Burberry sizing starts from UK and Italian numbers, then converts to US sizes. In general the brand runs close to true to size, with a trim, tailored British cut. Slim pieces, trench coats in the slimmer fits and runway lines can feel snug, and shoes tend to run slightly large. This guide gives the conversions, the measurements to take and the fit notes by category, so you can choose a size before you order.

Key takeaways

• Burberry clothing is sized on UK and Italian numbers. A US men’s 46 is a UK/IT 56, which is an XL on the alpha scale.
• Most pieces run close to true to size, but the cut is trim. If you layer or are between sizes, size up.
• Trench coats come in several fits. Check the fit name before the size.
• Shoes tend to run a touch large. Half a size down suits most feet.
• Measure your body first, then compare to the chart for the exact item. Do not carry over your size from another brand.

Table of Contents

• How Burberry sizing works
• Measure before you read the chart
• Men’s clothing size chart
• Women’s clothing size conversion
• Does Burberry run small?
• How different Burberry categories fit
• Burberry shoe sizing
• Children’s sizes
• Burberry sizing compared with other designers
• Our view on Burberry sizing
• Shop Burberry at URBALENTI
• A checklist before you order
• FAQ
• Sources

How Burberry sizing works

Burberry is a British house, and its clothing sizes are built on UK measurements. Those are converted to US and Italian sizes across the collections. That is why the same garment can carry three numbers: a UK number, a US number and an Italian (IT) number, often with an alpha size (S, M, L) beside them.

For men’s coats, jackets and tops, the UK and IT numbers are the same. For women’s clothing the UK and US numbers differ by two, and the IT number runs higher. The quick rules:

• Men’s: UK/IT 56 equals US 46 equals XL.
• Women’s: UK 16 equals US 14 equals IT 48 equals XL.

Those XL equivalents come from a published Burberry conversion chart. Always confirm against the size chart on the product page you are buying from, since charts differ by category and season.

Two habits prevent most sizing errors:

1. Read the number printed in the size selector, not only the letter. An “M” in UK/IT terms is a 50 for men, which is a US 40.
2. Check which system the page uses. A listing that shows only the IT number will not match your usual US size.

Measure before you read the chart

Burberry’s UK-based measurements are distinct from other brands, so the safest approach is to take fresh body measurements rather than assume your size elsewhere carries over. Wear light clothing and stand with your arms relaxed.

• Chest: the fullest part of the chest, tape level across the back.
• Waist: the narrowest point of your natural waist.
• Hips: the widest part of the hips and seat.
• Foot length: stand on a sheet of paper against a wall, mark the longest toe, and measure in centimeters.

Write the numbers down in both inches and centimeters. Charts use both, and 1 inch is 2.54 cm.

Men’s clothing size chart

This is a selection of the men’s coats, jackets and tops chart. It lists the UK/IT size, the alpha size, the US size and body measurements, as published in a Burberry conversion guide.

How to use it: find the row closest to your chest measurement, then check the waist. If your chest and waist fall in different rows, choose by the garment. For a jacket or coat, go by chest. For trousers, go by waist.

Men’s trousers follow the same numbering. The waist and hip columns match the table above, so a UK/IT 50 bottom is built for a 34.3 in (87 cm) waist.

Women’s clothing size conversion

Women’s sizes are the ones that cause the most confusion, because the UK, US and IT numbers all differ. The published chart lists women’s XL as UK 16, US 14 and IT 48. Counting down from there, each step is a two-number move in the UK and US systems.

The practical way to read it:

• Take the UK number and subtract 2 to get the US number.
• The Italian number is the UK number plus 32.
• Confirm with the alpha size shown on the page.

That pattern holds at XL (16, 14, 48). Check it against the individual product chart before ordering, since cut-specific charts can vary.

For women’s clothing, use the same three measurements: bust at the fullest point, natural waist, and widest part of the hips. Choose the size that fits the largest area you need to cover, such as the hips on a pencil skirt or the bust on a shirt. Tailoring a waist is easier than recutting a shoulder.

Does Burberry run small?

Short answer: not by much, but the cut is trim. Retail commentary on the brand generally describes Burberry as running true to size with a tailored British fit, not a roomy one. Menswear in particular keeps a close line through the body.

Where the variation is:

• Runway and Prorsum lines: more structured and slim, and often smaller than the standard line.
• Tailored and slim pieces: can feel snug through the shoulders and chest.
• Knitwear and regular-fit shirts: usually true to size. Size up if you plan to layer.
• Shoes: tend to run slightly large.

Because Burberry produces many cuts across its lines, “true to size” depends on the specific model. Shoppers on the PurseForum have said the same, and recommend trying pieces on in store when you can. When you can’t, use your measurements and the item’s own chart.

How different Burberry categories fit

Trench coats

The trench is the piece where fit names matter most. Burberry’s heritage trench coats come in different fits, including the Waterloo, Kensington and Chelsea. Broadly:

The Chelsea is cut close enough that it is a poor choice over a chunky knit. If you wear a suit jacket under your coat, measure your chest over the jacket and size from that number. For more on the coat’s design history, see our note on Burberry’s British heritage outerwear.

