GUESS and Marciano by GUESS are known for their feminine silhouettes, distinctive designs and figure-enhancing cuts. Choosing the right item, however, can sometimes be confusing. What does a Marciano size 42 mean? Is it the same as a standard European size 42? Why can the same garment be listed with Italian, European, German or international sizing?
The short answer is that numbered Marciano by GUESS women’s clothing is frequently labelled in Italian sizing. This means that the number shown on the label is usually higher than the German size you may normally wear. For example, a Marciano IT 42 generally corresponds to a German size 36 rather than a German size 42.
This guide explains how Marciano by GUESS and standard GUESS sizing work, how Italian sizes compare with European and German sizes, and what you should check before choosing your size online.
What Is the Difference Between GUESS and Marciano by GUESS?
Marciano by GUESS is the more sophisticated and elevated fashion line within the GUESS brand. Its collections often include occasion dresses, tailored blazers, elegant trousers, skirts, statement tops and figure-enhancing pieces with distinctive details.
While the main GUESS collection includes denim, T-shirts, knitwear, casual dresses and everyday clothing, Marciano pieces generally have a more tailored, formal or occasion-focused appearance. Many styles are designed to define the waist, bust or hips, which makes accurate sizing particularly important.
However, this does not mean that all Marciano pieces automatically run small. A stretchy knitted dress, a structured woven pair of trousers and a fitted blazer may fit very differently even when they carry the same size label.
Marciano by GUESS Size Conversion Chart
Marciano women’s clothing is often labelled with Italian sizes such as 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 or 48. These numbers should not automatically be interpreted as standard German sizes.
The following conversion chart provides a useful starting point:
| Marciano size – IT | General EU/FR size | German size – DE | Approximate international size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 32 | 30 | XXS |
| 38 | 34 | 32 | XS |
| 40 | 36 | 34 | S |
| 42 | 38 | 36 | M |
| 44 | 40 | 38 | L |
| 46 | 42 | 40 | XL |
| 48 | 44 | 42 | XXL |
An easy rule to remember is:
- To estimate a general EU/FR size, subtract approximately 4 from the Marciano Italian size.
- To estimate a German size, subtract approximately 6 from the Marciano Italian size.
For example:
- Marciano IT 40 ≈ EU/FR 36 ≈ DE 34
- Marciano IT 42 ≈ EU/FR 38 ≈ DE 36
- Marciano IT 44 ≈ EU/FR 40 ≈ DE 38
- Marciano IT 46 ≈ EU/FR 42 ≈ DE 40
These conversions should be treated as a guide rather than an absolute rule. The term “European size” is not used consistently by every brand or retailer, so the safest approach is to check the original size system and compare the garment or body measurements in centimetres.
Marciano Sizes Based on Body Measurements
The size number alone does not always tell the full story. Bust, waist and hip measurements provide a more reliable starting point.
| Marciano size – IT | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | approximately 83–85 cm | approximately 61–64 cm | approximately 88–90 cm |
| 40 | approximately 86–89 cm | approximately 65–67 cm | approximately 91–94 cm |
| 42 | approximately 90–94 cm | approximately 69–72 cm | approximately 95–99 cm |
| 44 | approximately 95–99 cm | approximately 74–78 cm | approximately 100–104 cm |
| 46 | approximately 100–104 cm | approximately 79–83 cm | approximately 105–109 cm |
These figures represent approximate body measurements rather than the measurements of the garment when laid flat.
A close-fitting stretch dress may be smaller when measured without being worn because the material is designed to expand. A non-stretch garment, on the other hand, needs enough additional room to allow comfortable movement.
How Does GUESS Sizing Compare with Marciano Sizing?
The main GUESS women’s collection frequently uses international letter sizes such as XS, S, M, L and XL. Jeans and trousers may also use waist measurements such as 25, 26, 27 or 28, while some dresses, jackets and tailored pieces are sold in numbered sizes.
Italian numerical sizing is more common in the Marciano collection. As a general guide, a GUESS M and a Marciano IT 42 may represent a similar size category, but the actual fit will depend on the garment’s cut, fabric and construction.
The following table can be used as an approximate reference:
| GUESS letter size | Marciano Italian size | German size |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 36 | 30 |
| XS | 38 | 32 |
| S | 40 | 34 |
| M | 42 | 36 |
| L | 44 | 38 |
| XL | 46 | 40 |
| XXL | 48 | 42 |
This comparison should not be treated as a fixed formula. Sizing can vary between GUESS and Marciano collections, and even between individual styles within the same collection. The fit description and the specific measurements of the garment are always more informative than the letter on the label alone.
