What Is Size 42 in UK Clothes – Men, Women & Plus-Size Guide
EU size 42 appears on countless clothing labels, but what it means in UK sizing depends on whether you are shopping for men’s, women’s, or plus-size garments. The conversion is not always straightforward because sizing systems use different measurement bases. This guide explains what size 42 equates to in UK clothes, drawing on charts from major retailers and established conversion references.
Shoppers often encounter EU 42 on items bought online or in European brands and need to know which UK size corresponds. The short answer is that women’s EU 42 is typically a UK 14, while men’s EU 42 is usually a UK XL based on chest measurement. However, brand variation, garment type, and the difference between straight and plus-size ranges all affect the final fit.
Below we cover the conversions for men, women, and plus-size categories, provide a general EU–UK chart, and explain the reasoning behind the numbers.
What is Size 42 in UK Clothes for Men?
For men, EU clothing sizes are based on chest circumference in centimetres. A men’s EU 42 corresponds to a chest measurement of roughly 104–109 cm, which is equivalent to a UK XL (42–44 inch chest). The conversion is not a dress-size number as it is for women; instead, UK men’s sizing uses alpha labels (S, M, L, XL) or chest inches.
Quick Reference: Size 42 in UK Clothes
| Women’s | UK 14 (typically) | Bust 97–99 cm, Waist 79–81 cm, Hip 103 cm |
| Men’s | UK XL (typically) | Chest 104–109 cm |
| Plus Size (Women’s) | UK 14 (borderline) / sometimes 16 | Depends on brand; check measurements |
| Alpha Size | L/XL for women, XL for men | Varies by garment type |
- EU size 42 typically converts to UK 14 for women and UK XL for men, but this is not universal.
- Plus size categorisation: EU 42 is often the lower end of plus size in UK (14–16), but many brands consider UK 14 straight size.
- Conversion tables (like John Lewis) show EU 42 = XL for both genders, but actual body measurements matter more.
- Neighbouring sizes (38, 40, 44) follow a consistent pattern: EU 38 = UK 10, EU 40 = UK 12, EU 44 = UK 16 (women’s).
- The biggest source of confusion is brand variation – always check individual brand size charts.
| Measure | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| EU Size | 42 | 42 |
| UK Size | 14 | XL |
| Bust/Chest (cm) | 97–99 | 104–109 |
| Waist (cm) | 79–81 | 89–94 |
| Hip (cm) – Women | 103 | n/a |
What is Size 42 in UK Clothes for Women?
In women’s clothing, EU 42 is most commonly listed as UK 14. This conversion appears in the size charts of major retailers such as ASOS and John Lewis. The UK women’s dress-size scale runs 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, etc., and an increase of one UK size corresponds to a 2‑centimetre increase in bust and hip measurements.
What dress size is EU 42 in UK?
EU 42 is UK 14. This is confirmed by Laughing Hens’ conversion chart and the tables used by ASOS and John Lewis. The US equivalent is around a US 10.
What is size 40 in UK clothes for women?
EU 40 converts to UK 12, and EU 44 to UK 16. This steady pattern makes it easier to estimate intermediate or higher sizes once you know the baseline for 42.
Even reputable stores may differ slightly. For example, Komodo’s size guide lists EU 42 as UK 14 with a chest fit of 97–99 cm, which aligns with ASOS and John Lewis. However, some brands label a true UK 16 as a 14 (vanity sizing), so measurements remain more reliable than the number alone.
What is Size 42 in UK Plus Size Clothing?
The plus-size category in the UK typically starts at UK 18 (EU 46). EU 42 (UK 14) sits below that threshold in the charts provided by ASOS, Laughing Hens, and John Lewis. Nevertheless, a small number of brands consider UK 14 the beginning of their extended range – especially if they cater to fuller figures. It is safest to treat EU 42 as a standard straight size unless a retailer explicitly marks it as plus.
Is EU 42 considered plus size in the UK?
According to the cited sources, no. The plus-size numeric conversions begin at EU 46 = UK 18. EU 42 is not included in the plus-size tables from Dutch Label Shop or the other retailers.
What size is 42 in UK plus size women?
If a brand does include EU 42 in its plus range, it is usually labelled UK 14 or occasionally UK 16. This ambiguity means you should always compare the garment’s actual waist, hip, and bust measurements with your own.
