European Wool Sizing Guide

European wool brands size their clothing by the child's height in centimeters, not by age. A size 92 fits a child who is 92 cm tall — whether they're 2 years old or 3, big for their age or small. It's more accurate than age-based sizing, but only once you know how to read it. This guide explains how the system works, how to measure, and how European sizes translate to US equivalents. For actual garment sizing, always check the specific brand's size chart on each product page.

The basics

How European sizing works

American baby and children's clothing is typically labeled by age: 3 months, 6 months, 2T, 4T, and so on. This is convenient for grandparents buying a gift but surprisingly inaccurate, because children the same age can differ in height by 10 centimeters or more.

European sizing solves this by using the child's height in centimeters as the size number. A size 92 fits a child who is 92 cm tall. A size 104 fits a child who is 104 cm tall. Growth charts suggest a child's approximate age for each height, but the size itself is about body, not birthday.

This system is standard across European children's clothing — Engel, Disana, Reiff, Hirsch-Natur, and most other European wool brands all use it. Once you know your child's height, you can shop European sizing with the same confidence you'd shop US sizing for adults.

Always check the brand's size chart

The height-based system is consistent across European brands, but individual cuts vary. A base layer from one brand may fit differently than a boiled wool jacket from another, even at the same EU size. The conversions below are general industry-standard approximations — useful for orientation, but the brand's own size chart on each product page is the final word.

Conversion reference

European to US children's size conversion

These are general industry-standard conversions between European height-based sizing and US age-based sizing. Use them to find your starting point, then verify against the specific brand's chart.

EU size	Height (cm)	Height (inches)	US equivalent	Approx. age
56	50–56 cm	20–22 in	Newborn	0–1 month
62	57–62 cm	22–24 in	0–3 mo	1–3 months
68	63–68 cm	25–27 in	3–6 mo	3–6 months
74	69–74 cm	27–29 in	6–9 mo	6–9 months
80	75–80 cm	30–31 in	9–12 mo	9–12 months
86	81–86 cm	32–34 in	12–18 mo	1–1.5 years
92	87–92 cm	34–36 in	2T	2–3 years
98	93–98 cm	37–39 in	3T	3 years
104	99–104 cm	39–41 in	4T	3–4 years
110	105–110 cm	41–43 in	5	4–5 years
116	111–116 cm	44–46 in	6	5–6 years
122	117–122 cm	46–48 in	7	6–7 years
128	123–128 cm	48–50 in	7–8	7–8 years
134	129–134 cm	51–53 in	8–9	8–9 years
140	135–140 cm	53–55 in	9–10	9–10 years
146	141–146 cm	56–57 in	10–11	10–11 years
152	147–152 cm	58–60 in	11–12	11–12 years
158	153–158 cm	60–62 in	12–13	12–13 years
164	159–164 cm	63–65 in	13–14	13–14 years
170	165–170 cm	65–67 in	14–15	14–15 years
176	171–176 cm	67–69 in	15–16	15–16 years

When your child is between sizes

Size up. European sizing runs to specific heights — a child who is 95 cm tall should pick size 98, not 92. Wool that's slightly roomy gives room to move, layers better, and extends wear as your child grows. Wool that's too small is uncomfortable and usually unwearable.

How to measure

Getting the height measurement right

A three-minute measurement prevents most sizing mistakes. You'll need a tape measure or ruler, a pencil or small sticky note, and a wall.

Step 1. Shoes off, heels against the wall

Have your child stand with their back flat against a wall, feet flat on the floor, heels touching the wall. Shoes off, but thick socks are fine.

Step 2. Flat object on top of their head

Place a book, small box, or a flat ruler on top of their head, held horizontally — parallel to the floor, not slanted. Press gently against the wall so it marks the right spot.

Step 3. Mark the wall

With a pencil or small sticky note, mark where the bottom of the book meets the wall. This is the top of your child's head.

Step 4. Measure floor to mark

Measure straight down from the mark to the floor in centimeters. That number is your child's height. Pick the European size equal to or just above that number.

Babies and toddlers who can't stand

For infants, measure while they're lying flat on their back. With one person holding the baby's head against a wall or flat edge, another person gently straightens the legs and marks where the heels reach. Measure from the head mark to the heel mark. For toddlers who squirm, measuring while they lie flat on the floor works too — just use a tape measure and note the height head-to-heel.

