The process of sizing clothes can be quite confusing. Suppose you are at one store, picking up a Medium M size, and it fits just right. Then you have a visit to another store where the same “M” is like a t-shirt of your little brother that you are going to put on. So what does M size mean in number? Without any complicated scenario let’s just say it.
Medium Size in Number (Let’s Just Get to It)
M size in number is 38-40 inches in chest size for men, and about 36-38 inches for women, in most cases. However, you should not expect every brand to follow the same size chart.
Quick Size Table: M Size and Its Friends
M Size in Number (India vs US vs UK)
Adding to the whole sizing confusion, there’s also the country factor. Internationally (and even locally with brands that import), that M might not be what you think. You can check out men’s size charts and guides to see how it actually lines up.
- India: M size in number = 38
- US/UK: M size most of the time = 38-40, but can be more variable
- European: Normally it is written as 48-50
If one sees a shirt that is marked size 40 in India, then it is almost a Medium. In most situations. Maybe.
What About Shirt Size 42? XL or XXL?
If we break down the question of a “42 shirt size means XL or XXL?”,
42 corresponds more to an L in Indian sizing. However, in some European brands, 42 may even fit into XL. It depends on whether it is chest or shirt dimensions that are being measured.
Size Chart for Men
Medium Size in CM
If you prefer the medium size in cm is the chest area, which is about 96-101 cm. Most brands are in the same range, allowing for 1-2 cm differences.
XXS, XS, and the Rest of the Gang
Let’s zoom out a sec. What does XXS size mean in numbers? And how about all the other oddball sizes?
- XXS size in number: 30–32 inches chest
- XS size: 32–34
- S size: 34–36
- L size in cm: 106–111 cm
- XL size in cm: 116–121 cm
Women’s sizing? Bust, waist, hips are just few more factors that make it more complicated. Though M is still US size 8 or 10 approximately.
XXXL Size in Number? Yeah, Let’s Talk Big Fits
Thinking of XXXL size in number means the chest around 54–56 inches or approximately 137–142 cm. And 3XL is just another name for it.
A Look at the XXXL Size Chart
| Label | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) |
| XL | 46-48” | 116-121 cm |
| XXL | 50-52” | 127-132 cm |
| XXXL | 54-56” | 137-142 cm |
XXL Size in India vs Elsewhere
In the case that you are in India and buying a shirt with the label XXL, it will in most cases be a size 46. While Western brands might call that an XL. And the women’s XXL? That is quite an adventure all on its own.
Related Bits:
- XXL in number: 46
- XXL shirt size: 50–52″ chest (but 46 in Indian number system)
- XXXL shirt size for ladies: Varies a ton, but often bust 48–50″ or size 20–22 US
FAQs
1. What number size is M in clothes?
Medium generally refers to size 40 in India or 38–40 chest in inches.
2. Is size 42 shirt XL or XXL?
It is mostly XL in Indian sizing and occasionally it is considered to be an Western brand s
XXL size.
3. What is size M in CM?
The chest measurement is typically between 96 and 101 cm.
4. What is size XXXL in number
Size 48 in India or chest size 54–56 inches.
5. Is XXL size 44 or 46?
XXL is typically size 46 in Indian size charts.
Kashaan Kapoor is a skilled fashion writer with over 5 years of experience creating content and blogs about clothing and style. He blends trend insights with timeless fashion advice to keep readers stylish and informed.
