Size Conversion Guide for Irish Clothing and Footwear

When you buy clothing or shoes in Ireland, size conversion, the process of matching different regional sizing systems like UK, EU, and US to find your true fit. Also known as size translation, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about making sure your jeans don’t ride up, your boots don’t pinch, and your jacket actually zips. Irish shoppers know this well. You order a medium online, it arrives too tight, and you’re stuck with a return label. Why? Because a size 10 in the UK isn’t the same as a size 40 in the EU, and neither matches a US size 6. And don’t get us started on shoes—what’s a UK 7 in men’s boots? That’s a EU 40.5, but only if the brand is consistent. Many Irish brands, like Clarks or Dunnes Stores, use UK sizing, but international brands like Nike or Adidas often list EU sizes first. That’s where UK clothing sizes, the standard measurement system used across Ireland and the UK for tops, pants, and dresses. Also known as British sizing, it’s the baseline most local retailers follow. comes in.

Then there’s shoe size Ireland, the specific foot length and width measurements that determine the right fit for walking, running, or just surviving Irish rain. Also known as Irish footwear sizing, it’s deeply tied to UK standards, but with a twist: Irish feet tend to be wider and longer due to genetics and terrain. A woman who wears a UK 5 in flats might need a UK 6 in boots because of the extra room needed for wool socks and damp insoles. Men’s sizes are even trickier—what fits in a Dublin store might be too narrow in a Galway outlet. That’s why EU to US size, the conversion between European and American shoe and clothing measurements. Also known as continental sizing, it’s a common headache when ordering from Amazon or ASOS. matters. A US men’s size 9 is a UK 8, which is a EU 42. But if the brand is Italian? It could be a 41.5. And if it’s a running shoe? That same size might be a 42.5 because of toe box space. Irish runners know this. They’ve learned to check the brand’s own size chart, not just the number on the tag. Same goes for kids’ clothes—sizes jump fast, and a 10-year-old in Ireland might wear a UK 10, but a US 8. No one wants to buy a winter coat that’s too small after Christmas.

It’s not just about numbers. Fit depends on fabric, cut, and purpose. A wool coat from an Irish brand will behave differently than a synthetic jacket from Asia. Running tights stretch. Denim shrinks. Dresses have different waist placements. That’s why the best size conversion tool isn’t a chart—it’s knowing your own body and the brand’s reputation. Look at reviews from other Irish customers. Did they say it ran small? Was the sleeve too long? Did the heel slip? Those details matter more than any generic size table. And if you’re unsure? Go for the brand that offers free returns. Most Irish online stores do. You don’t need to guess. You just need to know what to look for.

Below, you’ll find real questions from Irish shoppers—about what size to buy for hiking boots, whether a 12 in UK is the same as a 14 in US, why women’s jeans vary so much, and how to tell if a suit fits without trying it on. These aren’t theory questions. These are the kind of things people actually ask when they’ve been burned by bad sizing before. Let’s get you the right fit, once and for all.