EU 38 in UK Size: Shoes & Clothes Conversion Charts

If you’ve ever ordered shoes from a European retailer only to find you’ve accidentally bought something intended for a child, you’re not alone. Size 38 sits in that awkward middle zone where UK, EU, and US systems don’t quite line up neatly. This guide cuts through the confusion with verified conversion charts for both shoes and clothes, plus a foot-measuring process to help you land on the right size every time.

EU 38 Women’s Shoes US: 7.5 (Grivet Outdoors) · EU 38 Kids UK: 4 (Guineys IE) · EU 38 UK Women’s Shoes: 5 (Parade Protection) · EU 38 Clothing UK Men: S (TK Maxx) · EU Sizes Common in Shoes/Clothes: Varies by gender/age

The following table consolidates conversion data sourced from multiple retailers.

What is 38 in UK size?

EU size 38 is one of the most commonly searched European sizes, yet it maps differently depending on whether you’re buying shoes or clothes, and whether the customer is a man, woman, or child. For shoes, the EU system uses the Paris point—approximately two-thirds of a centimetre per size—which creates a roughly consistent baseline across most European retailers.

Shoes

For women’s shoes, EU 38 converts to a UK size 5.5 according to multiple retailer charts. ShoeCity reports that EU 38 typically maps to UK 5.5 for women, with a corresponding foot length of 24.0 cm. The same size corresponds to US 7.5 for women, as confirmed by Grivet Outdoors and Veronica Beard. For men’s shoes, the picture is less tidy. Parade Protection lists EU 38 as UK 5 for unisex styles, while ShoeCity suggests EU 38 men’s approximates UK 5.5–6 against US 6–6.5.

General overview

The reason for these variations comes down to the different sizing systems themselves. Wikipedia notes that UK sizes trace back to the barleycorn system from the 1300s, while EU sizes use the Paris point standardised in the 1800s. Neither system was designed to align neatly with the other, and neither accounts for variations in foot shape, brand last design, or regional market preferences.

Is a 38 a size 7 or 8?

In UK sizing, a size 38 is not a 7 or 8 for adults. UK size 7 and 8 are substantially larger than EU 38. However, in kids’ sizing, EU 38 aligns closely with UK size 4 for older children—roughly ages 10–11 years—according to Guineys IE.

Shoe context

For adult UK women’s sizes, the progression runs roughly 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. EU 38 lands around UK 5.5, which falls between sizes 5 and 6. Laughing Hens confirms that UK women’s size 3 equals EU 35.5, scaling up so that UK 5.5 approximates EU 38. For men, the same EU 38 sits near UK 5.5–6, well below a UK 7.

Men vs women

The gender split in sizing means EU 38 maps to different UK equivalents depending on the chart. ShoeCity shows EU 38 women’s as UK 5.5, while Grivet Outdoors notes that a men’s US 6 (UK 5.5) aligns with EU 39, reflecting the slight variance between systems. Unisex brands complicate things further: ShoeCity records that Vans sizes EU 38 as UK 5, while Converse puts the same EU 38 at UK 4.5–5.

Which size is 38 in clothes?

For clothing, EU size 38 translates differently than for shoes. In women’s clothing, EU 38 typically corresponds to a UK size 10. TK Maxx lists men’s EU 38 clothing as UK S (small), and Dubarry of Ireland confirms that EU 38 women’s clothing follows standard European sizing for tops and dresses.

Women’s

Women’s clothing sizes in the UK and EU don’t follow a consistent mathematical conversion the way shoe sizes do. Wikipedia notes that there is no standard clothing size conversion chart for EU 38 to UK equivalents—the relationship varies by garment type, retailer, and target market. A UK 10 in one store may fit differently from a UK 10 in another.

Men’s jackets

For men’s jackets, EU 38 typically corresponds to UK S. TK Maxx confirms this sizing for men’s outerwear. The relationship holds more consistently than women’s clothing because men’s sizing tends to follow a narrower range of measurements across European retailers.

What are the common mistakes when measuring feet?

Most sizing errors originate not from conversion mistakes but from how people measure their feet. Clarks outlines several common measurement errors that lead shoppers to order the wrong size before they even consult a conversion chart.

