Your Guide to Understanding French Dress Size 34
So, you’ve found the perfect Parisian-chic dress online, but the sizing has you paused. You’re wondering, what size is a 34 in French dress? Let’s clear this up right away: a French size 34 (often abbreviated as FR 34) is typically considered the equivalent of a US size 2, a UK size 6, and an international size XXS or a small XS. However, this simple conversion is just the beginning of the story. The world of French sizing is wonderfully nuanced, and truly understanding it can be the key to unlocking a wardrobe that fits like a dream.
Navigating international size charts can often feel like trying to translate a complex dialect. Each country, and sometimes each brand, seems to have its own sartorial language. French fashion, known for its effortless elegance and precise tailoring, is no exception. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the French size 34, moving beyond simple charts to explore the very philosophy of the French fit. We’ll look at brand-specific variations, crucial measurements, and practical tips to help you shop with confidence, whether you’re browsing the boutiques of Le Marais or the pages of your favorite e-commerce site.
The International Sizing Map: Where Does French Size 34 Fit In?
Before we delve into the finer details, having a clear visual reference is incredibly helpful. A conversion chart provides a solid starting point for figuring out your size. It’s important to remember, though, that this is a general guide. The fit can, and often does, vary from one designer to another.
Here is a comprehensive table to help you place a French size 34 in a global context:
| Region/Country | Dress Size | General Bust Measurement (Approx.) | General Waist Measurement (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| France (FR) | 34 | 80 – 82 cm (31.5 – 32.3 in) | 62 – 64 cm (24.4 – 25.2 in) |
| United States (US) | 2 | 32 – 33 in | 24 – 25 in |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 6 | 31 – 32 in | 24 – 25 in |
| Italy (IT) | 38 | 81 – 84 cm | 61 – 63 cm |
| Germany (DE) | 32 | 80 – 83 cm | 64 – 66 cm |
| International | XXS / XS | N/A (Brand Dependent) | N/A (Brand Dependent) |
Key Observations from the Chart:
- The French-Italian Confusion: One of the most common mistakes shoppers make is confusing French and Italian sizing. As you can see, a French size 34 is equivalent to an Italian size 38. Always double-check which country’s sizing system a multi-brand retailer is using!
- Germany’s Different Scale: German sizing (DE) tends to run larger than French sizing. A French 34 corresponds to a German 32.
- US and UK Parallels: The US and UK systems are somewhat more aligned, though not identical. A French 34 reliably translates to a US 2 and a UK 6.
Beyond the Numbers: The Philosophy of the French Fit
Simply converting numbers doesn’t tell the whole story. To truly understand a French size 34, you have to appreciate the aesthetic behind it. French ready-to-wear (prêt-à-porter) is often designed with a specific silhouette in mind, which can differ quite a bit from American or British sizing philosophies.
A Less Curvy Cut
Traditionally, French sizing is tailored for a straighter, less curvaceous body type. This is often described as a “gamine” or “boyish” frame. What does this mean in practical terms for a size 34 dress?
- Shoulders and Bust: The cut across the shoulders might be narrower, and the bust area may offer less room than a US size 2 equivalent. If you have broader shoulders or a larger cup size, this is a critical point to consider.
- Waist and Hips: The waist is typically well-defined, but the transition to the hips is often more subtle. The garments are designed to skim the body rather than hug dramatic curves.
The Absence of “Vanity Sizing”
In many parts of the world, especially the US, “vanity sizing” has become commonplace. This is the practice of labeling clothes with smaller sizes than their actual measurements to appeal to customers. French brands, particularly the more established and high-end ones, tend to resist this trend. Their sizing often feels more “true” or, to some, might even seem to run small. If you are accustomed to the more generous sizing of many American brands, a French size 34 might feel snugger than the US size 2 you normally wear. This isn’t a flaw; it’s simply a different standard.
A Word on Fabric: The intended French fit is also deeply connected to the fabric. A structured tweed jacket in a size 34 will have very little give, demanding a precise fit. In contrast, a silk slip dress or a jersey top in the same size will offer more flexibility and drape differently on the body.
Not All French Brands Are Created Equal: A Guide to Sizing Quirks
This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice for anyone looking to buy a French size 34 dress. The most accurate size guide is the one provided by the brand itself. A size 34 from the contemporary brand Sézane might fit very differently from a size 34 at the luxury house Chanel or the edgy label Isabel Marant.
