Shopping from abroad. Complete guide to size charts 2026

1. Why does your overseas shopping require different size charts?

The main problem in international fashion is the lack of a universal standard. Each region designs its clothes according to the „average body“ of its population. This is the science of anthropometry in action.

Regional physical features:

• Scandinavia and Germany: The clothes are for tall people with a longer torso. If you are shorter, the German size 38 will be too long for you.
• Italy and France: The "Latin" body type dominates here - finer shoulders and a pronounced waist. The Italian 42 is equivalent to our 36 (S).
• Asia (China, Japan): The design is tailored to a much finer bone structure. The sleeves and armholes are significantly smaller than European ones.

2. Men's Fashion: Full Table and “Drop” System

Men's sizing is more standardized, but the introduction of "Alpha" sizes (S, M, L) has created confusion. The safest way to shop from abroad is by using size charts, based on chest circumference.

Important about costumes: The “Drop” system determines the difference between the chest circumference and the waist of the pants. Drop 6 is for a standard body, while Drop 8 is a very slim fit, typical of Italian boutiques.

3. Women's Clothing: The Mathematics of the Perfect Fit

Women's sizes are the biggest challenge due to "Vanity Sizing" - the strategy of brands putting smaller labels on larger clothes to flatter the buyer. When you do shopping from abroad, size charts for women they should be read with one mind.

Use the rule of “Minus 3”: To convert Italian size (IT) to Bulgarian/German (DE), subtract 4 (IT 42 = DE 36). For French (FR), subtract 2 (FR 40 = DE 38).

4. Shoes and Ski Equipment: The Reign of Mondopoint

In shoes, the differences are drastic. An Adidas 44 2/3 is not the same as a Nike 44. The only universal language is Mondopoint – the length of the foot in centimeters (CM).

Measurement instruction: Trace your foot on a piece of paper in the evening. Measure the distance from the heel to the longest toe and add 0.5 cm for comfort. If the result is 27.5 cm, look for size JP 275 or CM 27.5 in the manufacturer's chart.

5. Children's Clothes: Age vs. Height

In the US and UK, children's clothing is labeled by age (2T, 3T, 4 Years). This is extremely inaccurate. The European system, based on height in centimeters (98, 104, 110), is much more reliable. If your child is 102 cm tall, always buy size 104.

6. Logistics and Intermediaries: The Hidden Paths to Bulgaria

Many merchants in the US or UK do not ship directly to Bulgaria or charge huge amounts. The solution is intermediary companies (GGBG, Gabco, Leron). They provide you with a virtual address abroad, and you only pay for domestic transport to Bulgaria, which is usually between 3 and 5 BGN per kilogram for Europe.

7. Customs, VAT and the Revolution in 2026.

This is the most critical part for your shopping from abroad. Size charts They will not help you if your shipment is detained at customs due to ignorance of the law.

The change from July 1, 2026: The EU plans to remove the 150 euro threshold for duty-free imports. Any shipment from China, the US or the UK will be subject to duty, regardless of its value. It's the end of the era of ultra-cheap fashion without additional fees.

8. Practical protocol for safe shopping

1. Check the composition: Natural fabrics without elastane do not stretch. When in doubt, go up a size.
2. Read the reviews: Look for phrases like “True to size” or “Runs small.”.
3. Take off the labels on your old clothes: If you have favorite Nike sneakers, look at the size in CM on the label – this is your “key” to any other brand.