Adults too

European adult wool sizing

Adult European sizing is less standardized than children's sizing. Many adult wool base layers use letter sizing (XS, S, M, L, XL) that converts directly to US sizing. Others use numbered European sizing that's worth translating.

Women's base layers (general reference)

EU size	US equivalent	Chest (inches)
34	XS / 4	32–33
36	S / 6	33–35
38	M / 8	35–37
40	M / 10	37–39
42	L / 12	39–41
44	L / 14	41–43
46	XL / 16	43–45
48	XXL / 18	45–47

Men's base layers (general reference)

EU size	US equivalent	Chest (inches)
44	XS / 34	34–36
46	S / 36	36–38
48	M / 38	38–40
50	L / 40	40–42
52	L / 42	42–44
54	XL / 44	44–46
56	XXL / 46	46–48

These conversions are general industry reference. Specific product pages and brand charts will list chest, waist, and hip measurements for each size — always the most accurate way to pick an adult size in an unfamiliar brand.

Special cases

Socks, hats, and mittens

Some wool items aren't sized by height because height doesn't matter for them. These follow their own measurement systems — and because these items vary significantly by brand and product, the brand's size chart is essential.

Wool socks

Sized by foot length in centimeters or by EU shoe size. Measure your child's foot from heel to longest toe to pick the right size. Most product pages list both EU shoe size and foot length ranges. US children's shoe sizes convert directly to EU shoe sizing.

Wool hats and beanies

Sized by head circumference in centimeters. Measure around the widest part of the head, about an inch above the eyebrows. Check each product's size chart — hat ranges vary by style (close-fitting beanie vs. slouchy cap) and by brand.

Wool mittens and gloves

Sized by age range or by hand measurement. Measure across the widest part of the palm, not including the thumb. When a specific hand measurement is available on the product page, it's more accurate than age-based sizing.

Always check the individual product page

Hats, mittens, and socks vary more than apparel because their fit depends on multiple body measurements (circumference, length, diameter). For these items especially, the brand's measurement chart on the product page is where to look — not a general conversion guide.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does European children's clothing sizing work?

European children's clothing sizes are based on the child's height in centimeters, not their age. A size 92 fits a child who is approximately 92 cm tall, regardless of whether they're 2 years or 3 years old. This is more accurate than age-based sizing because children grow at different rates. To find the right size, measure your child's height in centimeters and pick the size closest to that number, then verify against the specific brand's size chart.

What is EU size 92 in US sizing?

EU size 92 roughly corresponds to US size 2T, fitting a child approximately 88 to 94 cm (35 to 37 inches) tall. Most children fit this size between 2 and 3 years old, though this varies significantly by child. Because European sizing is based on actual height, it tends to be more accurate than US age-based sizing, but individual brands may cut slightly differently, so always check the specific brand's size chart on the product page.

How do I measure my child for European wool sizing?

Stand your child against a wall without shoes, feet flat on the floor. Place a book or flat object on top of their head, parallel to the floor, and mark the wall. Measure from the floor to the mark in centimeters. Pick the European size closest to that number — if your child is 95 cm, choose size 98, not 92. Wool sized slightly large works better than wool sized slightly small, especially for base layers that need room to move.

Why should I check each brand's specific size chart?

While the European height-based system is standard across brands, individual brands cut their garments differently. Some items run slim, others run relaxed, and cuts can vary between a brand's base layers, jackets, and socks. Brand-specific size charts — typically available on each product page — account for these differences. Using a generic conversion chart gives you a starting point, but the brand's own chart is the final word on fit.

What size should I buy for a baby?

For babies under 1, sizing by height is more reliable than age alone. As a general guide: EU 56 fits newborns, EU 62 fits most 1-3 month olds, EU 68 fits 3-6 month olds, EU 74 fits 6-9 month olds, and EU 80 fits 9-12 month olds. Babies grow quickly, so buying one size up often gives more wear. Always check the specific product's size chart, since baby sizing is where brand-specific cuts vary most.

Should I size up for layering wool base layers?

For base layers worn alone or directly under a single outer layer, stick with the measured size. For base layers worn under bulky outerwear in deep cold, consider sizing up one step — this adds ease without compromising thermal performance. For growing children, sizing up by one also adds months of wear, though it means the base layer fits slightly loose initially.

Next steps