H&M sizing has a split personality. Its numeric EU sizes run small — bottoms especially, often by one to two sizes — yet its letter sizes are cut wide: each H&M alpha size spans two EU sizes, so an H&M medium covers EU 40–42 and is physically larger than a medium at Zara or Mango.
Below is H&M's published body-measurement chart for women and men (H&M publishes ranges rather than single values), the alpha-size mapping, and the sizing habits that make H&M orders land right the first time.
How does H&M fit?
The consensus: H&M runs small overall with high item-to-item inconsistency. Bottoms — jeans, trousers, skirts — are the worst offenders, commonly running one to two sizes small. Tops and knitwear sit closer to true to size, and flowy styles can even run generous. The widely shared strategy is to order your usual size and one up, then keep the better fit.
- Size up one (sometimes two) in jeans, trousers, and fitted skirts.
- Tops and knitwear are closer to true to size; flowy dresses run generous.
- Buying by letter? Remember H&M's alpha sizes run large — its M spans EU 40–42.
- Fit varies noticeably between items, so check the product page's measurements when they're listed.
Women's size chart
Body measurements from H&M's published size guide. H&M publishes ranges; its alpha sizes each span two EU sizes.
| EU | H&M size | US | Bust | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | XS | 2 | 78–82 cm · 30.7–32.3" | 62–66 cm · 24.4–26" | 83–87 cm · 32.7–34.3" |
| 36 | S | 4 | 82–86 cm · 32.3–33.9" | 66–70 cm · 26–27.6" | 87–91 cm · 34.3–35.8" |
| 38 | S | 6 | 86–90 cm · 33.9–35.4" | 70–74 cm · 27.6–29.1" | 91–94.5 cm · 35.8–37.2" |
| 40 | M | 8 | 90–94 cm · 35.4–37" | 74–78 cm · 29.1–30.7" | 94.5–97.5 cm · 37.2–38.4" |
| 42 | M | 10 | 94–98 cm · 37–38.6" | 78–82.5 cm · 30.7–32.5" | 97.5–100.5 cm · 38.4–39.6" |
| 44 | L | 12 | 98–102 cm · 38.6–40.2" | 82.5–87.5 cm · 32.5–34.4" | 100.5–103.5 cm · 39.6–40.7" |
Men's tops size chart
Body measurements from H&M's published size guide.
| EU | H&M size | US | Chest | Waist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | S | 34R | 86–90 cm · 33.9–35.4" | 74–78 cm · 29.1–30.7" |
| 46 | S | 36R | 90–94 cm · 35.4–37" | 78–82 cm · 30.7–32.3" |
| 48 | M | 38R | 94–98 cm · 37–38.6" | 82–86 cm · 32.3–33.9" |
| 50 | M | 40R | 98–102 cm · 38.6–40.2" | 86–90 cm · 33.9–35.4" |
| 52 | L | 42R | 102–106 cm · 40.2–41.7" | 90–94 cm · 35.4–37" |
| 54 | L | 44R | 106–110 cm · 41.7–43.3" | 94–98.5 cm · 37–38.8" |
Measurements are based on H&M's published size charts and may vary by garment, fabric, and region. Always check the size chart on the product page before ordering.
H&M sizing FAQs
Does H&M run small?
Overall yes, with bottoms running smallest — jeans, trousers, and fitted skirts commonly fit one to two sizes under the label. Tops and knitwear are closer to true to size. Many shoppers order two adjacent sizes and return one, because consistency between items is loose.
What is my H&M size in US sizing?
H&M uses EU numeric sizing, and the US equivalent is the EU size minus 30, divided by two: an EU 36 is a US 4, an EU 40 is a US 8, an EU 44 is a US 12.
Why is an H&M medium bigger than a Zara medium?
H&M's letter sizes each cover two EU sizes — its M spans EU 40–42 — while Zara's M maps to roughly EU 38. So the same letter is a genuinely larger garment at H&M. When switching brands, convert through the EU number, not the letter.
Do H&M jeans run small?
Yes — denim is where H&M's small sizing is most consistent. Most shoppers size up at least one from their usual EU size, and low-stretch styles may need two. Check the waist measurement in cm against your own rather than relying on your usual size.
