Clothing sizes and shopping

Clothing sizes are also different in the U.S. compared to British and Continental sizes.

Women's Clothing - Dresses and Suits

Japanese	9	11	13	15	17	19
British	32	34	36	38	40	42
European	38	40	42	44	46	48
American	10	12	14	16	18	20

Stockings

British	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5
European	0	1	2	3	4	5
American	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5

Men's Clothing - Suits, Overcoats & Sweaters

Japanese	S		M		L		LL
British	34	36	38	40	42	44	46
European	44	46	48	50	52	54	56
American	34	36	38	40	42	44	46

Woman's Shoes

Japanese	23	23.5	24	24.5	25	25.5	26
British	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5
European	36	37	38	38	38	39	40
American	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5	9

Men's Shoes

Japanese	24.5		26		27.5	28	29
British	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
European	39	40	41	42	43	44	45
American	5.5	6.5	7.5	8.5	9.5	10.5	11.5

There are several kinds of clothing stores in the United States. Retail stores (such as Rich's - Macy's, Parisian, and Dillard's) generally provide you with a good selection of high quality clothes and a liberal return policy, also known as a money-back guarantee. Except for periodic sales when prices are reduced, however, you will pay full price for anything you buy at these stores. Discount stores (like Target, TJ Max, Marshalls, Sears, JCPenny, and WalMart) specialize in lower prices. Sometimes these lower prices are for the same brands you find in retailers, but occasionally the brands are less known or of a lower quality. You generally get the same return policy as in retail stores. Outlet stores (such as Burlington Coat Factory) generally provide name brand products at a significant discount. Be aware that sometimes outlet stores sell "seconds" or "irregulars" - clothes that have some defect or imperfection. Return policies vary in these stores; for some outlet stores, all sales are final. Thrift stores are often run by non-profit organizations (like the Salvation Army and Goodwill) and feature donated, used or new clothing. They can be a great place to find bargain clothing that is slightly used. Typically, thrift store sales are final. Consignment shops, like thrift stores, deal in used clothing, but usually the types of clothing in their inventory is more selective than in thrift stores. Like outlet stores, return policies will vary.