Article: Italian Sizing Explained — How to Choose Your Pianizzo Size
Italian sizing runs slimmer than American equivalents — not smaller, but cut closer to the body. A US Medium and an EU 48 share the same body measurements, but the European pattern is drafted with closer ribcage suppression, a tighter sleeve, and a more tapered fit. If you're new to Italian sizing, the practical implication is this: do not assume your usual US or UK size translates directly. Measure your body, consult the conversion table, and choose based on intended fit.
This guide covers everything you need to choose a Pianizzo size on the first order: how to measure, how to read the conversions, how each category fits, and what to do if you fall between sizes.
Italian sizing follows the European convention (EU sizes 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54), which corresponds roughly to chest measurement in centimetres divided by two. An EU 48 is drafted for a 96cm chest. The difference from American sizing isn't in the chest measurement — it's in everything else:
| Measurement | Italian (EU 48) | American (US M / 40) |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | 96 cm | 96 cm |
| Waist suppression | 10–12 cm | 5–7 cm |
| Sleeve diameter (bicep) | Slimmer | Fuller |
| Shoulder width | Calibrated to actual shoulder | Slightly wider for comfort |
| Hem | Tapered | Straight |
The result: an Italian Medium fits closer to the body, with less excess fabric at the waist, sleeve, and torso. This is the deliberate Italian aesthetic — a tailored, structural silhouette.
You need three measurements for tops: chest, waist, and arm length. For trousers: waist, hip, and inseam. For shoes: foot length and width.
| Pianizzo | Chest (cm) | Chest (in) | EU | US/UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 86–91 | 34–36 | 44 | 34 |
| S | 91–97 | 36–38 | 46 | 36 |
| M | 97–102 | 38–40 | 48 | 38 |
| L | 102–108 | 40–42 | 50 | 40 |
| XL | 108–114 | 42–45 | 52 | 42 |
| XXL | 114–120 | 45–47 | 54 | 44 |
| Pianizzo | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | EU | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 71–75 | 28–29 | 44 | 28–29 |
| S | 76–80 | 30–31 | 46 | 30–31 |
| M | 81–85 | 32–33 | 48 | 32–33 |
| L | 86–91 | 34–35 | 50 | 34–35 |
| XL | 92–97 | 36–38 | 52 | 36–38 |
| XXL | 98–103 | 39–40 | 54 | 40 |
| EU | US Men | UK Men | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 6 | 5 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 7 | 6 | 25.4 |
| 41 | 8 | 7 | 26.0 |
| 42 | 9 | 8 | 26.7 |
| 43 | 10 | 9 | 27.3 |
| 44 | 11 | 10 | 27.9 |
| 45 | 12 | 11 | 28.6 |
| 46 | 13 | 12 | 29.2 |
| 47 | 14 | 13 | 29.8 |
| 48 | 15 | 14 | 30.5 |
Slim European cut. True to your usual size for a fitted look; size up one for a relaxed silhouette. If you wear US M / EU 48 in fitted brands, choose M in Pianizzo. If you prefer your polos looser, choose L.
Tailored chest with refined collar. The Pianizzo shirt sits closer to the body than American-cut equivalents. Most builds find true-to-size accurate. If you have a broader chest with a narrower waist (athletic build), you may prefer one size up for shoulder fit, then have it tailored slightly at the waist.
Cashmere and merino are cut for structured drape. True to size for everyday wear. If you intend to layer over a shirt or dress shirt, size up one. If you prefer a closer fit over skin, true to size or even one size down.
Cotton and linen trousers will relax 0.5–1 cm at the waistband over the first few wears. If between waist sizes, choose the smaller. Inseam is typically tailored to standard European length — if you're under 175cm, consider hemming after first try-on.
Built on a clean Italian last with a cushioned insole. Suede loafers mold to the foot in the first 3–5 wears. If between sizes, choose the smaller — the leather will give. If you have wider feet or use orthotic insoles, consider one size larger.
This is the most common sizing question. Two practical rules:
If you're truly equidistant and unsure, default to true-to-size and use our 30-day return window to exchange if needed. See our refund policy for details.
Pianizzo follows the same Italian sizing convention. EU 48 in Loro Piana corresponds to EU 48 in Pianizzo. The cut may differ slightly in shoulder width and waist suppression based on each brand's house silhouette, but the underlying size convention is consistent.
No. American slim fit brands are usually cut closer than American regular fit, but still not as close as Italian standard. If you wear US M slim fit, you'll wear EU 48 (M) in Pianizzo and the fit will be similar.
Yes. Pianizzo offers L, XL, and XXL sizes that accommodate taller frames. The chest measurements scale standard with European patterns. Verify with the chest measurement chart above — your chest measurement determines size, not your height.
Yes. EU 42 corresponds to US 9 men's, UK 8 men's. Pianizzo loafers use the same conventional conversion as other Italian shoemakers.
Return within 30 days of delivery, unworn with tags. Order the correct size separately to ensure fast delivery. See our refund policy for full terms.
Each product page includes a sizing chart with garment dimensions where available. For body measurements and conversion tables, refer to our size guide.
If you take only one measurement before ordering, take your chest. Chest measurement is the single best predictor of fit for the Pianizzo silhouette across most categories. Confirm your chest measurement in centimetres against the conversion table above, choose the corresponding size, and you'll get a correct fit on the first order in 80% of cases.
Browse the full men's collection with confidence.