Do Marciano by GUESS Clothes Run Small?
There is no single answer that applies to every Marciano style.
Marciano collections include many tailored, fitted and waist-defining silhouettes. As a result, certain pieces may feel more close-fitting than the same labelled size from a brand known for relaxed or oversized cuts.
GUESS may describe an individual product as:
- true to size;
- running small, with a recommendation to size up;
- made from stretch fabric;
- made from non-stretch fabric that will not fully adapt to the body.
For this reason, it is not advisable to assume that every Marciano item requires a larger size. A stretchy, figure-hugging knitted dress may fit well in your usual size, while a lined dress, structured blazer or non-stretch pair of trousers may require more room.
Always check the product-specific fit information whenever it is available.
How to Choose the Right Marciano or GUESS Size
1. Check Which Sizing System Is Being Used
The number 42 does not provide enough information on its own. Look for a country or sizing code such as IT, EU, DE, FR, US or UK.
A Marciano IT 42 usually corresponds to approximately a German 36. A genuine German size 42 is considerably larger. This distinction is especially important when shopping online, through outlet stores or on resale platforms.
2. Do Not Rely Only on Your Usual Letter Size
If you normally wear a size M, do not automatically assume that every Marciano M or IT 42 will fit perfectly.
Measure your bust, waist and hips, then compare those measurements with the information provided for the individual item. The same letter size can fit differently depending on the brand, collection, fabric and intended silhouette.
3. Identify the Most Important Measurement for the Garment
Different measurements matter for different types of clothing.
- Blazers and fitted tops: Focus primarily on bust and shoulder measurements.
- Trousers and skirts: Waist and hip measurements are usually the most important.
- Bodycon dresses: Bust, waist and hips should all be considered.
- A-line dresses: Bust and waist are generally more important because the skirt provides additional room around the hips.
- Coats and jackets: Allow space for the clothing you intend to wear underneath.
If your measurements fall into two different size categories, choose according to the area where the garment is most fitted or least flexible.
For example, if your waist corresponds to an IT 42 but your hips correspond to an IT 44, a fitted non-stretch skirt or pair of trousers will usually fit better in an IT 44.
4. Check the Fabric Composition
Elastane, spandex and flexible knitted constructions help a garment adapt to the shape of the body. If a Marciano dress contains stretch and you want a close-fitting silhouette, your usual size may be the best choice.
Take extra care with garments made from:
- non-stretch woven fabric;
- viscose without elastane;
- satin;
- lined lace;
- faux leather;
- structured suiting material;
- rigid denim.
If the product description states that the fabric does not stretch and your measurements fall between two sizes, the larger size will usually provide a more comfortable fit.
The percentage of elastane is useful, but it does not tell the entire story. Fabric construction also matters. A tightly woven material with a small amount of elastane may feel less flexible than a ribbed knit containing the same percentage.
5. Be Careful with Zipped and Lined Garments
A dress with a fitted zip closure usually offers less flexibility than a stretchy pull-on style. Lining can also reduce the usable space inside a garment, even if the outer fabric has some stretch.
If your bust or hip measurement is close to the upper limit of a size, consider choosing the next size in a lined or zipped garment. This is especially relevant for fitted occasion dresses, pencil skirts and tailored trousers.
6. Choose Between Two Sizes Based on the Fit You Want
If you are between two sizes, ask yourself:
- Do I want a close fit or a more comfortable fit?
- Does the fabric stretch?
- Is the garment lined?
- Does it have a fitted zip closure?
- Do I need enough room to sit and move comfortably?
- Will I wear another layer underneath?
- Is the intended fit slim, bodycon, regular or relaxed?
The smaller size may work in a stretchy garment if you prefer a fitted silhouette. The larger size is usually the safer option for rigid fabrics, lined pieces, fuller busts or hips, and situations where comfort and freedom of movement are priorities.
7. Measure a Similar Garment That Fits You Well
One of the most reliable ways to choose a size online is to compare the item with a similar garment you already own and enjoy wearing.
Lay the garment flat without stretching it, then measure:
- from underarm to underarm;
- across the natural waist;
- across the widest part of the hips;
- across the shoulders;
- from shoulder to hem;
- and, for trousers, along the inside leg.
Double flat bust, waist and hip measurements to estimate the garment circumference. For example, an underarm-to-underarm width of 46 centimetres equals an approximate garment bust circumference of 92 centimetres.
