Max Mara Size Chart: Italian to UK and US Sizes, Coats and Shoes

Max Mara uses Italian sizing. On the Max Mara size chart, IT 40 equals UK 8 and US 4, IT 42 equals UK 10 and US 6, and IT 44 equals UK 12 and US 8. The rule of thumb is to subtract 32 from the Italian size for UK and 36 for US. The coats are cut generously, so most women take their usual size.

Key facts

• Sizing system: Max Mara clothing is labelled in Italian (IT) sizes.
• Core conversions: IT 40 = UK 8 = US 4; IT 42 = UK 10 = US 6; IT 44 = UK 12 = US 8.
• Size range: the Max Mara UK site sells UK 2 to UK 18, which is IT 34 to IT 50.
• Quick maths: Italian size minus 32 gives UK size; Italian size minus 36 gives US size.
• Coats: the icon coats, including the 101801 and the Teddy Bear, are cut oversized by design.
• Shoes: Max Mara shoes are sized in European (EU) sizes.
• Brand: Max Mara is an Italian house founded in 1951 in Reggio Emilia.

Max Mara size chart: Italian to UK and US

Use this table for coats, jackets, dresses, skirts, trousers and tailored tops across Max Mara, Weekend Max Mara, ‘S Max Mara and Max Mara Studio. The IT 40, 42 and 44 rows are Max Mara’s own conversions; the other rows follow the same steps of two.

The UK site also lists IT 34, which is UK 2. Not every style is made in every size, so check the size list on the product page before you order.

How do I convert a US size to Max Mara Italian sizing?

Add 36 to your US size. A US 4 is an IT 40, a US 6 is an IT 42, and a US 8 is an IT 44. If you shop in UK sizes, add 32 instead: UK 10 is IT 42. The steps are always two, so every Italian size has a single matching UK size and a single matching US size.

If you are between sizes in American brands, decide by the style. In coats and knitwear, take the smaller size, because Max Mara cuts both with ease. In tailored trousers and fitted dresses, take the larger size and have the waist taken in if needed.

How are Max Mara coats cut?

The house coats are designed to stand away from the body, so they are roomier than the size label suggests. This is deliberate: the volume is part of the look, and it leaves space for a jacket and a thick knit underneath.

The 101801 (Madame). Oversized, double-breasted and long, with kimono sleeves that turn up to adjust to your arm length. Take your usual size. Because the sleeves fold back, arm length matters less than in a tailored coat.

The Manuela. A straight-fit wrap coat with a belt. The wrap lets you adjust the closure, so it is forgiving if you are between sizes. Take your usual size, and size down only if you want a closer line over light layers.

The Ludmilla. An enveloping wrap with kimono sleeves at the front and raglan sleeves at the back. Very generous. Take your usual size; if you are between sizes, the smaller one will still wrap comfortably.

The Teddy Bear. Oversized, with dropped shoulders and low-set sleeves. Do not size down, because the coat is meant to look big. If you are petite, choose a short version such as the Olga.

Weekend Max Mara and ‘S Max Mara coats. These follow the same Italian size chart; our guide to Weekend Max Mara covers that line in full. Wrap coats such as the Pedale forgive more than double-breasted coats. Read the fit line on each product page: “roomy”, “oversized” and “wide” all mean generous.

Max Mara The Cube puffers. Many of the padded jackets are described as roomy, and down adds bulk. Your usual size will usually fit over a knit.

For more on choosing between the coats, read our Max Mara coats guide, and for the shapes in general, our guide to types of coats.

Max Mara knitwear sizes

Much Max Mara knitwear is sized on the same Italian chart as the clothing. Some knits are offered in letter sizes instead. As a rough guide only, and always secondary to the chart on the product page, the letter sizes line up like this:

Fit also depends on the cut. A “relaxed” cashmere sweater with dropped shoulders will feel a size bigger than a fitted silk and wool turtleneck, so read the description before you order. Browse women’s knitwear for the full edit.

