Reference guide

Belt Size by Country

A directory of which unit each market typically uses — useful when shopping from an international retailer or comparing a size across borders.

The full list

Sizing units, country by country

CountryCommon unitNotes
United StatesInchesEven-inch sizing, +2 rule from pant size
CanadaInchesFollows the US convention closely
United KingdomInchesFollows the US convention closely
IrelandInchesFollows the UK convention
AustraliaInchesFollows the UK/US convention
New ZealandInchesFollows the Australian convention
IndiaInchesMost retailers use inch-based sizing
FranceCentimetres5cm step sizing common
GermanyCentimetresFollows the broader EU convention
ItalyCentimetresFollows the broader EU convention
SpainCentimetresFollows the broader EU convention
BrazilCentimetresClosest fit is the EU centimetre system
MexicoInches or cmVaries by retailer; both conventions common
ChinaCentimetresClosest fit is the EU centimetre system
JapanCentimetresCentimetre sizing standard
South KoreaCentimetresCentimetre sizing standard
PhilippinesInchesCommonly follows the US convention

Many countries don't maintain one single official standard and instead follow whichever convention their retailers stock most — treat this table as the closest general match, not a guaranteed rule for every brand.

Questions

Country sizing FAQs

The US, UK, Canada, Australia and several other English-speaking and Commonwealth markets typically size belts in inches.

Most of continental Europe, along with many Asian and Latin American markets, size belts in centimetres, usually in 5cm steps.

No — sizing is set by individual manufacturers and regional retail conventions rather than one global authority.