Quick Facts
- Online shoppers buying Turkish fashion
- Tourists shopping in Istanbul
- Anyone unfamiliar with European sizing
- Turkish sizing follows EU standards: TR 38 = EU 38 = US 6 (not US Small)
- Turkish cuts run slimmer, especially in waist and shoulders - size up if between sizes
- Turkish menswear has Italian-influenced slim fit - 'Regular Fit' feels like US 'Skinny Fit'
- Kids clothing is sized by height in centimeters, not age
Always measure yourself in centimeters and compare to the raw measurement charts rather than relying on S/M/L labels. When in doubt, size up - Turkish fashion favors a slimmer, more tailored fit than American clothing.
There is a specific kind of anxiety that comes with clicking “Add to Cart” on a Turkish fashion site. The clothes are stunning, the quality of the cotton is legendary, and the prices are unbeatable. But the sizing? It often feels like a gamble. If you are accustomed to American “vanity sizing,” where a generic “Small” is quite roomy, you might be in for a shock when your Turkish order arrives.
Here is the reality: Turkish sizing is strictly European. It relies on precise centimeters rather than generous inches, and cuts tend to be slimmerespecially in the waist and shoulders. Whether you are browsing Trendyol, shopping in Istanbul, or ordering wholesale, understanding these nuances is the difference between a wardrobe staple and a return shipping nightmare.
The Golden Rule: Turkey = Europe
Before you get lost in complex charts, memorize this simple conversion. Turkey follows standard European (EU) sizing protocols (specifically standard TS EN 13402-3).
If you shop on sites like Zalando, you are already familiar with this system. A Turkish 38 is exactly the same as a European 38.
- The Translation: TR 34 = XS | TR 36 = S | TR 38 = M | TR 40 = L
- The Friction Point: If you are from the US, you need to size up mentally. A US 6 is a Turkish 38 (Medium), not a Small.
Women’s Clothing: The Real Conversion
Forget the generic comparison tables that list US sizes as waist measurements (28, 30, 32). That applies to denim, not dresses. For tops, dresses, and outerwear, use this verified conversion table based on 2025 manufacturing standards.
| Turkey / EU Size | International | UK Size | US Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | XS | 6 | 2 |
| 36 | S | 8 | 4 |
| 38 | M | 10 | 6 |
| 40 | L | 12 | 8 |
| 42 | XL | 14 | 10 |
| 44 | 2XL | 16 | 12 |
Practitioner Tip: Pay close attention to the “Basen” (Hip) measurement. Turkish patterns often favor an hourglass shape but are unforgiving on the hips compared to American cuts. If you are between sizes, always choose the larger one.
Detailed Body Measurements (CM)
If you have a tape measure handy (and you should), ignore the labels and look at the raw data. These are the standard body measurements used by Turkish manufacturers:
| Label Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 (XS) | 82-85 | 66-69 | 90-93 |
| 36 (S) | 86-89 | 70-73 | 94-97 |
| 38 (M) | 90-93 | 74-77 | 98-101 |
| 40 (L) | 94-97 | 78-82 | 102-106 |
| 42 (XL) | 98-103 | 83-87 | 107-111 |
| 44 (2XL) | 104-108 | 88-92 | 113-116 |
Men’s Sizing: The “Slim Fit” Warning
Turkish menswear is heavily influenced by Italian tailoring. This means “Regular Fit” in Turkey often feels like “Slim Fit” in the UK or Germany, and definitely feels like “Skinny Fit” in the US.
If you are shopping for suits or rigid fabrics (like linen shirts) from brands in the region, verify your chest measurement.
| Size | Label Number | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Neck (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 48 | ~96 | ~81 | 37-39 |
| M | 50 | 100-104 | ~86 | 39-40 |
| L | 52/54 | 108-112 | ~91 | 41-42 |
| XL | 56/58 | 116-120 | ~105 | 43-45 |
Note on Jeans: Turkish denim brands (like Mavi or LTB) typically use the global inch based system (W32/L32). However, because the domestic market prefers a closer fit, a W32 might feel snugger in the thigh than you are used to.
Shoe Size Conversion
Shoe sizing is perhaps the easiest category because Turkey strictly adheres to the EU standard. There are no “half sizes” in most domestic Turkish footwear, which can be tricky if you are a perfect US 9.5.
Women’s Shoes
- TR/EU 36 = US 6 = UK 3
- TR/EU 37 = US 7 = UK 4
- TR/EU 38 = US 8 = UK 5
- TR/EU 39 = US 9 = UK 6
Men’s Shoes
- TR/EU 40 = US 8 = UK 6.5
- TR/EU 41 = US 9 = UK 7.5
- TR/EU 42 = US 9.5 = UK 8
- TR/EU 43 = US 10.5 = UK 9
- TR/EU 44 = US 11 = UK 9.5
If you are buying sneakers, these conversions are usually printed on the tongue. For leather goods and bootsa popular buy in Turkeysizing down half a size is rarely an option, so using an insole in a slightly larger size is a common local hack.
Kids & Babies: Height is King
Unlike the US system which relies heavily on “Age in Months,” Turkish children’s clothing is categorized primarily by height in centimeters. Age is just a suggestion. If your 2-year old is tall for their age, ignore the “2Y” tag and look for their height (e. g., 98 cm).
Just like when shopping for cheap clothes in Germany, you will see labels like “98/104” representing the height range.
Baby Sizes (0-24 Months)
| Age (Approx) | Label Size (Height) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 Month | 50 | 3-4.5 |
| 1-3 Months | 56-62 | 4-6 |
| 3-6 Months | 62-68 | 6-8 |
| 6-9 Months | 74 | 8-9 |
| 9-12 Months | 80 | 9-10.5 |
| 12-18 Months | 86 | 10-12 |
| 18-24 Months | 92 | 11-13.5 |
Older Kids (8-14 Years)
For tweens and teens, the sizing corresponds directly to growth spurts. Note that for ages 13-14, Turkish sizing generally stops at 164cm. If your teenager is taller than 164cm (5’4″), you will likely need to move them to the adult XS/S sizes.
| Age | Height (cm) |
| 8-9 Years | 128-134 |
| 9-10 Years | 134-140 |
| 10-11 Years | 140-146 |
| 11-12 Years | 146-152 |
| 12-13 Years | 152-156 |
| 13-14 Years | 156-164 |
Practitioner’s Advice: Avoiding Returns
1. The “Standart” Trap
You will often see items listed as “Standart Beden” (Standard Size). In the US or Spain, one size-fits all implies a loose, accommodating fit. In Turkey, “Standard” typically fits sizes 36 to 40 (Small to Medium). If you are a size 42 or above, avoid these items.
2. Fabric Matters
Turkey is famous for cotton. However, 100% cotton garments from budget brands can shrink slightly in hot washes. If you are buying t shirts or pajamas from mass market brands, sizing up is a safety mechanism against shrinkage.
3. Brand Variance
Just like in any country, cuts vary by brand. LC Waikiki tends to have a more relaxed, “Western” fit similar to H&M. Koton and Mavi often feature slimmer, more tailored cuts. Trendyol’s in-house brand (Trendyol Milla) is very fashion forward and often runs small.