Max Mara shoe sizes

Max Mara shoes use European sizes. The standard conversions below are a good starting point, and leather court shoes and loafers will give slightly with wear.

If you wear half sizes, take the next size up in boots and trainers, where you may add a thicker sock, and your nearest size in courts, slingbacks and loafers. Shop designer shoes for the range.

How do I measure myself for Max Mara?

Measure over light underwear with a soft tape. Take your bust at the fullest point, your waist at the narrowest point, and your hips at the widest point. Compare those numbers with the measurement chart on the product page, which is more precise than any conversion table. For coats, also measure from the base of your neck to where you want the hem to fall, then compare with the coat length on the page.

Where can I buy Max Mara in the US?

Luxury Handbags stocks Max Mara in Italian sizes and ships to the US by DHL Express and FedEx International Priority. Orders ship Delivered Duty Unpaid, so import duties are usually payable on arrival. Shop the full range on the Max Mara hub.

Max Mara pieces with notes on fit

1. Madame 101801 Icon Coat in Black

Oversized and double-breasted, with turn-up kimono sleeves. Take your usual Italian size. From $5,170.

2. Manuela Icon Coat in Black

A straight-fit wrap in pure camel hair. The belt makes it forgiving between sizes. From $4,290.

3. Tedgirl Alpaca and Wool Teddy Bear Icon Coat in White

Cut oversized with low-set sleeves. Do not size down. From $4,950.

4. Pedale Wool Wrap Coat in Navy

Weekend Max Mara’s midi wrap in pure wool drap, with kimono sleeves and a matching belt. True to size and easy to adjust. From $1,460.

5. Seia Roomy Water-Repellent Puffer Jacket in Black

Max Mara The Cube’s roomy down jacket. Your usual size fits over knitwear. From $1,400.

6. Darsena Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater in Ultramarine

A pure cashmere crew neck. Check the cut on the product page and take your usual size. From $1,160.

7. Kiku Wool and Silk Turtleneck in Camel

A light silk and wool turtleneck that sits loose through the body. A good base layer under the icon coats. From $510.

8. Softpump Nappa Leather Court Shoes in Black

Soft nappa leather courts in EU sizes. Take your nearest size. From $1,170.

9. Pio Leather Chelsea Boots in Black

Leather Chelsea boots. If you are a half size, go up for room with a winter sock. From $1,730.

10. Regentmoc Semi-Glossy Leather Loafers in Black

Semi-glossy leather loafers that give a little with wear. Take your nearest EU size. From $1,270.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Max Mara size 40 in US sizes?

A Max Mara IT 40 is a US 4 and a UK 8. Max Mara uses Italian sizing, and the quick rule is to subtract 36 from the Italian size to get the US size, and 32 to get the UK size.

Does Max Mara run small?

Not in coats. The Max Mara icon coats are cut oversized on purpose, so most women take their usual Italian size. Tailored trousers and fitted dresses follow the size chart more closely, so check the measurements on the product page if you are between sizes.

What is a Max Mara size 42 in UK sizes?

A Max Mara IT 42 is a UK 10 and a US 6. IT 44 is a UK 12 and a US 8. The Max Mara UK site offers UK 2 to UK 18, which is IT 34 to IT 50.

Should I size down in a Max Mara coat?

Usually not. The 101801, the Ludmilla and the Teddy Bear are all designed with volume, and sizing down spoils the line. Wrap coats such as the Manuela are forgiving, so you can take the smaller size if you are between two and want a closer fit.

Is Weekend Max Mara sized the same as Max Mara?

Yes. Weekend Max Mara uses the same Italian size chart as Max Mara, ‘S Max Mara and Max Mara Studio. The cut differs from style to style, so read the fit notes on each product page.

What size shoes does Max Mara use?

Max Mara shoes use European sizes. As a standard guide, EU 38 is about a US 8 and a UK 5, and EU 39 is about a US 9 and a UK 6. If you wear half sizes, size up in boots and trainers.

Shop by size on the Max Mara hub, compare the coats in our Max Mara coats guide, and read the fit notes in our Max Mara Teddy Bear coat review.