If you’ve ever wondered what number size a medium is when looking through clothes at the store, this guide breaks it down across men’s, women’s, and youth clothing. Whether you’re building your first clothing line or trying to reduce returns, knowing how medium sizes convert to numbers can make a big difference.
What Number Size Is a Medium for Men?
Men’s sizing tends to be more standardized than women’s, but it’s still not one-size-fits-all. Most brands stick to similar number measurements for medium sizes, but there can still be some wiggle room, especially with international brands or different fits such as slim vs. relaxed.
Shirts
A men’s medium shirt typically corresponds to a chest size of 38–40 inches and a neck size of 15–15.5 inches. In terms of sizes, that could be labeled as M or as a 38–40, depending on the brand. For Shopify store owners, it’s helpful to list both letter and number ranges to make it easier for customers to choose the right size.
Pants
Men’s medium pants usually align with a waist size of 32–34 inches and an inseam of 30–32 inches. Since pants often use two number measurements, waist and inseam, it’s important to provide both.
What Is a Medium Size for Ladies?
Women’s sizing comes with a few more curveballs, thanks to factors such as vanity sizing, brand-to-brand variations, and petite-specific cuts. Providing measurement-based sizing info is especially important in women’s apparel.
Shirts
A women’s medium shirt usually fits a bust measurement of 36–38 inches and is equivalent to a U.S. size 8–10. However, the way a shirt is cut, whether it’s fitted, flowy, cropped, or oversized, can affect how it feels and fits. If your store carries multiple styles, it’s good practice to mention when something runs looser or tighter than the “true” medium range.
Pants
In pants, a women’s medium generally covers size 8–10, with a waist around 28–30 inches and hips around 38–40 inches. Fit can vary even more depending on fabric, so it’s worth noting these details in your product descriptions.
What Size Is Youth Medium?
Youth sizing can vary based on age, brand, and whether the garment is unisex or gender-specific. Like adult sizes, medium youth garments typically fall within a standard range, but measurement details help ensure a better fit.
Shirts
A youth medium shirt usually fits children ages 8–10 and corresponds to a chest measurement of 27–29 inches. In number sizes, this often equates to a size 10, but some brands may label it as M or 8–10. Including both the age and measurement range in your sizing chart can help parents choose more confidently.
Pants
For pants, a youth medium typically covers sizes 10–12, with a waist measurement around 24–26 inches and hips around 28–30 inches. Because kids grow quickly and different brands fit differently, it’s helpful to clarify whether the fit is slim, regular, or relaxed in your product descriptions.
Are Number Sizes Accurate for Medium Clothes?
The short answer? Mostly. Number sizes are a helpful reference point for identifying medium clothes, but they’re not always consistent. Even garments labeled as true-to-size can feel different depending on the brand, fabric, or cut. If your customers are asking what the number size is for a medium, offering both letter sizes and measurement-based sizing can help close the gap between expectation and reality.
Using a sizing chart tool or app that shows exact measurements can help your customers shop with confidence. Kiwi Size Chart & Recommender is designed to integrate seamlessly with your Shopify store. It helps shoppers find their ideal fit by providing clear, customizable size charts and smart recommendations based on actual body measurements.
Ready to improve your customer experience and boost conversions? Download Kiwi today!
