Few things are as frustrating as ordering clothes or shoes online only to find they don’t fit. That’s where size 38 in UK conversions come in — a number that can mean something totally different depending on whether you’re shopping for a dress, a pair of trainers, or a jacket for your child. This guide breaks down what EU 38 actually translates to across clothing and footwear, and why taking your own measurements matters more than relying on that generic conversion chart.
Women’s clothing (UK size equivalent of EU 38): UK 10 (Komodo size guide) ·
Children’s shoes (UK size equivalent of EU 38): UK 4 (Guineys shoe guide) ·
Women’s shoes (UK size commonly associated with EU 38): UK 5 (well-established general knowledge)
Quick snapshot
- EU 38 = UK 10 (Komodo size guide)
- Some brands size differently; always check brand chart (Komodo size guide)
- EU 38 typically = UK 5 (IfSohoNewYork size guide)
- Equivalent US women’s size: 7.5–8 (IfSohoNewYork size guide)
- EU 38 in men’s sizing is rare; typically corresponds to UK 36 or extra small (English Brands size table)
- Men’s UK 38 jacket = EU 48 (English Brands size table)
- EU 38 = UK 4 (Guineys shoe guide)
- Fits ages 10–11 years approximately (Guineys shoe guide)
Two confirmed equivalents, one clear pattern: EU 38 maps to UK 10 in women’s clothing and UK 4 in children’s shoes, but shoe and clothing conversions diverge from there.
| Garment / Footwear | UK Size | US Size | Foot Length (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s clothing | 10 | 2–4 | — |
| Women’s shoes | 5 | 7.5–8 | 23.7 cm (English Brands) |
| Men’s shoes | 5.5 | 7.5 | 23.8 cm (Grivet Outdoors) |
| Children’s shoes | 4 | — | approx. 23.7 cm |
| Men’s jacket (EU 48) | 38 (chest 94 cm) | 38 | — |
| Women’s clothing (alternate brand) | 8 | 2 | — |
The pattern: the same EU 38 can mean UK 4, 5, 8, or 10 depending on what you’re buying, which is why garment type matters more than the number itself.
What is a 38 in UK size?
Starting with the most common scenario: women’s clothing. The standard conversion says EU 38 equals UK 10. That’s based on the Komodo size guide, an established London-based brand. But sizing consistency is far from guaranteed. Some brands tag UK 8 as EU 38, and others stretch their charts. The key is to understand why.
UK clothing sizes explained
- UK women’s sizing uses even numbers starting at 4 (XXS) up to 20+ (XXL).
- EU sizing is based on centimetre measurements (e.g., EU 38 = 86 cm bust in some systems).
- The two systems do not align perfectly — UK 10 historically matches a 36-inch bust, while EU 38 is metric.
- Brands like ASOS size charts for women often list both, making it easier to compare.
Shoppers who rely on a single conversion number risk disappointment because brands cut garments for different body shapes. The safer bet: always check the specific brand’s size chart before buying.
Common equivalents for size 38
Four categories, three different UK numbers:
| Category | UK size for EU 38 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s clothing (standard) | UK 10 | Komodo |
| Women’s clothing (some brands) | UK 8 | IfSohoNewYork |
| Women’s shoes | UK 5 | SellTheTrend conversion guide |
| Children’s shoes | UK 4 | Guineys shoe guide |
The implication: a single EU 38 label can map to four different UK numbers, so the product category always determines the right conversion.
What is size 38 in Ireland?
Ireland uses the same sizing system as the UK for most clothing and footwear, but with a few local notes. The Guineys shoe guide (an Irish retailer) clearly lists EU 38 as UK 4 for children’s shoes. For adults, the conversion is identical to the UK — EU 38 women’s shoe = UK 5, EU 38 women’s clothing = UK 10. But Irish shoppers may see occasional EU-marked sizes on European imports, especially in boutiques.
Irish shoe size conversion
Same as UK: women’s EU 38 = UK 5, men’s EU 38 = UK 5.5. Children’s shoes from EU 38 = UK 4. No difference.
Do Ireland use UK or EU sizes?
Both, but for clothes and shoes, UK sizing dominates. EU sizes appear mainly on continental European brands or when shopping online from EU retailers. The confusion usually comes when a shopper sees “38” on a label and assumes it’s the same UK number — a mistake that leads to returns.
For Irish buyers: treat any “38” on a clothing label as EU unless the brand explicitly states UK sizing. Use a size conversion chart from a trusted retailer like Next size guide to double-check.
The pattern: Ireland’s sizing matches the UK system, so the same EU 38 rules apply whether you are in Dublin or London.
What is the best time of day to measure feet?
Your feet change size throughout the day. Measuring at the wrong time can lead to buying shoes that pinch or slip. The NHS live-well guide recommends measuring later in the afternoon, after you’ve been on your feet for a few hours.
