Sock Size Guide Europe: How to Find Your Size in EU, UK and US (2026)
Sock sizing is less standardised than shoe sizing — and more confusing. Unlike shoes, where a UK 9 is a specific last dimension, a sock size is a range. EU 41–46 covers a six-size span of foot lengths. This is by design: premium socks are knitted with elastic structure that allows one size to fit a meaningful range of foot lengths without loss of fit quality. This guide explains how European sock sizing works, how to convert between EU, UK and US sizes, what to do if you are between sizes or have larger feet, and which size to order at Democratique Socks specifically.
How European sock sizing works
European sock sizing corresponds directly to European shoe sizing. EU sock size 41–46 covers the same foot length range as EU shoe sizes 41 through 46. This works because a sock is an elastic knit — it stretches to conform to the foot rather than being cut to a fixed dimension like a shoe.
At 200-needle density, the Democratique Originals Fine Rib stretches uniformly across the full EU 41–46 range without losing its structure at the cuff, heel, or toe. The rib construction is what makes this possible: the vertical rib channels expand laterally while maintaining recovery. A lower-needle sock at 100–130 needles loses its rib structure when stretched and does not recover cleanly — this is why cheap socks bag at the ankle after a few hours. For the full construction explanation, see Why 200-Needle Socks Are Better.
UK sock sizing — how it differs from EU
UK sock sizing is based on UK shoe sizes, not EU shoe sizes. A UK 7–11 sock range is roughly equivalent to EU 41–46 — they cover the same feet, expressed in a different numbering system. UK sizes run approximately 3–4 sizes below EU sizes. Some British and Irish brands label their socks in UK sizes only; European and international brands typically label in EU sizes. When in doubt, use the conversion table below.
US sock sizing — how it differs from EU
US men's shoe sizes run approximately 0.5 to 1 size below UK sizes for the same foot length. A US men's size 9 is roughly UK 8.5 and EU 43. US sock brands typically label socks as S/M/L or as a shoe size range rather than a numbered EU size. When ordering from a European brand, use the EU conversion column in the table below.
Democratique size ranges
EU 41–46 — the primary range, covering the majority of men's feet. Available across the full Democratique range: Originals Fine Rib, Athletique Classique, Relax Collection.
EU 36–40 — the secondary range, covering most women's feet and smaller men's feet. See the full EU 36–40 range.
EU, UK and US sock size conversion table
| EU Shoe Size | UK Shoe Size | US Size (Men) | US Size (Women) | Democratique Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36–37 | 3–4 | — | 5.5–6.5 | EU 36–40 |
| 38–39 | 5–6 | 5.5–6.5 | 7.5–8.5 | EU 36–40 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 7 | 9 | EU 36–40 |
| 41 | 7 | 7.5–8 | 9.5–10 | EU 41–46 |
| 42 | 8 | 8.5–9 | 10.5–11 | EU 41–46 |
| 43 | 9 | 9.5–10 | 11.5–12 | EU 41–46 |
| 44 | 9.5–10 | 10.5–11 | — | EU 41–46 |
| 45 | 10.5 | 11.5–12 | — | EU 41–46 |
| 46 | 11 | 12–12.5 | — | EU 41–46 |
| 47–48 | 12–13 | 13–14 | — | Contact us |
What if I am between sizes?
If your shoe size falls at EU 40 — the boundary between the two Democratique size ranges — we recommend EU 41–46 for men with wider feet or higher arches, and EU 36–40 for women or men with narrower, lower-volume feet. If you are unsure, EU 41–46 is the safer choice for men: the 200-needle rib construction contracts to accommodate a foot at the smaller end of the range without creating excess fabric.
What if I wear EU 47 or larger?
EU 47 and above is outside the Democratique standard range. Contact us directly at hello@democratiquesocks.com — we can advise on current stock and planned size extensions.
How to measure your foot length
Stand on a piece of paper on a hard floor with your heel flat against a wall. Mark the furthest point of your longest toe with a pencil. Measure the distance from wall to mark in centimetres:
22–23 cm → EU 35–36
23–24 cm → EU 36–37
24–25 cm → EU 38–39
25–26 cm → EU 40–41
26–27 cm → EU 42–43
27–28 cm → EU 44–45
28–29 cm → EU 46
29 cm+ → EU 47+
Care and sizing over time
Organic combed cotton at 200-needle density holds its shape through repeated washing when cared for correctly. Wash inside out at 30°C. Air dry — do not tumble dry. A sock that has been tumble-dried at high heat will shrink by approximately half a size along the foot length and will not recover. This is the most common reason a correctly-sized sock stops fitting. See the full care guide: How to Care for Your Socks and How Long Do Quality Socks Actually Last?
Browse the full range: EU 36–40 · EU 41–46 Fine Rib · Curated multipacks. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Organic combed cotton. Designed in Copenhagen since 2011.
Frequently asked questions
What does EU 41–46 mean in sock sizes?
EU 41–46 is a single sock size that fits feet corresponding to European shoe sizes 41 through 46. It covers this range because premium socks are knitted with elastic rib structure that stretches uniformly across a range of foot lengths. At 200-needle density, the sock maintains its structure and recovery at both ends of the range.
What is EU 41–46 in UK sock sizes?
EU 41–46 is equivalent to approximately UK 7–11. Use the conversion table above to find your specific UK size within that range.
What is EU 41–46 in US sock sizes?
EU 41–46 covers US men's shoe sizes approximately 7.5 to 12.5. Use the conversion table above for your specific US size.
What EU sock size is a UK size 9?
UK 9 corresponds to EU 43. This falls within the Democratique EU 41–46 range.
What EU sock size is a US men's 10?
US men's 10 corresponds to approximately EU 43–44. This falls within the Democratique EU 41–46 range.
Can women wear EU 41–46 socks?
Women with larger feet — EU 40 and above — can wear EU 41–46 socks comfortably. The 200-needle rib construction accommodates the smaller end of the range without excess fabric. For most women, EU 36–40 is the better fit. See the EU 36–40 range.
Do Democratique socks shrink in the wash?
Not when washed correctly. Wash inside out at 30°C and air dry. Tumble drying at high heat will cause the sock to shrink by approximately half a size and it will not recover. This is the most common cause of a correctly-sized sock becoming too short.