Here’s a look at how some popular French brands tend to run, which can help you decide whether to stick with a 34 or size up.
Brands That Often Run Small (Consider Sizing Up)
- Isabel Marant: Known for its bohemian, rock-chic aesthetic, Isabel Marant pieces (especially in the main line) are notorious for running small. The fit is often narrow through the shoulders and hips. If you are between sizes, it is almost always advisable to size up. A person who is a solid US size 2 might even find a French size 36 (US 4) to be a more comfortable fit in this brand.
- A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Création): This brand is famous for its minimalist essentials and raw denim. Its sizing is very precise and often unforgiving. A size 34 will be a true, slim 34. There’s little room for error, particularly in their non-stretch fabrics like cotton poplin or denim.
- Balmain: While a high-luxury example, it’s worth noting. Balmain is known for its incredibly structured, body-conscious silhouettes. Sizing runs very small, and a 34 is designed for a very petite frame.
Brands That Are Generally True to Size
- Maje & Sandro: These popular sister brands are often a good benchmark for contemporary French sizing. Their size 34 generally aligns well with the standard US 2 / UK 6 conversion. However, pay attention to the specific item’s description—a “fitted” dress will be just that.
- ba&sh: This brand often offers a slightly more relaxed, bohemian fit than Maje or Sandro. A size 34 (often labeled as a 0 or XS by the brand) is usually a reliable choice for a US size 2, but their flowing dresses offer more leeway than their tailored pieces.
- Claudie Pierlot: Similar to Maje and Sandro, Claudie Pierlot offers classic, preppy-with-a-twist pieces. Their sizing is quite consistent, and a 34 is a dependable equivalent to a US 2.
Brands with Variable or Relaxed Sizing
- Sézane: One of the most popular French brands globally, Sézane’s sizing can be a bit of a puzzle. While they offer a size 34, its fit depends heavily on the item. Their knitwear is often generous, but their blouses and structured dresses can be smaller. Their greatest asset is the extensive feedback on their website. Customer reviews and detailed product notes like “take your usual size” or “if between sizes, size up” are invaluable.
Your Action Plan: How to Confidently Choose a French Size 34
Feeling empowered? Here are the concrete steps to take the guesswork out of your next purchase and ensure that beautiful French dress fits perfectly.
- Master Your Measurements: This is the single most important step. Do not guess! Use a soft measuring tape and get accurate numbers for your:
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips and bottom.
Keep these measurements handy in both inches and centimeters, as most French brands use the metric system. For a standard French size 34, you’re generally looking at measurements around Bust: 82cm, Waist: 64cm, Hips: 90cm.
- Always Consult the Brand’s Size Chart: Navigate to the product page of the dress you love and find the “Size Guide” or “Size Chart” link. This is your bible. Compare your personal measurements to the brand’s specific chart for a size 34. Pay attention to any notes, such as whether the measurements are for the body or the garment itself.
- Become a Detective: Read Customer Reviews: Real-world feedback is gold. Look for reviews from customers who state their typical size and height. Comments like, “I’m usually a US 2, and the FR 34 was a perfect fit,” or “This runs small, I’m a US 2 and had to exchange the 34 for a 36,” provide invaluable context that no chart can offer.
- Analyze the Fabric and Cut: Look closely at the material composition. Is it 100% cotton with no stretch, or does it have some elastane or spandex in the blend? A dress with 5% elastane will be far more forgiving. Also, read the description for clues about the fit. Does it use words like “oversized,” “relaxed fit,” “straight cut,” or “slim fit”? These terms are there to help you visualize how the size 34 is intended to drape on the body.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Number
In the end, understanding what size a 34 is in a French dress goes far beyond a simple conversion. It’s about appreciating a different approach to tailoring and silhouette. While a French 34 is broadly equivalent to a US 2 or a UK 6, it represents a fit that is often more precise, less accommodating of curves, and truer to its stated measurements than its international counterparts.
Your best tools in this journey are not just conversion charts, but your own measuring tape, a keen eye for brand-specific guides, and the shared wisdom of fellow shoppers. By combining these resources, you can move past the uncertainty and confidently select a French size 34 that doesn’t just fit your body, but also embodies the effortless, sophisticated style that makes French fashion so captivating.