Why evening measurements are more accurate
- Feet swell slightly during the day due to gravity and activity.
- A morning measurement can be up to half a size smaller than an afternoon measurement.
- Shoes bought based on morning measurements will feel tight by the end of the day.
How swelling affects foot size
Swelling adds length and width, especially for anyone who stands or walks a lot. The difference may be small, but half a size can be the line between comfortable shoes and blisters. The same principle applies to measuring children — their feet swell too.
If you shop for shoes first thing in the morning, you may end up with a pair that only feels good when you put them on. By 5 PM, they’ll tell a different story. Always size up if you’re between sizes.
How to measure foot size?
Getting an accurate foot measurement takes only a few minutes and a piece of paper. The Grivet Outdoors shoe chart explains the basic method used by many retailers.
Step-by-step foot measurement
- Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall.
- Trace the outline of your foot with a pencil held vertically.
- Measure the distance from the heel to the longest toe.
- Repeat for the other foot — they are often different.
- Use the larger measurement to find your size on a conversion chart.
Tools needed for accurate sizing
- A ruler or tape measure marked in cm or inches.
- Paper large enough for your whole foot.
- A pencil (not a pen, which can angle and distort the line).
Once you have the length in cm, compare it to a reliable size chart like the one from Boots size guide or Clarks size guide. Remember to account for width — a narrow or wide foot may need a different brand.
Is a 38 a size 8?
Short answer: no, unless you’re a man buying a suit jacket in UK sizing. For most shoppers, EU 38 and UK 8 are different things. The confusion comes from the US system where women’s sizes are often 4 to 6 numbers lower than UK.
EU 38 vs US 8
In women’s shoes, EU 38 is US 7.5–8. So a US 8 shoe is roughly EU 38 — but the UK version is 5, not 8. In women’s clothing, US 8 is closer to EU 40 (UK 12). The numbers only align in men’s suit jackets, where UK 38 and US 38 both refer to chest inches and correspond to EU 48.
UK 8 vs EU 38 difference
UK 8 in women’s clothing is EU 36, one size smaller than EU 38. That’s a difference of about 2 cm in bust or waist measurement. For shoe sizes, UK 8 is EU 41–42, a full three sizes larger than EU 38. So a person asking “Is 38 a size 8?” is crossing two different systems, and the answer depends entirely on the product type.
“SIZE 2 / UK 10 / EUR 38”
— Komodo size guide, women’s apparel sizing
“Children’s shoe size: UK 4 = EU 38”
— Guineys shoe guide
Confirmed facts
- Women’s clothing: UK 10 = EU 38
- Children’s shoes: UK 4 = EU 38
- Women’s shoes: UK 5 = EU 38 (common industry standard, per multiple sources)
What’s unclear
- Men’s clothing equivalent for EU 38 not consistently defined in provided sources
- Women’s shoe conversion varies by brand (some brands list UK 5.5 for EU 38)
Related reading: **M&S Slippers Guide: Best Picks for Men and Women in Ireland** · **Men’s Short Sleeve Shirts Ireland: Best Picks & Where to Buy**
Frequently asked questions
What is size 38 in UK jeans?
For women’s jeans, EU 38 typically translates to UK 10. Some brands list UK 8 as EU 38 for denim, so check the specific brand’s size chart.
How do I convert EU 38 to US shoe size?
EU 38 women’s shoe is US 7.5–8. For men’s shoes, EU 38 is US 7.5. Always refer to a conversion chart from a trusted retailer like SellTheTrend.
What size is 38 in UK men’s clothing?
EU 38 in men’s clothing is rare; it usually corresponds to a UK 36 or extra small in tops. For suit jackets, UK 38 is a different scale (chest in inches) and equals EU 48.
Is EU 38 the same as UK 10?
In women’s clothing, yes — EU 38 is generally UK 10. But for shoes, EU 38 is UK 5, and for men’s clothing it is not directly comparable.
What is the difference between EU 38 and UK 8?
UK 8 is one size smaller than EU 38 in women’s clothing (EU 36). In shoes, UK 8 is much larger (EU 41–42).
How do I convert UK clothing size to EU?
Add 28 to UK women’s size: UK 8 = EU 36, UK 10 = EU 38, UK 12 = EU 40. For men’s jackets, UK and EU differ by 10 (UK 38 = EU 48).
What is size 38 in UK shoe for women?
UK 5. This is consistent across most brands and size charts.
Does EU 38 correspond to UK 5 in shoes?
Yes, for women’s shoes. For men’s shoes, EU 38 is UK 5.5.
For Irish shoppers or anyone buying from European brands, the same conversions hold — but always measure and consult the retailer’s own chart. The takeaway: size 38 in UK means different numbers for different products, and knowing which one applies saves time, money, and frustration.
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.