Costume Size Converter
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Costume Size Converter & Size Chart
Short answer: costume sizes do not match your clothing sizes — most costumes run one size small, and every brand measures differently. Enter your real measurements below and this converter gives you the costume size to order for women, men and kids, in inches or centimetres. Between two sizes? Order the larger one: a costume you can move in beats a perfect fit you can’t sit down in.
Convert your measurements
How to measure (30 seconds, no guesswork)
Bust / chest: tape around the fullest part, under the arms, tape flat and level. Waist: around the natural waistline — the narrowest point, usually just above the navel; don’t hold your breath. Hips: around the fullest part of the hips and seat. Keep the tape snug, not tight, and measure over thin clothing.
Women’s costume size chart
| Costume size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hips (in) | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32–33.5 | 24–25.5 | 34–36 | 81–85 | 61–65 | 86–91 |
| S | 34–35.5 | 26–27.5 | 36–38 | 86–90 | 66–70 | 91–97 |
| M | 36–37.5 | 28–29.5 | 38–40 | 91–95 | 71–75 | 97–102 |
| L | 38–40.5 | 30–32.5 | 40–43 | 97–103 | 76–83 | 102–109 |
| XL | 41–43.5 | 33–35.5 | 43–46 | 104–110 | 84–90 | 109–117 |
| 1X | 44–46 | 36–38.5 | 46–48 | 112–117 | 91–98 | 117–122 |
| 2X | 47–49 | 39–41.5 | 49–51 | 119–124 | 99–105 | 124–130 |
| 3X | 50–52 | 42–44.5 | 52–54 | 127–132 | 107–113 | 132–137 |
Men’s costume size chart
| Costume size | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 38–40 | 30–32 | 97–102 | 76–81 |
| M | 40–42 | 32–34 | 102–107 | 81–86 |
| L | 42–44 | 34–36 | 107–112 | 86–91 |
| XL | 44–46 | 36–39 | 112–117 | 91–99 |
| 2X | 48–52 | 40–44 | 122–132 | 102–112 |
Kids’ costume size chart
| Costume size | Typical age | Height (in) | Height (cm) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (4–6) | 4–6 years | 39–48 | 99–122 | 38–50 |
| M (8–10) | 7–10 years | 48–54 | 122–137 | 50–70 |
| L (12–14) | 11–14 years | 54–60 | 137–152 | 70–90 |
| XL (16) | 14+ years | 60–64 | 152–163 | 90–110 |
These are general costume-industry ranges blended from major makers. Brands vary — always compare your numbers with the size chart on the specific costume’s listing before ordering. Ordered a costume already? Our guides by hair and style are on the blog, and the converter above is the fastest sanity check before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Do Halloween costumes run small?
Usually, yes — most costume brands cut slimmer than everyday clothing, and “one size” costumes fit a narrower range than the label suggests. If your measurements land between sizes, order the larger one.
What if my bust and waist give different sizes?
Order for the larger measurement. Waist seams can be belted or pinned; a bust or chest that is too small cannot be fixed on the night.
How do I convert costume sizes to UK or EU sizes?
Costume sizes are sold by measurement, not country — use the inches/cm charts above. As a rough guide, a US women’s M costume fits about a UK 12–14 and EU 40–42, but the measurements in the chart are always the safer bet.
What size costume should a tall person order?
Size by your largest measurement, then check the listing for length notes. Jumpsuits, onesies and robes are the forgiving choices for tall frames; short dresses and one-piece suits with fixed torsos are the risky ones.