Dress Size Conversion Calculator
Convert Your Measurements to UK/Irish Sizes
Use Princess Kate's sizing standards to find your equivalent dress size. Enter your measurements in centimeters to get UK and Irish/EU size recommendations.
If you’ve ever wondered Princess Kate dress size while scrolling through Instagram at a Dublin café, you’re not alone. The Princess of Wales is a style icon, and Irish fashion lovers often ask: which size does she actually wear, and how does that translate to the Irish market? In this guide we’ll break down the numbers, compare UK and Irish sizing, and show you where to find comparable dresses right here in Ireland.
Understanding Royal Sizing: The Basics
First things first - the royal family uses the same sizing system as the rest of the United Kingdom. That means Kate’s size is listed in UK measurements, not the continental European system that many Irish brands adopt. To make sense of it, we need a quick conversion chart.
| UK Size | Irish/EU Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 38 | 84‑86 | 66‑68 | 90‑92 |
| 8 | 40 | 86‑88 | 68‑70 | 92‑94 |
| 10 | 42 | 90‑92 | 72‑74 | 96‑98 |
| 12 | 44 | 94‑96 | 76‑78 | 100‑102 |
Kate’s size has been reported as a UK 8 (sometimes a 10 depending on the outfit). That lands her in the Irish/EU 40‑42 range - the sweet spot for many women in Dublin, Cork, and Galway who shop for evening wear.
Why Irish Shoppers Care About the Exact Numbers
When you head to Brown Thomas on Grafton Street for a gala dress, the staff will label garments in Irish/European sizes. Knowing that a UK 8 equals an EU 40 helps you avoid a trip back home with a dress that’s too tight around the bust or hips. It also lets you compare prices across brands - a designer dress labeled EU 40 in Dublin might be cheaper than the same piece listed as UK 8 on a UK site.
Where to Find Princess‑Style Evening Dresses in Ireland
Now that you know the size, let’s talk shopping. Ireland has a growing selection of boutiques that carry royal‑approved silhouettes - fitted bodices, modest necklines, and floor‑length hems.
- Louise Kennedy - the Dublin‑based designer is famous for sleek evening gowns that echo Kate’s clean lines. Her flagship store on 30 St. Stephen’s Green stocks EU 38‑44, perfect for a UK 8.
- Arkat - this Irish label offers contemporary dresses with subtle embroidery, a nod to the royal penchant for detail. Their size guide lists EU 40 as the most popular.
- River Island Ireland - the high‑street favourite carries the same collections as the UK, so you’ll find UK 8 directly on the rack, useful if you prefer the original sizing.
- Jigsaw - based in Belfast, Jigsaw’s evening range is known for soft fabrics and classic cuts. Their online size chart converts UK 8 to EU 40.
If you’re after a truly bespoke piece, consider a visit to Savile Row Tailors in Dublin’s St. Stephen’s Green area. While the name harks back to London’s famous tailoring street, the Dublin branch offers custom fittings that take your exact measurements - bust, waist, and hips - and produce an EU size that mirrors the princess’s silhouette.
How to Measure Yourself Like a Royal Stylist
Royal stylists use a simple three‑point system. Grab a soft tape measure and follow these steps:
- Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level.
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest point, usually just above the belly button.
- Hip: Run the tape around the widest part of your hips.
Write the numbers down in centimetres, then compare them to the conversion chart above. If you land between two sizes, size up - a slightly looser fit is more flattering for formal events.
Practical Tips for Irish Events - From Weddings to State Dinners
Ireland’s social calendar is packed with events where a dress like Kate’s would fit right in: weddings in County Kerry, literary festivals in Dublin, even the annual St. Patrick’s Day gala at the Convention Centre. Here are a few pointers to make your royal‑inspired look work in an Irish setting:
- Weather‑Proof Fabrics: Irish rain can be sudden. Choose gowns made from wool blends or silk crepe that drape well even if the air gets damp.
- Footwear: Opt for low‑heeled block shoes from Irish brands like Claddagh Shoes. They look chic with a floor‑length dress and keep you steady on wet cobblestones.
- Accessories: A simple pearl necklace or a Celtic‑inspired clutch from John Hanly Designs adds a touch of local flair without stealing the spotlight.
- Transport: If you’re attending a event in a historic castle, consider hiring a private car from a Dublin firm like Irish Limousines. It prevents the dreaded dress‑wrinkle incident on a bumpy road.
Common Misconceptions About Royal Sizes
Many people assume the royals wear “zero” or “size 2” because of the slim silhouettes they showcase. In reality, the British royal family follows the same sizing standards as the rest of the UK. Kate’s reported size of UK 8 reflects a healthy, athletic figure - not an extreme runway measurement. That’s good news for Irish shoppers because it means the average Irish woman can find a similar fit without drastic alterations.
What If You Want a Tailored Look Without the Tailor?
Online shopping in Ireland has come a long way. Several retailers now offer virtual fitting tools that ask for your bust, waist, and hip measurements and then suggest the best EU size. For example, the website of Little Mistress lets you input measurements and see a 3‑D model of the dress on a figure that matches your dimensions. Combine that with the conversion chart above, and you can order a Kate‑inspired dress with confidence.
Quick Recap - Your Royal‑Ready Checklist
- Know Kate’s UK size (8 or 10) and convert to Irish/EU 40‑42.
- Measure bust, waist, and hips in centimetres.
- Shop Irish boutiques like Louise Kennedy or Arkat for comparable styles.
- Choose weather‑smart fabrics for Ireland’s climate.
- Use virtual fitting tools or a local tailor for final tweaks.
What UK dress size does Princess Kate wear?
Kate is most commonly reported as a UK 8, sometimes a UK 10 depending on the silhouette. That converts to an Irish/EU size 40‑42.
How do I convert a UK dress size to an Irish size?
Subtract two from the UK number to get the Irish/EU size (UK 8 → EU 40, UK 10 → EU 42). Use the bust‑waist‑hip measurements as a sanity check, especially for fitted gowns.
Where can I buy a Kate‑style dress in Dublin?
Check out Louise Kennedy on St. Stephen’s Green, Arkat in the Creative Hub, or the high‑street range at River Island Ireland. For a made‑to‑measure option, visit Savile Row Tailors Dublin.
Should I size up if I’m between UK 8 and 10?
Yes - a slightly larger size ensures comfort, especially for long events where you’ll be seated and standing often. A looser fit also drapes better in silk or crepe fabrics.
Can I order a dress online and still get a perfect fit?
Many Irish retailers now offer virtual fitting rooms. Input your centimetre measurements, compare the suggested EU size with the chart above, and watch for free alteration policies.