When ordering pants online, you select size 42, and the garment arrives too tight or too loose. The problem does not lie with the body, but in the fact that size 42 does not represent the same centimeters from one brand to another, nor from one country to another. Understanding what this size really entails helps avoid back-and-forth with customer service.
Size 42 waist measurement in centimeters: what brands really measure
When we talk about size 42 for women in France, we refer to a waist measurement of around 83 to 88 cm. The associated bust measurement generally ranges between 96 and 101 cm, and the hip measurement between 105 and 111 cm. These benchmarks come from the AFNOR sizing tables, which still serve as a technical basis for French clothing production.
The issue is that these tables are outdated and body shapes have evolved. Size 42 today is closer to the average profile observed among women in France, far from the “plus size” image it was given twenty years ago. Brands are aware of this and adjust their patterns, sometimes upwards, sometimes downwards, to align with their target clientele.
To learn everything about waist size 42 and its equivalents depending on clothing types, it is better to cross-reference multiple sources rather than relying on a single generic chart.
Size 42 correspondence in letters and international sizes
The conversion of a French size 42 to letter sizes is not automatic. Depending on the brands, a 42 can correspond to an M, an L, or even an XL. This is one of the most misleading points in online size guides, which display fixed equivalences while reality varies.
Here are the most common correspondences for a women’s size 42:
| System | Common Equivalent |
|---|---|
| France | 42 |
| Letters (FR) | L (sometimes M-L) |
| Italy | 46 |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 14 |
| United States (US) | 10 |
| Germany (DE) | 40 |
These equivalences are indicative. A UK size 14 at a British retailer may fit larger than a French size 42 at a fitted brand. Returns vary on this point, and the only certainty remains taking measurements.
Size 42 in jeans: converting W to French size
Jeans add a layer of complexity because they use the inch system (W for waist, L for length). For a waist measurement of around 84 to 86 cm, you generally fall into a W33 or W34, which corresponds to a French size 42.
But this correspondence is not universal. Some denim manufacturers cut small, while others add ease. A W33 from a Japanese raw denim brand has nothing to do with a W33 from a fast fashion brand.
Three reflexes can help limit mistakes with jeans:
- Measure the actual waist with a tape measure at the level of the navel, without tightening or loosening the tape
- Compare this measurement to the brand’s size chart rather than a generic chart found online
- Check if the brand indicates measurements “flat” (half waist of the garment laid out) or “worn” (waist measurement of the body), as the difference can reach several centimeters
Why size 42 varies so much from one brand to another
The AFNOR standards define reference measurements for each size, but there is no legal obligation for brands to adhere to them. Each brand creates its own sizing standards based on its clientele, positioning, and pattern-making choices.
Vanity sizing illustrates this phenomenon well. Some brands intentionally widen their cuts so that the customer “fits” into a size smaller than what she wears elsewhere. As a result, a 42 at brand A may correspond to a 44 at brand B, with differences of two to three centimeters in waist measurement.
The type of garment also plays a role. A fitted dress in size 42 does not offer the same ease as high-waisted pants labeled 42. The cut (straight, slim, loose) alters the amount of fabric added to the base measurements.
Taking measurements to ensure the choice of size 42
Instead of memorizing charts, it’s more efficient to note three precise measurements once and for all.
- Bust measurement: tape measure passed horizontally over the fullest part of the bust, without compressing
- Waist measurement: measured at the natural waist crease, generally a few centimeters above the navel
- Hip measurement: taken at the widest part of the hips, including the buttocks
These three numbers allow you to navigate any size guide, whether it is French, American, or in letter format. If a measurement falls between two sizes, the choice depends on the desired fit: the smaller size for a fitted look, the larger size for more comfort.
A detail often overlooked: the position of the tape measure matters as much as the measurement itself. A tape that is slightly tilted or too low by a few centimeters on the waist skews the result. Standing in front of a mirror and checking the horizontal alignment of the tape before reading the measurement avoids many surprises upon receiving the package.