UK to EU Clothing Size Conversion Chart
The table below provides a general conversion between UK women’s and men’s sizes and their EU equivalents, based on standard retail charts. Always note that these are approximate and may shift by one size depending on the brand or garment.
| UK Women’s | EU Women’s | UK Men’s (Alpha) | EU Men’s (Chest cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 38 | M | 96–101 |
| 12 | 40 | L | 101–106 |
| 14 | 42 | XL | 106–111 |
| 16 | 44 | XXL | 111–116 |
| 18 | 46 | 3XL | 116–121 |
EU sizing uses centimetres for body dimensions; UK women’s sizing uses an arbitrary numeric scale and UK men’s sizing often uses inches for chest. Because these systems are not directly compatible, the same EU number can produce different fits across brands. Always rely on the retailer’s specific measurement guide.
What About Other Common EU Sizes? (36, 38, 40, 44)
Understanding the pattern for neighbouring sizes helps put EU 42 in context. For women, each step of two EU numbers equals one UK dress size. EU 36 = UK 8, EU 38 = UK 10, EU 40 = UK 12, EU 42 = UK 14, EU 44 = UK 16. For men, EU 36–44 correspond to alpha sizes S through XXL, each mapping to a chest‑inch range as shown in the general chart above.
How UK Sizing Standards Evolved
- Pre‑1970s: UK sizing was based on age (e.g., size 12 for age 12) – no longer used.
- 1980s–1990s: British Standards published BS 3666 for women’s sizing, aligning with European numeric systems.
- 2000s: EU harmonisation led to widespread adoption of EU numeric sizes, but UK brands still label with both.
- Present: Many online retailers provide conversion charts, but no single standard exists across brands.
Certainty vs. Uncertainty – Why Sizing Varies
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| EU 42 corresponds to UK 14 in most mainstream women’s brands (e.g., ASOS, John Lewis). | Plus size definitions: Some brands start plus at UK 14, others at UK 16 – EU 42 falls into grey area. |
| For men, EU 42 is almost always labelled as UK XL (often 42–44 inch chest). | Garment type matters: Dresses, trousers, and tops may size differently even within same brand. |
| Vanity sizing: Some brands inflate UK sizes (e.g., label a true UK 16 as 14), so size 42 may fit differently. Always refer to specific brand size charts and measure yourself for accurate fit. | |
Analysis: The Logic Behind Size 42 Conversion
EU sizing uses body measurements in centimetres (often bust/chest), while UK sizing for women uses an arbitrary numeric scale (8, 10, 12, 14…) that roughly increments by 2 for each size. For men, UK sizing often relies on chest inches (e.g., 38, 40, 42). The conversion is not exact because EU sizes are based on metric while UK sizing still uses imperial for men and arbitrary numbers for women. Online conversion charts (ASOS, John Lewis) standardise these by matching common measurements, but brand interpretation remains key. For more on dressing well for events, see our Mother of the Groom Outfits – UK Guide for Over 50s 2025.
Sources & Quotes
“View our women’s size charts to get the perfect fit at ASOS. Learn how to take measurements…”
– ASOS Women’s Size Charts
“Clothing sizes: EU 42 = XL (both men and women)”
– John Lewis International Size Chart
“SIZE 4 / UK14 / EUR 42 – To fit: Chest 97-99cm / Waist 79-81cm / Hip 103cm”
– Komodo Size Guide
What’s Next? Get the Perfect Fit
To avoid order mistakes, measure your bust/chest, waist, and hips against the specific brand’s size chart. Read customer reviews for fit feedback, and when in doubt, order two neighbouring sizes if free returns are available. For more guidance on coordinating outfits, see our Autumn Wedding Guest Dresses – Best 2025 UK Guide for Over 50s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UK and EU clothing sizes?
UK women’s sizes use a different numeric scale (e.g., 8, 10, 12) that doesn’t directly match EU numbers. Men’s UK sizes are often in inches for chest measurement, while EU uses centimetres.
How do UK sizes compare to US sizes?
Typically, US women’s sizes are 2 numbers larger than UK (e.g., US 10 = UK 14). For men, US and UK sizes are the same.
What is the best way to convert clothing sizes?
Use a reliable conversion chart (like John Lewis or ASOS) and always check the brand’s specific measurements.
Why do some brands fit differently for size 42?
Vanity sizing, target audience, and manufacturing standards cause variation. Always refer to the brand’s size guide.
More related posts
Milky Way Crispy Rolls – Buying Guide and Key Facts
India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Stats – Head-to-Head Records 1952-2026
Lola Petticrew – Biography, Films, and Personal Life
Royal Family Latest News Today – April 22 Key Updates
Jack Doohan – Alpine Driver, F2 Vice-Champion and 2025 Plans
East Midlands Airport Lounge – Access, Prices and Booking Guide
Whooping Cough in Adults – Symptoms, Treatment, Duration
160cm in Feet and Inches – Exact Conversion and Height Guide
