Imagine you order a jacket from a German or Dutch shop, and then the size menu shows 50, 52, 54 and 56 instead of M, L and XL. If you normally wear XXL, which number do you pick? European men’s sizes look strange at first, but they follow one neat rule, and once you know it, you can convert any label in seconds.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the EU number system works, where XXL falls on it, and why Italian, French and German brands don’t always agree.
How European Men’s Sizes Work
Most European men’s sizes for jackets, coats and shirts come from the German “Konfektionsgröße” system. The number is roughly half your chest circumference in centimeters. So a man with a 104 cm chest wears about a 52, and a man with a 120 cm chest wears about a 60.
Basically, that’s the whole trick. In short, measure your chest in centimeters, divide by two, and then round to the nearest even number. Also, because sizes go up in steps of two, each step adds about 4 cm (1.5 inches) around the chest.
European Men’s Sizes Chart: M to 3XL
The table below follows the double-size groups that German retailers such as bonprix and Lidl publish for men’s tops:
| EU size | Letter | Chest (cm) | Chest (in) | Nearest US chest size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 / 50 | M | 94 – 101 | 37 – 40 | 38 – 40 |
| 52 / 54 | L | 102 – 109 | 40 – 43 | 42 |
| 56 / 58 | XL | 110 – 117 | 43 – 46 | 44 – 46 |
| 60 / 62 | XXL | 118 – 125 | 46.5 – 49 | 48 |
| 64 / 66 | 3XL | 126 – 133 | 49.5 – 52 | 50 – 52 |
In other words, a European XXL is usually a 60 or 62. Conveniently, that lines up well with a US XXL, which typically fits a 48 to 50 inch chest. Our XS to XXL size chart shows the full US range for comparison.
What Size Is XXL in European Sizes?
Generally, for most German, Dutch and Scandinavian brands, XXL equals an EU 60 or 62. However, the answer shifts slightly by product:
- Jackets and blazers: here, XXL is usually 58 to 60, because tailoring has a little more ease built in.
- Shirts and T-shirts: meanwhile, XXL is usually 60 to 62.
- Coats: similarly, brands often size coats to fit over a jacket, so you can sometimes stay one size down.
So if a store only lists numbers, find your chest in centimeters first. Then use the European men’s sizes table, rather than guessing from your usual letter.
Converting US Suit Sizes to European Men’s Sizes
Suits, however, use their own shortcut. Generally, the European size equals the US or UK chest size plus 10. This means that a US 42R becomes an EU 52, a US 44 becomes a 54, and a US 48 becomes a 58.
| US / UK jacket | EU jacket | Typical letter |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 50 | M |
| 42 | 52 | L |
| 44 | 54 | L / XL |
| 46 | 56 | XL |
| 48 | 58 | XXL |
| 50 | 60 | XXL / 3XL |
For a deeper look at the “42” label, see our guide on what shirt size 42 means.
Short and Long Sizes in Europe
In addition, German retailers sell sizes for different heights, and the numbers look confusing until you know the pattern. For instance, short sizes are half the regular number, so a 27 is a short 54. Long sizes, on the other hand, use numbers around 98 to 114. Therefore, if you see a jacket labelled 106, it’s a tall fit, not a giant one.
Why Italian and French Brands Feel Smaller
Of course, the number system is shared, but the cut isn’t. Italian and French labels often design slimmer, shorter jackets. As a result, many men need to go up one size, for example from 54 to 56, to get the same comfort. In contrast, Scandinavian and German workwear brands tend to run roomy. That’s why reading reviews for phrases like “runs small” is so useful.
How to Measure Your Chest in Centimeters
- First, stand relaxed with your arms down at your sides.
- Next, wrap a soft tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
- Then keep the tape level and snug, but don’t pull it too tight.
- Finally, divide the number by two. That result is close to your European men’s size.
For example, a 122 cm chest gives you 61, so you would try a 60 or 62 depending on how fitted you like your clothes.
Common Questions
Is EU 54 an XL or XXL?
Usually, in German charts, 54 is a Large. Some Italian brands, however, label 54 as XL, because their cut is smaller.
What is US XXL in European size?
Typically, a US XXL converts to an EU 60 or 62 for shirts, and about 58 for suit jackets.
Do European trousers use the same numbers?
Yes, regular trousers also use the same 46 to 66 range. However, many brands also list waist and inside leg in inches. Our XXL pants size guide explains those numbers.
Final Thoughts on European Men’s Sizes
Overall, European men’s sizes are easier than they look. Measure your chest in centimeters, halve it, and you’re within one size of the right answer. For XXL, that usually means 60 or 62, or about 58 in a suit jacket. Still, Italian and French cuts can run small, so check each brand’s chart before you order.
