If you are planning a trip to the United States, one thing is certain: the store windows will catch your eye. Clothing and shoes there really can be much cheaper than at home—especially if you visit outlet stores or shop during major seasonal sales.
Before filling your bags, though, there is one important detail that can make shopping easier—or more confusing: the difference in sizing. US sizes follow a different system, and knowing that in advance can help avoid confusion when you shop.
Quick tip: write down your measurements
Even with a conversion chart, every brand can fit differently. Try items on whenever possible. If you are shopping for someone else, write down their key measurements: bust, waist, leg length, arm length, and so on. For shoes, one trick that works well is to bring a drawing of the person’s foot outline.
US shoe size conversion
In the United States, shoes are sized by category: children’s, women’s, and men’s. Here is how the sizes correspond to Brazilian sizing:
Children’s shoes
| US | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7½ | 8½ | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11½ | 12½ | 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Women’s shoes
| US | 5 | 5½ | 6 | 7 | 7½ | 8½ | 9 | 10 | 10½ | 11½ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
Men’s shoes
| US | 7 | 7½ | 8 | 8½ | 9½ | 10½ | 11 | 12 | 12½ | 13½ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |
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How US clothing sizes work
Clothing also follows a different sizing system. Sizes vary for babies, children, men, and women. Here are the conversion charts:
Baby clothes
| US | 3M | 6M | 9M | 12M | 18M | 24M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil (cm) | 55–61 | 61–67 | 67–72 | 72–78 | 78–83 | 83–86 |
Children’s clothes
| US | 2–3 | 4–5 | 6–6x | 7–8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16+ |
Women’s clothes
Dresses, skirts, coats, and pants
| US | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Women’s tops
| US | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Men’s clothes
Shirts
| US | 14 | 15 | 15½ | 16 | 16½ | 17 | 17½ | 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 35 | 37 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
Pants
| US | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
Useful tips for getting the right fit
- Many stores use letter sizes: S (Small), M (Medium), L (Large), and so on. But a Brazilian P (small) is not always the same as a US S.
- Pants often have two numbers: one for the waist and one for the leg length. For example: 32/30.
- Measurements in the US are in inches. Remember: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
- Measurement conversion apps can be very helpful while shopping.
Internet as soon as you land
Imagine stepping off the plane with your internet already working.
With an international SIM, you can connect as soon as you arrive and use your phone without worry, with unlimited data in more than 200 countries.
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Now it is time to pack your suitcase (leaving a little extra room, if possible) and get ready to enjoy those great prices! One more reminder: the duty-free shopping allowance for bringing goods into Brazil is US$500 per person.
Have a great trip and happy shopping! 💚