Measurement errors

• Measuring at the wrong time of day—feet swell throughout the day and can be half a size different by evening
• Not standing while measuring—weight distribution changes foot width and length
• Using the wrong foot—most people’s feet differ slightly in size, and retailers typically use the larger foot as the baseline
• Measuring over thick socks when planning to wear thin socks, or vice versa
• Rounding up rather than down when between sizes

Best practices

To measure accurately, stand on a sheet of paper at the end of the day when feet are at their largest. Trace both feet and measure the longer one. Add approximately 5–10 mm of breathing room, then compare that total centimetre measurement against a brand’s size chart. Snow Boots provides EU centimetre equivalents that make this comparison straightforward: EU 37 equals 23.3 cm and EU 38 equals 24.0 cm.

What is size 38 in Ireland?

Ireland uses EU sizing for shoes and clothes, but retail sizing often aligns with UK sizes because of historical trade links and the continued use of UK sizing on Irish high streets. Guineys IE lists EU 38 for kids as UK 4, showing that Irish retailers frequently display both systems side by side.

Shoes Ireland

For shoes in Ireland, EU 38 follows the standard EU sizing used across the EU. Dubarry of Ireland confirms that EU standard sizing applies, with EU 38 women’s shoes aligning to roughly UK 5.5 in conversion. Irish shoppers accustomed to UK sizing will find the EU 38 to UK 5.5 mapping useful when ordering from EU retailers.

Clothing

For clothing, Irish retailers typically follow EU sizing for garments sourced from EU manufacturers. However, some stores continue to use UK sizing for stock originally sourced from UK suppliers. This means an Irish shopper buying online from a UK retailer may encounter both EU 38 and UK 10 as options for what is effectively the same garment.

EU 38 to UK Size Conversion Chart

Three systems converge on EU 38, with meaningful differences by gender and brand.

The half-size offset between EU 38 and EU 38.5 creates most of the confusion visible across retailer charts. Laughing Hens lists EU 38.5 as UK 5.5 for women, while ShoeCity lists EU 38 as UK 5.5 for the same gender—these charts reflect slightly different rounding conventions rather than a genuine sizing difference.

How to Convert EU 38 to UK: Step by Step

Whether you’re buying shoes or clothes, follow these steps to find your UK equivalent for EU 38.

1. Identify the garment type. Shoes and clothes follow different conversion rules. Start by confirming whether you’re shopping for footwear or clothing.
2. Determine your gender and age category. EU 38 converts differently for men’s shoes, women’s shoes, and children’s shoes. Unisex styles add further complexity.
3. Measure your foot or body. For shoes, measure foot length in centimetres at the end of the day while standing. For clothes, measure chest or waist circumference depending on the garment.
4. Find your cm measurement on the retailer’s size chart. Compare your measurement against the EU column to confirm EU 38 is the right size, then read across to the UK column.
5. Check the brand’s specific chart. Generic conversions give a starting point, but Zappos recommends checking the specific retailer’s chart before purchasing. Brand lasts and fit preferences vary significantly.
6. Account for half-sizes. If your measurement falls between EU 37 and EU 38, check whether the brand offers EU 38.5. Some retailers skip half-sizes, which shifts the UK equivalent.
7. Order for the larger foot. If your feet differ in size, buy for the larger one—inserts and adjustable features can accommodate a slightly larger shoe more easily than a too-small one.

Confirmed Facts and Rumours

Grivet Outdoors (outdoor footwear retailer)

What size shoe is a 38? It is a men’s size 7.5 in the US.

Veronica Beard (fashion brand)

EU shoe size 38 corresponds to a US size 7.5.

Greek Sandals Guide (sizing expert)

To easily convert a UK shoe size in EU size, simply add 33 to your existing UK size – e.g. a UK size 6 is an EU size 39.

Related reading: Double Bed Size in CM Ireland: Guide to EU & IKEA Sizes

For women’s footwear, EU 38 precisely matches UK size 5, as confirmed in the UK size 5 to EU 38 shoe guide drawing from ASOS, Parade, and Grivet Outdoors data.

Frequently asked questions

For Irish shoppers ordering from EU retailers, the conversion is straightforward for shoes—EU 38 maps to roughly UK 5.5 for women. For clothing, where UK sizing persists alongside EU sizing on high streets, checking individual retailer charts before purchasing prevents sizing surprises.