Shirts, polos and knitwear

Tailored shirts and knitwear typically follow a regular fit. If you plan to layer, or you like movement through the arms, size up. Polos are the easiest category to buy online, because the knit fabric has some give. Examples from our Burberry range include the brown cotton polo shirt, the Cody polo in black cotton, the check insert shirt and the multicolor cotton pattern shirt. Each product page carries its own size selector. Use it, not the letter on a different shirt.

Trousers and skirts

Waist and hip numbers decide the size. Burberry trousers follow the tailored cut, so if your waist and hips straddle two sizes, take the larger and have the waist taken in.

Building a wardrobe that fits

Sizing is easier when you buy fewer, better pieces and know your numbers. One approach is to build a style uniform and test it before buying. A repeatable set of cuts and sizes means each new Burberry piece is compared with something you already own and wear.

Burberry shoe sizing

Burberry’s shoe charts list UK, US, EU and foot length in centimeters. Burberry footwear tends to run a touch large, so half a size down suits most feet. Check this against the specific model: a sneaker with a padded collar fits differently from a leather boot.

Steps:

1. Measure your foot length as described above, in centimeters.
2. Find that length on the item’s chart and read the UK, US and EU numbers.
3. If your foot falls between two sizes, choose the smaller for sneakers and loafers with a stretching lining, and the larger for structured boots worn with thick socks.

If you shop across Italian and US sizes, our Italian shoe size guide converts EU sizes to US. For other houses, see the designer shoe sizing guide.

Children’s sizes

Burberry’s kids’ clothing is sized by age and height, not by chest and waist. For a child, measure height in centimeters and choose the size whose height range includes it. If the child is between sizes, pick the larger one, since growth gives the garment more wear.

Burberry sizing compared with other designers

Designers do not share a scale. A Burberry UK/IT 50 and an Italian-house 50 will not match the same body, because each brand draws its own block. Some houses run narrower through the shoulders, others offer a looser fit. We cover a different case in our Alexander McQueen size guide. The principle is the same: buy by measurement, not by the number on your last purchase.

Our view on Burberry sizing

We sell authentic designer fashion shipped from Italy, and sizing is the most common question we see on outerwear and shirts. Our view is simple. The size number is the least reliable thing on the page. The measurements, the fit name and the fabric tell you more.

For coats, choose the fit before the size. A Waterloo in your size and a Chelsea in your size are different garments. For shirts and knitwear, ask how you will wear the piece: alone, or over layers. For shoes, start from foot length in centimeters.

If you are unsure, contact our customer support with your chest, waist, hip and foot measurements and the item you are considering. We can check it against the product’s size information. We only describe pieces that are listed on the site, and we do not guess at details a product page does not show.

— Editorial Team

Shop Burberry at URBALENTI

URBALENTI is an independent online destination for authentic designer fashion. Our pieces are verified new with tags, curated in New York and fulfilled from Italy, with free worldwide shipping. U.S. import duties and taxes are included on U.S. orders, and EU VAT is included. Offers run up to 60% off retail on selected items.

Browse the Burberry collection, or go straight to men’s, women’s and designer shoes. For background on the label, read about the Burberry designer.

A checklist before you order

• Measure chest, waist and hips, or foot length in centimeters.
• Identify the system on the page: UK, US, IT or EU.
• Match the fit name for coats (Waterloo, Kensington, Chelsea).
• Size up if you layer, or if the piece is slim or from a runway line.
• Go half a size down on shoes unless the model is structured.
• Compare the product’s own chart, not a general one.

FAQ

Does Burberry run small?

Burberry generally runs close to true to size, but the cut is tailored and trim. Slim pieces, Chelsea trench coats and runway or Prorsum items can feel snug. If you are between sizes or plan to layer, take the larger size.

Is Burberry true to size?

For most regular-fit shirts, knitwear and polos, yes. Because Burberry makes many cuts across its lines, the answer depends on the specific item. Compare your measurements to that item’s chart rather than relying on your size at another brand.

What is XL in Burberry sizes?

A published conversion chart lists women’s XL as UK 16, US 14 and IT 48. Men’s XL is UK/IT 56, which is US 46. Confirm against the chart on the product page, as it can differ by category.

How do I convert Burberry sizes from UK to US?

For men’s coats, jackets and tops, subtract 10 from the UK/IT number to get the US size, so 56 becomes 46. For women’s clothing, subtract 2 from the UK size, so UK 16 becomes US 14. Check the result with the alpha size shown.

Do Burberry shoes run big?

They tend to run a touch large, and half a size down suits most feet. Measure your foot length in centimeters and compare it to the shoe chart for the exact model.

Sources

• Burberry Size Charts & Fit Information, Size Chart
• Burberry Size Guide: Men’s & Women’s Clothing & Shoe Charts, SoPicks
• Burberry sizing, PurseForum

Recommended

• Burberry Trench Coat & British Luxury Fashion

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