What Is Size 38 in US Clothing Pants? Don't Guess It Wrong!

First off: size 38 where exactly? Context is everything

Okay, let’s clear the air right away—size 38 can mean very different things depending on what country you’re shopping in, what gender the clothes are for, and honestly... which store you’re even in. I once bought a “size 38” pair of pants online thinking it was my usual US men’s size—and ended up with something that felt more like a medium in Europe. Not fun.

So before you toss anything in your cart, let’s figure out what size 38 actually means in US clothing pants.

Men’s pants: size 38 usually means 38-inch waist

Yeah, this is the simplest one (thankfully). In men’s US pants sizing, a “38” usually refers directly to the waist measurement in inches. So if you're a guy and you're looking at size 38 pants, it's meant to fit someone with a 38-inch waist.

But watch the inseam!

That 38? It’s usually just the waist. The inseam (which is the length from your crotch to your ankle) is usually a second number. So a full size might look like “38x32” — meaning 38-inch waist, 32-inch leg. If you just see "38", make sure you're not missing the length part.

Honestly, I once forgot to check the inseam and ended up walking around like I borrowed my dad’s jeans—cuffed three times, and still dragging.

Women’s pants: 38 is more complicated (and less standardized)

Ah yes. Women’s sizing—the mysterious realm of numbers that don’t always mean anything logical. In women’s US sizing, a size 38 is not a common label. But if you’re converting from European sizes, this is where it gets tricky.

European 38 ≈ US size 8

So, if you’re shopping a pair of pants from Zara, Mango, H&M, or any brand using EU sizing, and it says "38", that typically translates to a US women's size 8.

But here’s the thing: depending on the brand, the cut, and even the style (ugh, low-rise jeans, I’m looking at you), it might feel more like a 6 or a 10. I’ve been a “38” that fit perfectly... and a “38” that didn’t get past my hips.

I remember asking my friend Jess (who works in fashion) if I was just bloated or going crazy, and she just laughed and said, “No babe, that’s just sizing trauma.”

International conversions: EU, UK, and beyond

This one’s for my fellow online shopping addicts.

Quick size 38 conversion guide

For men, as mentioned before, size 38 usually stays 38 across regions (unless you're talking about tailored or suit pants — then it’s a whole other mess...).

Tips so you don’t mess it up (like I did once)

1. Always check the actual measurements

Like, get a tape measure. I know, it sounds boring. But knowing your waist, hips, and inseam in inches/cm will save you so many returns. It’s way better than guessing based on a number some intern at a clothing brand randomly decided in 2007.

2. Read the reviews — really

People will tell you if something runs small or fits weird. I once bought a pair of size 38 jeans from a European brand and all the reviews said “runs small, size up”—but did I listen? Nope. Sent ‘em back the next day.

3. Stretch fabric is a game-changer

If the pants have elastane/spandex in the mix, a 38 might fit even if you’re between sizes. But if it’s 100% rigid cotton... you better be exactly that waist size or prepared for a very tight experience.

Final thoughts: size 38 isn’t one-size-fits-all

So, what is size 38 in US clothing pants? If we’re talking men’s, it’s a 38-inch waist. For women’s, in most cases, it's the EU equivalent of a US size 8.

But honestly? Labels lie. The real answer is in the tape measure, the fabric, the brand, and your body that day. So go in informed, be kind to yourself (and your thighs), and remember: the number on the tag is not the boss of you.

Also, if you ever find a brand where size 38 fits every time, send me the link. Please.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.