Irish Fashion Sizing: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When you shop for clothes in Ireland, Irish fashion sizing, the standard measurement system used for clothing and footwear in Irish retail stores. Also known as Irish clothing sizes, it’s not the same as US or even UK sizing—and guessing can cost you time, money, and frustration. A size 10 in Dublin might be a 6 in New York and a 12 in London. It’s not a mistake. It’s just how it works here.

Most Irish brands follow the UK sizing system, the standard size chart used across Britain and Ireland for apparel and footwear. Also known as British sizing, it’s slightly smaller than American sizes and runs differently across brands. A size 8 dress from a Galway boutique might fit like a 6 in a Dublin department store. Same goes for shoes—Irish shoe sizes, the numerical system used for boots, loafers, and trainers sold in Ireland. Also known as UK shoe sizes, they’re measured in inches and don’t match US or EU numbers. If you’re used to buying size 9 sneakers in the States, you’ll likely need a size 8 in Ireland. And don’t assume a size 10 in UGGs means the same as a size 10 in work boots. Fit varies by brand, material, and even the season.

Why does this happen? Irish retailers design for the average Irish body type—often shorter, with broader shoulders and a more compact frame than the US market. Plus, with weather that changes hourly, clothes need to layer well. A sweater that fits snugly in summer might feel tight in winter when you’re wearing a thermal underneath. That’s why so many Irish shoppers stick to trusted local brands like Claremont or Harris Tweed—they know how their clothes fit, and they know how you’ll wear them.

There’s no magic formula, but there are simple tricks. Always check the size chart on the website, even if it’s a big name. Look for measurements in centimeters—not just S, M, L. If you’re buying online, read the reviews. People in Ireland will tell you if something runs big or small. And if you’re unsure, go for the smaller size. Most Irish stores have decent return policies, but why waste the trip?

You’ll find this reality reflected in every post below—from how to pick a summer dress that flatters your shape in Galway’s light, to why a $200 suit is worth it if it fits right, to why UGG boots are worn barefoot in Irish kitchens. These aren’t just fashion tips. They’re survival guides shaped by weather, body types, and decades of local experience. What you’re about to read isn’t theory. It’s what Irish women and men actually wear—and how they make it work.