Make sure you compare like with like. Body measurements should be compared with a body size chart, while garment measurements should be compared with the measurements of another garment. A finished garment may be larger or smaller than the wearer’s body measurements depending on the fabric and intended fit.
How to Measure Your Body Correctly
Use a soft measuring tape and measure over underwear or thin, close-fitting clothing. Stand naturally, breathe normally and keep the tape comfortably against your body without pulling it tight.
Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level across your back and parallel to the floor.
Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waistline. This is usually above the belly button and below the rib cage. It may not be the same position where the waistband of your trousers sits.
Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
Do not pull in your stomach or tighten the measuring tape. The goal is not to obtain the smallest possible number but to choose a garment that fits correctly and allows you to move comfortably.
Common Marciano and GUESS Sizing Mistakes
“The Label Says 42, So It Must Be a Standard European 42”
A Marciano garment labelled 42 may be an Italian size. In that case, it will generally correspond to approximately EU/FR 38 or German 36.
Always check the original sizing system before ordering.
“All GUESS and Marciano Pieces Run Small”
Many pieces are designed to sit close to the body, but the actual fit varies from one model to another. The collections include true-to-size garments, stretch pieces and styles for which sizing up is specifically recommended.
The product description should take priority over general assumptions about the brand.
“If It Contains Elastane, the Smaller Size Will Always Fit”
Elastane can make a garment more flexible, but the lining, seams, zips and overall construction may still limit how much it stretches.
A garment that is too tight may be uncomfortable and can also distort the intended silhouette, cause seams to pull or make the fabric bunch around the zip.
“The Model’s Size Is Enough to Choose My Size”
The model’s height and the size shown in the photographs can provide context, but they cannot replace your own measurements.
Two people of the same height can have completely different bust, waist, hip and torso proportions. Use the model information only as a secondary reference.
“The Same Size Will Fit the Same Way in Every Fabric”
A knitted IT 42 dress and a structured IT 42 blazer may have very different amounts of usable room. Stretch, lining, seam placement and the intended fit all influence how a garment feels when worn.
Always evaluate the size together with the fabric and the cut.
Quick Size Check Before You Buy
Before selecting your GUESS or Marciano by GUESS size, check the following:
- Is the displayed size Italian, European, German, French, US or UK?
- Have you measured your bust, waist and hips?
- Is the fabric stretchy or rigid?
- Is the style bodycon, slim, regular, relaxed or oversized?
- Does the garment have lining, boning, a fitted waistband or a zip?
- Which body measurement is most important for this particular style?
- Does the product description include a specific fit recommendation?
- Can you compare the measurements with a similar garment you already own?
- Do you prefer a fitted or more comfortable silhouette?
- Will you need room for additional layers?
Frequently Asked Questions About Marciano by GUESS Sizing
What German size is Marciano IT 42?
Marciano IT 42 generally corresponds to approximately German size 36.
What European size is Marciano IT 42?
It is commonly converted to an EU/FR size 38. However, retailers do not always use the term “EU size” consistently, so check the sizing system stated on the product page.
What German size is Marciano IT 44?
Marciano IT 44 generally corresponds to approximately German size 38.
Should I size up in Marciano dresses?
Not automatically. Stay with your usual converted size when the dress is stretchy and described as true to size. Consider sizing up when the fabric is rigid, the style is lined or closely fitted, or the product description specifically says that it runs small.
Are GUESS and Marciano sizes the same?
They use related sizing categories, but the labels and fit are not always identical. Standard GUESS clothing often uses XS–XL sizes or denim waist sizes, while Marciano frequently uses Italian numerical sizing. Always check the measurements and fit of the individual product.
What should I do if my bust and waist indicate different sizes?
Choose according to the part of the garment that is hardest to alter or has the least flexibility. For a fitted dress or blazer, the bust and shoulders may be decisive. For trousers or a pencil skirt, the hips and waist usually matter most.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Marciano or GUESS Size
Marciano by GUESS sizing may initially seem confusing, but it becomes much easier once you recognise the Italian numbering system.
The most important point to remember is that a Marciano IT 42 should not automatically be treated as a standard European or German size 42. It generally corresponds to approximately EU/FR 38 or German 36.
A conversion chart is a useful starting point, but the best size choice should also take into account:
- your actual body measurements;
- the garment’s cut;
- the stretch and structure of the fabric;
- lining, zips and other construction details;
- the intended silhouette;
- and any product-specific fit recommendation.
Choosing the correct size does more than improve comfort. It allows the feminine tailoring, elegant drape and figure-enhancing silhouette associated with GUESS and Marciano by GUESS to look exactly as intended.
