Euro sizes

I'm a wife of an ex-pat, living in Germany. Wondering if anyones knows...

Right now, size 14 is a 44 in Euro sizes. Just wondering if the 44 is a measure of something. Like in kids' sizes, the size is a reference to the height of the child. A size 12 in women's is a 42 I think.

Not that I am aware of, especially since the sizes in germany are 2 smaller than in France and according to my Esprit pants, 4 smaller than Italy (if not most of Europe), ie a 42 in Germany is a 44 in most other countries. 

I'm German and I was intrigued by your question, because I never thought about it before. So I looked it up, and apparently German women's sizes (there is no such thing as a Euro size, as orangejumper said, it varies from country to country) are the chest measurement (in cm) divided by two minus 6. For me, that's actually pretty accurate. But it doesn't really make sense, does it? :D And it's more like a rule of thumb, too, because it varies a lot depending on the brand. A size 14 converts to a 44? Really? I would've thought a 42 at least. But then again, it really depends on where you buy it.

Thanks so much, both of you. THat measurment is crazy, but wow, accurate! Put me right at a 44. The sizing I'm going on is mainly from H&M, which has both sizes listed. But is it an American company??

Anyway, my main reason for asking was to figure out what to measure to be able to buy the right size. But, I suppose I will have to always try stuff on, as different stores carry clothes from all over. :)

Thanks again.

H&M is Swedish. My total favourite, I think half my wardrobe is H&M :) And their sizes are mostly okay, it's actually as big as it says on the tags ...