Size L in ready-to-wear does not refer to a single measurement. Depending on the country of manufacture, the brand, and the type of clothing, the letter L covers measurements that can sometimes differ by several centimeters. Understanding what this letter signifies requires distinguishing the sizing references and knowing how to take one’s own measurements accurately.
Size discrepancies between brands: why the letter L is not standardized
No international organization mandates that textile brands maintain a fixed correspondence between letters (S, M, L, XL) and measurements in centimeters. The European standards EN 13402 propose a system of dimensional pictograms, but their adoption remains voluntary. In practice, each brand bases its sizing on its target clientele, resulting in notable differences from one manufacturer to another.
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We regularly observe that some brands label L which corresponds elsewhere to an M, or even an XL. This phenomenon, often referred to as vanity sizing, involves flattering the customer by assigning a letter that is lower than the actual measurements. It is particularly common among American brands and in the fast fashion segment.
To find out what size corresponds to the letter L, one must always refer to the size chart specific to each brand rather than relying solely on the letter. An L at Kiabi, an L at Zara, and an L at a Korean brand will cover different centimeter ranges.
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Women’s size L: measurements and French equivalents
For women’s clothing, size L generally corresponds to French sizes 40 and 42. This dual correspondence is the main source of confusion. An L actually covers a range, not a fixed point.
Tops, jackets, and blouses for women
Based on the most common size charts in France:
- Chest measurement: approximately 90 to 98 cm (French size 40 to 42)
- Waist measurement: 70 to 78 cm
- In US sizes, women’s L often corresponds to an 8 or 10
Pants, skirts, and dresses for women
For the lower body, hip measurement becomes the determining factor:
- Hip measurement: 96 to 104 cm
- Waist measurement: 70 to 78 cm
- In UK sizes, this generally equates to a 12 or 14
Note that several brands now indicate L sizes that “run large” and sometimes cover the equivalent of a 42-44 without changing the designation. The women’s L is gradually stretching towards larger sizes, making accurate measurements even more necessary.
Men’s size L: measurement chart
Men’s L is positioned differently. Discrepancies between brands also exist, but the range remains a bit more stable due to a longer tradition of sizing in men’s clothing.
| Measurement | Men’s size L (common values) | French equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Chest measurement | 100 to 108 cm | 50 to 52 |
| Waist measurement | 84 to 92 cm | 42 to 44 (pants) |
| Hip measurement | 100 to 106 cm | – |
In American sizing, men’s L often corresponds to a 40 to 42 US for tops. For pants, the conversion goes through the waist measurement in inches (33 to 36 inches depending on the brands).
International sizes and country-by-country equivalents
The letters S, M, L do not mean the same thing depending on the country of origin of the garment. Here are the main divergences to be aware of.
Continental Europe versus Anglo-Saxon sizing
French, Italian, and German sizes use different numerical systems. A French L (40-42) does not correspond to an Italian L, which is rather around 46-48 in the transalpine system. The German sizing, however, aligns more closely with the French for women but diverges for men.
The classic trap concerns online purchases from Asian brands, where sizing is often shifted down by one to two sizes. A Korean or Japanese L is closer to a European M or even S, depending on the categories of clothing.
Special case of denim and pants
For denim, American brands express size in inches (waist/length). L does not appear directly: one must convert their waist measurement into inches. A waist measurement of 84 cm corresponds to about 33 inches, placing the wearer in the L zone for most charts.
Taking measurements correctly to choose size L
The only reliable method remains taking measurements on the body, with a soft measuring tape, without tightening. Three measurements are sufficient to cover almost all size charts:
The chest measurement is taken horizontally, at the fullest part of the chest. The waist measurement is taken at the natural dip, above the navel. The hip measurement is taken at the widest part of the hips.
In case of hesitation between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for structured garments (jackets, blazers) and the smaller size for knit or jersey pieces, which offer more elasticity.
Sizing issues represent a real cost for online commerce. The concept of “Sizing Tax” refers to this loss related to abandoned carts and returns caused by uncertainty about size correspondences. Consulting the specific size guide for each brand before purchase remains the most effective reflex to avoid unpleasant surprises, whether ordering an L or any other size.