Size Guide
Understanding Clothing Sizes at BrowseBuy
At BrowseBuy, we understand that navigating clothing sizes can be challenging, especially when items come from different countries with varying sizing standards. This comprehensive size guide is designed to help our South African customers understand international sizing and find their perfect fit, using the metric system as our standard of measurement.
How to Measure Yourself
For the most accurate sizing, we recommend taking your measurements before shopping. Here’s how to measure yourself correctly:
For Women’s Clothing:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the measuring tape horizontal.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is the narrowest part of your torso.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, approximately 20cm below your waistline.
For Baby Clothing:
- Height: Measure from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet while lying flat.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest.
- Waist: Measure around the natural waistline.
All measurements should be taken in centimeters (cm) for the most accurate size determination.
Women’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart
Dress, Top, and Jacket Sizes
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South Africa | UK | US | EU | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 (XXS) | 4 | 0 | 32 | 74-76 | 56-58 | 84-86 |
30 (XS) | 6 | 2 | 34 | 79-81 | 61-63 | 89-91 |
32 (S) | 8 | 4 | 36 | 84-86 | 66-68 | 94-96 |
34 (S) | 10 | 6 | 38 | 89-91 | 71-73 | 99-101 |
36 (M) | 12 | 8 | 40 | 94-96 | 76-78 | 104-106 |
38 (M) | 14 | 10 | 42 | 99-101 | 81-83 | 109-111 |
40 (L) | 16 | 12 | 44 | 104-106 | 86-88 | 114-116 |
42 (L) | 18 | 14 | 46 | 109-111 | 91-93 | 119-121 |
44 (XL) | 20 | 16 | 48 | 114-116 | 96-98 | 124-126 |
46 (XXL) | 22 | 18 | 50 | 119-121 | 101-103 | 129-131 |
Trouser and Skirt Sizes
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South Africa | UK | US | EU | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 (XXS) | 4 | 0 | 32 | 56-58 | 84-86 |
30 (XS) | 6 | 2 | 34 | 61-63 | 89-91 |
32 (S) | 8 | 4 | 36 | 66-68 | 94-96 |
34 (S) | 10 | 6 | 38 | 71-73 | 99-101 |
36 (M) | 12 | 8 | 40 | 76-78 | 104-106 |
38 (M) | 14 | 10 | 42 | 81-83 | 109-111 |
40 (L) | 16 | 12 | 44 | 86-88 | 114-116 |
42 (L) | 18 | 14 | 46 | 91-93 | 119-121 |
44 (XL) | 20 | 16 | 48 | 96-98 | 124-126 |
46 (XXL) | 22 | 18 | 50 | 101-103 | 129-131 |
Women’s Shoe Sizes
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South Africa | UK | US | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 3 | 5.5 | 35 | 22 |
3.5 | 3.5 | 6 | 36 | 22.5 |
4 | 4 | 6.5 | 36.5 | 23 |
4.5 | 4.5 | 7 | 37 | 23.5 |
5 | 5 | 7.5 | 38 | 24 |
5.5 | 5.5 | 8 | 38.5 | 24.5 |
6 | 6 | 8.5 | 39 | 25 |
6.5 | 6.5 | 9 | 40 | 25.5 |
7 | 7 | 9.5 | 41 | 26 |
8 | 8 | 10.5 | 42 | 26.5 |
Baby Clothing Size Conversion Chart
By Age and Measurements
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Age | South Africa | UK | US | EU | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Newborn | NB | NB | NB | 50 | 44-56 | 42 | 42 |
0-3 months | 0-3m | 0-3m | 0-3m | 56 | 56-62 | 43 | 43 |
3-6 months | 3-6m | 3-6m | 3-6m | 62 | 62-68 | 45 | 44 |
6-12 months | 6-12m | 6-12m | 6-12m | 74 | 68-80 | 47 | 45 |
12-18 months | 12-18m | 12-18m | 12-18m | 80 | 80-86 | 49 | 46 |
18-24 months | 18-24m | 18-24m | 18-24m | 86 | 86-92 | 51 | 47 |
Understanding International Sizing Differences
South African vs. International Sizing
South African sizing generally follows the UK sizing system, which means a South African size 32 is equivalent to a UK size 8. However, there are some key differences to be aware of:
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•US Sizing: US sizes are typically 4 sizes smaller than South African sizes (e.g., SA 36 = US 8)
•EU Sizing: European sizes are typically 4 sizes larger than South African sizes (e.g., SA 36 = EU 40)
•Australian Sizing: Australian sizes are generally the same as South African/UK sizes
Brand Variations
Please note that sizing can vary significantly between brands. Some international brands may run smaller or larger than the standard South African sizing. When in doubt, always refer to the specific measurements provided for each item in our listings.
Common South African Brands and Their Sizing
South African brands generally follow the standard SA sizing system, but there can be variations:
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- Woolworths: True to size, follows standard SA sizing
- Truworths: May run slightly smaller than standard SA sizing
- Foschini: Generally true to size
- Country Road: True to size, follows standard SA/Australian sizing
- Cotton On: May run slightly smaller than standard SA sizing
- H&M: Often runs smaller than standard SA sizing, consider sizing up
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Fit
- Always check measurements: When shopping pre-loved items, check the specific measurements provided in each listing rather than relying solely on the size label.
- Consider the brand: Different brands have different sizing standards. If you’re familiar with how a specific brand fits you, use that as a guide.
- Look at the garment’s country of origin: Clothing manufactured in different countries may follow different sizing standards.
- Check fabric composition: Some fabrics have more stretch than others, which can affect the fit.
- When in doubt, size up: It’s often easier to take in a garment that’s too large than to let out one that’s too small.
How We Measure Items at BrowseBuy
To ensure accuracy, we measure all our items as follows:
For Tops and Dresses:
- Bust: Measured flat across the chest from armpit to armpit, then doubled
- Length: Measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem
- Sleeve: Measured from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve
For Bottoms:
- Waist: Measured flat across the top of the waistband, then doubled
- Hip: Measured flat across the widest part of the hip/seat area, then doubled
- Inseam: Measured from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg
- Rise: Measured from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband
All measurements are provided in centimeters (cm) for precision and consistency.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about sizing or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Email: info@browsebuy.co.za
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