Quick Answer: 38 Size Shirt
- 38 size shirt in India = Medium (M)
- Chest measurement for 38: 96–97 cm (approximately 38 inches)
- In US/UK sizing: Equivalent to Small (S) or Medium (M) depending on the brand
- In UK formal shirts: Corresponds to a 15-inch collar size
What is a 38 Size Shirt?
When a shirt tag reads 38, it refers to a chest measurement of approximately 38 inches (around 96–97 cm). In Indian clothing stores, this number directly indicates the chest size in inches that the shirt is designed for. This is why Indian shirts go by number sizes like 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 — instead of the Western S, M, L, XL system.
The number-based size system is extremely common in India and is used by major brands such as Peter England, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Arrow. For most of these brands, size 38 is firmly in the Medium (M) category.
Is Shirt Size 38 Small or Medium? (The Definitive Answer)
The answer depends on which country and brand you are shopping from:
| Region / Brand Type | What Size 38 Means | Alpha Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| India (Standard brands) | 38-inch chest = Medium (M) | M |
| India (Slim-fit brands) | 38-inch chest = Large (L) | L |
| US / Canada | 38-inch chest = Small or Medium | S / M |
| UK | 38-inch chest = Medium | M |
| EU (Europe) | EU 48 | M |
| H&M / Zara (European fast fashion) | Runs small — 38 may be Large | L |
Full Number-to-Alpha Size Chart (India — Men's Shirts)
Here is the complete Indian shirt size chart mapping number sizes to alpha labels — so you can clearly see where 38 falls:
| Number Size | Alpha Size | Chest (Inches) | Chest (CM) | Collar (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | S (Small) | 36" | 91 cm | 14" |
| 38 | M (Medium) | 38" | 96 cm | 15" |
| 40 | M-L (Medium-Large) | 40" | 101 cm | 15.5" |
| 42 | L (Large) | 42" | 106 cm | 16" |
| 44 | XL (Extra Large) | 44" | 111 cm | 16.5" |
| 46 | XL-XXL | 46" | 116 cm | 17" |
| 48 | XXL (Double XL) | 48" | 122 cm | 17.5" |
38 Size Shirt in India (Brand-by-Brand Guide)
Not all Indian brands define their sizes the same way. Here's how the most popular brands treat size 38:
| Brand | Size 38 = Alpha | Fit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter England | M (Medium) | Regular Fit | Standard sizing — reliable for most body types |
| Louis Philippe | M (Medium) | Slim Fit | Runs slightly trim — consider sizing up if broader chest |
| Allen Solly | M (Medium) | Regular/Slim | True to size for 38-inch chest |
| Van Heusen | M (Medium) | Slim Fit | Slightly narrower cut; athletic build may need L |
| Arrow | M (Medium) | Classic Fit | Roomier cut; great for relaxed comfort |
| Zudio / Max | M (Medium) | Relaxed | Budget brands; generally true to size |
How to Measure Your Chest for a 38 Size Shirt
To confirm if you should order size 38, follow these steps to measure your chest accurately:
- Use a flexible tape measure. A rigid ruler will not wrap correctly around your body.
- Stand straight and relaxed. Don't puff your chest or suck in your stomach — a natural posture gives the most accurate result.
- Wrap the tape under your armpits at the fullest part of your chest (across your nipple line).
- Keep one finger between the tape and your body. This "ease allowance" ensures the shirt won't be uncomfortably tight when you move.
- Read the measurement in inches. If it reads between 37–38.5 inches, you are a size 38.
38 Size Shirt in UK — The Collar-Size Difference
In the UK and other formal-shirt traditions, men's shirts are often sized by collar circumference rather than chest. Knowing this is crucial when ordering formal or dress shirts online from UK retailers:
| UK Collar Size | Equivalent Chest Size | Alpha Size |
|---|---|---|
| 14" (35.5 cm) | ~36-inch chest | S |
| 15" (38 cm) | ~38-inch chest | M |
| 15.5" (39 cm) | ~40-inch chest | L |
| 16" (40.5 cm) | ~42-inch chest | L-XL |
| 16.5" (42 cm) | ~44-inch chest | XL |
| 17" (43 cm) | ~46-inch chest | XXL |
So if a UK shirt says "15" (38 cm)" on the collar, it's made for the same body as an Indian size 38 Medium shirt.
38 Size Shirt Kitna Hota Hai? (Hindi Guide)
अगर आप सोच रहे हैं कि 38 साइज़ शर्ट कितना होता है, तो यहाँ आपके लिए सरल जवाब है:
- 38 साइज़ शर्ट का मतलब है कि शर्ट की चेस्ट (छाती) माप 38 इंच यानी करीब 96 सेंटीमीटर है।
- भारत के मानक ब्रांड्स (जैसे Peter England, Allen Solly) में 38 साइज़ = Medium (M) होता है।
- अगर आपकी छाती का माप 37–38.5 इंच के बीच है, तो आपको 38 नंबर की शर्ट लेनी चाहिए।