Paul Smith Sizing
Paul Smith sizes in European measurements — which catches a lot of shoppers off guard. A chest 40 in a British brand is not the same as a chest 40 in Paul Smith. As authorised UK stockists with Paul Smith on the shop floor daily, we've put together this complete guide so you can order with confidence.
1 | European Sizing Explained
Paul Smith uses the European (continental) sizing system across all categories — suits, shirts, knitwear, and trousers. This is standard for Italian and French luxury brands but less familiar to UK shoppers used to S/M/L or British chest sizes.
The Key Principle
- European suit sizes are approximately 10 sizes higher than the UK equivalent
- A UK size 40 chest = European size 50
- A UK size 42 chest = European size 52
- Shirts use collar size in centimetres (e.g. 39, 41, 43)
Paul Smith Jacket / Suit Size Conversion
| UK Chest (inches) | EU Size | Approx. Height |
|---|---|---|
| 36" | 46 | 5'8"–5'10" |
| 38" | 48 | 5'9"–5'11" |
| 40" | 50 | 5'10"–6'0" |
| 42" | 52 | 5'11"–6'1" |
| 44" | 54 | 6'0"–6'2" |
| 46" | 56 | 6'1"–6'3" |
Paul Smith Shirt Size Conversion
| UK / US Size | EU Collar (cm) | Chest Fit |
|---|---|---|
| S | 37–38 | 36"–38" |
| M | 39–40 | 38"–40" |
| L | 41–42 | 40"–42" |
| XL | 43–44 | 42"–44" |
| XXL | 45–46 | 44"–46" |
2 | Slim Fit vs Regular Fit — Which Should You Choose?
Paul Smith offers both slim and regular (sometimes called "tailored") fits across suits and shirts. The fit affects the cut through the chest, waist, and arms — not just the overall size.
Slim Fit
Narrower chest taper, suppressed waist, closer arm fit. Best for lean or athletic builds. Suits those with a chest-to-waist difference of 6"+ and a 30"–33" waist. Paul Smith slim is not extreme — it's closer to what many brands call "tailored."
Regular Fit
Straighter cut through chest and waist. More room through the torso and arms. Better for broader builds, those who carry weight in the midsection, or anyone who prefers a classic silhouette over a fitted one.
Between Fits?
If you're borderline, go slim in suits (it's easier to let out than take in) and regular in shirts if you have a broad chest or muscular arms. Paul Smith suits are cut generously through the shoulder regardless of fit, which is a key reason they work across body types.
Knitwear Fit
Paul Smith knitwear is generally cut to a regular-to-relaxed silhouette. Unlike suiting, there's no slim option — size down one if you prefer a fitted look in crew neck or V-neck knits.
3 | How to Measure Yourself for Paul Smith
Get a fabric tape measure and stand in a relaxed, natural posture. Measure over a light shirt — not over a suit or thick jumper.
The Four Key Measurements
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal. This determines your jacket/suit size.
- Collar: Measure around the base of your neck where the collar would sit. Add 0.5cm for comfort. This gives your shirt collar size in cm.
- Waist: Measure around the natural waist (belly button level) for trousers. Do not hold in or out.
- Inside leg: Measure from the crotch seam to the floor. Paul Smith trousers are sold with a fixed leg length — choose the closest and hem if needed.
Paul Smith Fits True to European Size
Unlike some brands that run small or large, Paul Smith is known for consistent, accurate sizing. If you measure a 40" chest you will typically fit a size 50 jacket without needing to size up or down.
4 | Paul Smith Suiting — Size by Category
Paul Smith suits are cut in Naples-influenced British tailoring. The shoulder is a genuine natural shoulder — not padded or roped — which gives suits a relaxed but sharp look that's very different from Italian power suiting.
Suit Construction Notes
- Chest sizing determines the jacket size — the number on the label
- Trouser waist is cut approximately 6" smaller than the jacket chest (i.e. a size 50 suit comes with a 34" waist trouser)
- If your waist and chest are different proportions, Paul Smith offers separates in many styles
- The "A" (normal), "S" (short), and "L" (long) suffixes indicate body length — e.g. size 50A, 50S, 50L
Body Length Suffixes
- S (Short): For heights approximately 5'7" and under
- A (Regular): For heights approximately 5'8" to 6'0" — the most common
- L (Long): For heights approximately 6'1" and over
5 | Knitwear & Casual Tops — Sizing Differences
Paul Smith knitwear follows a different logic to tailoring. Labels show S, M, L, XL — but the actual chest measurements differ by garment weight and construction.
Fine Gauge Knitwear
Merino crew necks, V-necks, and zip-necks. These run closest to true size. A 40" chest typically fits M–L. They have very little stretch, so if between sizes, size up.
Chunky / Cable Knit
Heavier weight sweaters. These are cut with more room built in — a 40" chest typically fits M. The extra body in the fabric means they look better with room rather than pulled tight.
Cotton Jersey / T-Shirts
Paul Smith cotton tees and long sleeves run true to UK size for chest width, but shorter in body length than many buyers expect. Tall shoppers (6'1"+) may find M and L a little short — size up if you prefer untucked length.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Cut with a relaxed silhouette. These are not slim. A 40" chest in M is the intended fit. Sizing down will make them feel like a slim cut but the sleeves may be short.
6 | Trousers & Jeans — Waist and Leg
Paul Smith trousers are sized in inches (waist × inside leg) for ready-to-wear, or in EU waist measurements for suit trousers sold as separates. Jeans follow standard UK inch sizing.
| UK Waist (inches) | EU Waist | Hip (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 30" | 76cm | 36" |
| 32" | 81cm | 38" |
| 34" | 86cm | 40" |
| 36" | 91cm | 42" |
| 38" | 96cm | 44" |
Leg Length Note
Paul Smith trousers typically come in a 32" or 34" inside leg as standard. If you need a 30" or 36" leg, seek out an alteration rather than buying the wrong size — changing the waist is far more expensive than hemming the leg.
Shop Paul Smith at OD's
Every piece below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist.
