on whether it’s an EU size, chest size, or waist size measurement.

Quick Scoop

1. Common meanings of “38” in US clothing

  • EU women’s size 38 → approx. US women’s size 6–8 (small/medium). This is a typical conversion many size charts use when matching EU to US dress/top sizes.
  • Men’s waist 38 (pants/jeans) → US men’s size 38, usually labeled L or XL depending on brand. A 38-inch waist is often treated as a large in many US brands.
  • Men’s chest 38 (suits/jackets) → US men’s 38R jacket , which is usually a small/medium depending on the brand’s chart.

Think of “38” as a number that can point to a different place on the size map depending on what part of the body or which country’s system you’re looking at.

2. How to tell which “38” you have

Ask yourself:

  1. Is it coming from a European brand?
    • If yes and it just says “38”, it’s probably EU size 38 , which is close to US women’s 6–8 or US men’s S–M depending on the category.
  1. Is it on men’s jeans or trousers?
    • Then “38” is almost always waist in inches → US 38 (large waist).
  1. Is it on a suit jacket or blazer?
    • Then “38” is usually chest in inches → US 38R , a smaller men’s jacket size.

3. Simple reference table (conceptual)

Because charts vary by brand, treat this as a general guide, not a strict rule.

html

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Label “38” Type</th>
    <th>Typical US Size</th>
    <th>Notes</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>EU Women’s 38</td>
    <td>US Women’s 6–8</td>
    <td>Often small/medium; check bust/waist/hip chart.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Men’s Pants 38</td>
    <td>US 38 (waist in inches)</td>
    <td>Usually large; sometimes labeled L–XL.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Men’s Jacket 38</td>
    <td>US 38R</td>
    <td>Chest in inches; often a smaller men’s size.</td>
  </tr>
</table>

4. Quick fit tip

Since brands in 2026 still vary a lot in how they cut their clothes, the safest move is:

  • Check whether “38” is tied to EU sizing or to inch measurements on the size chart for that specific brand.
  • Compare your actual body measurements (bust/chest, waist, hips) to the brand’s chart rather than relying on the number alone.

TL;DR:

  • EU 38 ≈ US women’s 6–8 or men’s S–M.
  • Pants 38 = 38-inch waist (men’s).
  • Jacket 38 = 38-inch chest (men’s).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.