Turkish modest-wear brands size their garments on the European numeric system — 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50 — which can confuse buyers used to UK or US sizing. This guide explains how those numbers translate, how wholesale size series work, and how to help customers order the right size, followed by a full Q&A.
How Turkish sizes map to EU, UK and US
Turkish sizing follows the EU numeric standard, so a Turkish 38 is an EU 38. As a general guide, EU 36 ≈ UK 8 ≈ US 4; EU 38 ≈ UK 10 ≈ US 6; EU 40 ≈ UK 12 ≈ US 8; EU 42 ≈ UK 14 ≈ US 10; EU 44 ≈ UK 16 ≈ US 12; EU 46 ≈ UK 18 ≈ US 14; and EU 48 ≈ UK 20 ≈ US 16. These are approximate — always check garment measurements.
Why modest wear is sold in “size series”
Wholesale modest fashion is typically sold as a full size series: one garment in each size across a range, for example 38–44 (four pieces) or 38–48 (six pieces). This lets a boutique stock a complete size run of a style in one purchase and retail the individual sizes to end customers.
Helping customers choose the right size
Publish a measurement table (bust, waist, hip and length in centimetres) for every style, note the sample size and model measurements when available, and remind shoppers that modest cuts are often relaxed, so they may prefer their usual size rather than sizing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Turkish size the same as a European size?
Yes. Turkish brands use the EU numeric system, so a Turkish 40 is an EU 40. The difference is only in the label, not the measurement standard.
What is a Turkish size 38 in UK and US sizes?
A Turkish/EU 38 is roughly a UK 10 and a US 6, though this varies by brand and cut, so checking the centimetre measurements is safest.
What does “full size series” mean?
It means the product is sold as one piece in each size of a range — for example one each of 38, 40, 42 and 44 — as a single wholesale pack rather than as individual sizes.
Can I buy a single size instead of the whole series?
Most Turkish wholesalers sell only complete series, because the series lets a boutique offer every size to its own customers. Individual sizes are usually sold by the boutique at retail.
How do I know which size to order for a customer?
Compare the customer’s bust, waist and hip measurements in centimetres to the garment’s size table. Because modest garments are often loose, the closest match is usually correct without sizing up.
Do modest dresses run large or small?
Modest dresses are generally cut with a relaxed, flowing fit, so they tend to feel true to size or slightly generous. Fitted or belted styles are the exception and should be checked against measurements.
What sizes are included in a typical modest-wear series?
Common series are 38–44 (four sizes), 38–46 (five sizes), 38–48 (six sizes) and 36–50 (eight sizes) for wide-range styles such as evening dresses.
Why do measurements matter more than the size number?
Fabric, cut and stretch vary between styles, so two garments labelled 40 can fit differently. The centimetre measurements are the most reliable guide to fit.