Zara and Primark share the two least flattering reputations in fast fashion: both run small, and both are inconsistent garment to garment. Primark even revised its size chart in 2021 after complaints, and Zara's fit varies enough between lines that the brand offers a per-product size calculator instead of a single chart. So the question isn't whether to be careful — it's whether the two brands' labels mean the same thing.
They don't, quite. Zara labels in EU sizes, Primark in UK sizes (with EU and US conversions printed on its chart), and when you line the charts up by body measurement, they disagree in a specific way: at the same EU number, waists nearly match but Primark expects a bust 3–4 cm smaller. The tables below align rows by body measurement so the disagreement is visible instead of surprising.
The short answer
A near tie — both run small, with Primark's chart cutting the bust a touch smaller per label
By the charts, the brands are close with one quirk: at EU 38, Zara fits a 90 cm bust where Primark's UK 10/EU 38 fits 87 cm — yet both fit a 70 cm waist. That pattern holds up the range: waists almost identical, Primark busts about one size behind. Body-aligned, your Primark number is usually one EU step above your Zara number for tops and dresses, and the same for bottoms.
In practice neither label deserves much trust in fitted pieces. Zara's standing advice is a size up in jeans, blazers, structured dresses, and TRF; Primark's is a size up in jeans, fitted dresses, and tailored shirts — even Primark staff recommend it for denim. Both brands' basics and oversized styles sit closer to true to size. Call it a draw on smallness, with Primark slightly tighter through the bust on paper and slightly looser on quality control.
Zara vs Primark at a glance
| Zara | Primark | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing system | EU numeric (34–44); a 38 is a US 6 and UK 10 | UK numeric (4–20); a UK 12 is an EU 40 and US 8 |
| Overall fit | Runs small — jeans, structured pieces, and TRF worst | Runs small — jeans, fitted dresses, and tailored shirts worst |
| Chart quirk | EU 38 fits a 90 cm bust, 70 cm waist | EU 38 (UK 10) fits an 87 cm bust — same 70 cm waist |
| Consistency | Varies by line (TRF slim, Zara Woman more generous) | Varies garment to garment, even between identical items |
| Official size help | Per-product size calculator instead of one chart | One published chart, revised in 2021 after complaints |
Women's size mapping by bust
Rows are aligned by body bust measurement, not by label — Zara labels in EU sizes, Primark in UK sizes. Zara figures are as commonly republished from its per-product size tool; Primark figures are from its published chart. Note the matched Primark label is one EU step above Zara's.
| Zara size | Zara bust | Closest Primark size | Primark bust |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS (EU 34) | 82 cm · 32.3" | UK 8 (EU 36) | 83 cm · 32.5" |
| S (EU 36) | 86 cm · 33.9" | UK 10 (EU 38) | 87 cm · 34.5" |
| M (EU 38) | 90 cm · 35.4" | UK 12 (EU 40) | 91 cm · 36" |
| L (EU 40) | 94–96 cm · 37–37.8" | UK 14 (EU 42) | 96 cm · 38" |
| XL (EU 42) | 98–102 cm · 38.6–40.2" | UK 16 (EU 44) | 102 cm · 40" |
| XXL (EU 44) | 102–108 cm · 40.2–42.5" | UK 16–18 (EU 44–46) | 102–109 cm · 40–43" |
Bust and waist at the same EU number
What each brand expects at the same EU label: the waists track closely while Primark's busts run about one size smaller — the source of most Zara-to-Primark surprises in tops and dresses.
| EU | Zara bust | Primark bust | Zara waist | Primark waist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 86 cm · 33.9" | 83 cm · 32.5" | 66 cm · 26" | 66 cm · 26" |
| 38 | 90 cm · 35.4" | 87 cm · 34.5" | 70 cm · 27.6" | 70 cm · 27.5" |
| 40 | 94–96 cm · 37–37.8" | 91 cm · 36" | 74–76 cm · 29.1–30" | 74 cm · 29" |
| 42 | 98–102 cm · 38.6–40.2" | 96 cm · 38" | 78–82 cm · 30.7–32.3" | 79 cm · 31" |
| 44 | 102–108 cm · 40.2–42.5" | 102 cm · 40" | 82–88 cm · 32.3–34.6" | 85 cm · 33.5" |
Men's tops by chest
Body chest measurements at each brand's letter (Primark publishes to-fit chest figures and uses the same sizes across UK, EU, and US; Zara figures are as commonly republished from its size guidance). Primark's letters run roughly half a size roomier.
| Size | Zara chest | Primark chest |
|---|---|---|
| S | 89–93 cm · 35–36.5" | 36–38" · 91–96 cm |
| M | 94–98 cm · 37–38.5" | 38–40" · 97–102 cm |
| L | 99–103 cm · 39–40.5" | 41–43" · 103–108 cm |
| XL | 104–108 cm · 41–42.5" | 44–46" · 112–117 cm |
Switching between Zara and Primark
- Don't carry your EU number straight across: at the same EU label Primark expects a smaller bust, so for tops and dresses take one Primark size above your Zara number.
- In jeans, size up at both brands — it's the standing advice for Zara denim and the one even Primark staff give for theirs.
- Basics and oversized styles are the safe zone at both brands; save the size-up rule for anything fitted or structured.
- Both brands are inconsistent, so verify per item: use Zara's per-product size calculator, and at Primark check the measurements on the garment label rather than trusting the size.
Measurements are based on each brand's published size charts and may vary by garment, fabric, and region. For the full charts and fit notes, see the Zara size guide and the Primark size guide.
Zara vs Primark sizing FAQs
Which runs smaller, Zara or Primark?
It's close to a tie — both run small in fitted pieces and both need a size up in jeans. On the charts, Primark is slightly smaller per label in the bust: its EU 38 fits an 87 cm bust where Zara's fits 90 cm, though the waists match. In practice, treat both labels with the same suspicion.
What Primark size am I if I wear a Zara 38?
For tops and dresses, usually a UK 12 (EU 40) — Primark's UK 12 fits a 91 cm bust, closest to the Zara 38's 90 cm. For bottoms you can often stay at UK 10 (EU 38), since the two brands' waist figures at that label are essentially identical (70 cm).
Why is my Primark size a different number from my Zara size?
Two reasons: Primark labels in UK sizing (UK = EU minus 28, so a UK 10 is an EU 38), and its chart assigns each label a smaller bust than Zara does. Convert the system first, then expect to go one more step up for fitted tops and dresses.
Are Zara and Primark equally inconsistent?
Both are inconsistent, but differently. Zara's variation is structural — lines like TRF are deliberately cut slimmer, which its per-product size tool accounts for. Primark's variation is quality-control-level: two identical garments in the same size can measure differently, so check the actual garment when fit matters.
Do I need to size up in jeans at both brands?
Yes. Zara jeans run small enough that one size up is the default advice, and Primark denim is the brand's most notorious category — even staff recommend sizing up. At both, the measurements beat the label: check the waist in centimetres against your own.
