Asian Clothing Size Conversion: Complete Guide

I'll be honest—my first experience ordering clothes from a Chinese retailer was a disaster. I grabbed an XL thinking it would fit like my usual size, and when it arrived, I could barely squeeze my arm into the sleeve. That's when I realized the hard way that Asian sizing doesn't follow the same rules we're used to in the West.

Over the past few years, I've ordered from dozens of Asian brands—everything from Japanese streetwear to Korean fashion to Chinese marketplaces. I've learned the ins and outs of their sizing systems, gathered actual measurement data, and talked to manufacturers about why these differences exist. What I'm sharing here is what I've actually tested and verified.

Understanding the Asian Sizing System

The fundamental difference between Asian and Western sizing comes down to body proportions and design philosophy. Asian sizing, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea, is typically cut for smaller frames with different shoulder widths, torso lengths, and sleeve proportions. This isn't a quality issue—it's intentional design.

Western brands generally design for different average heights and builds. An American size M might have a 20-inch shoulder width, while a Korean size M often comes in at around 17.5-18 inches. That's a massive difference, and it explains why so many people struggle when ordering online.

Women's Clothing Size Conversion

I've compiled this chart based on measurements I've gathered from actual garments and retailer specifications. These are approximate conversions, and I always recommend checking the specific measurements rather than relying solely on letter sizes.

*Japan uses odd numbers for women's sizes. Korean sizes often include double digits (55, 66, 77) or can be letter-based as well.

Men's Clothing Size Conversion

Men's sizing from Asia tends to run even smaller than women's, in my experience. I've noticed that many Asian men's garments have noticeably narrower shoulders and shorter sleeves. If you're used to American sizing, expect to jump up 2-3 sizes.

Country-Specific Sizing Differences

Chinese Sizing

China has the widest range of sizes and quality standards since they produce for both domestic and international markets. When ordering from Taobao, Alibaba, or similar platforms, sizing can vary wildly between sellers. I've found that items marked as "standard" or "Asian fit" run smallest, while items specifically labeled as "oversize" or "loose fit" tend to be more generous.

Chinese sizes typically use XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL notation. The chest measurements I've documented from actual garments average 2-3 inches smaller than American equivalents.

Japanese Sizing

Japan uses a unique numeric system that initially confused me. Women's sizes go 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, while men's use S, M, L, LL (or XL). I've found Japanese brands to be among the most consistent—quality control is tight, and they stick closely to their stated measurements. However, Japanese sizing also runs on the smaller side, and sleeve lengths tend to be noticeably shorter.

What I appreciate about Japanese sizing is that their measurement guides are usually incredibly precise. When they say 18 inches across the shoulder, they mean it. I always use these guides rather than guessing.

Korean Sizing

Korean fashion is trendy, and their sizing reflects current trends emphasizing fitted silhouettes. Korean sizes often use letters (XS, S, M, L) or numeric codes (55, 66, 77). In my experience, Korean brands run tighter than Chinese ones but are more generous than traditional Japanese sizing. Korean streetwear and fashion brands have become more size-inclusive in recent years, but I still recommend sizing up at least once.

One thing I've noticed: Korean brands often cut their sleeves and torsos shorter, even when chest sizes align with Western equivalents. This works well if you're on the shorter side but can be problematic for taller shoppers.

Pants and Bottoms Conversion

Pant sizing is where things get really tricky. Asian countries use different measurements for inseam and waist, and the proportions are distinctly different from Western cuts.

Shoes and Accessories

Asian shoe sizing is perhaps the easiest to navigate since most brands include centimeter measurements. Chinese and Korean shoe sizes typically run small compared to US sizing—usually about half a size to a full size smaller. Japanese shoes are more likely to match international standards.

Common Mistakes I Made (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Ignoring measurement guides. I used to assume that if I wore a medium in American stores, I'd wear a medium in Asia. Wrong. Now I always request the actual measurements—bust, waist, shoulder width, sleeve length—and compare them to my existing clothes.

Mistake #2: Forgetting about material shrinkage. Many Asian garments, especially from Taobao, use fabrics prone to shrinking. I now size up an additional amount when I know the fabric might shrink, or I look for pre-washed options.

Mistake #3: Not accounting for style differences. Oversized cuts are trendy in Asia, but so are fitted silhouettes. A Chinese brand's "oversized" t-shirt might still be slimmer than a Western brand's regular fit. I now read reviews and look for photos of people wearing items to gauge the actual fit.

Mistake #4: Buying from sellers with no return policy. When I'm unsure about sizing, I absolutely won't order from someone who doesn't accept returns. It's worth paying slightly more to have that security.

Real-World Conversion Examples

Let me give you some concrete examples from my own experience:

Example 1 (Women): I wear a US size 6 (small to medium). When ordering from South Korean fashion brands, I typically order a size M or L (which corresponds to size 66-77 in their system). My bust is 34 inches, and I've found that Korean M's average around 35-36 inches across the bust, which gives me the fitted look they're going for. If I ordered a US equivalent size M (which would have about 36-37 inches), it wouldn't fit right.

Example 2 (Men): My husband wears a US large. When ordering from Japanese retailers, he goes for XL or 2XL. His chest is about 40 inches, and Japanese L's run about 38-39 inches, which is too snug for his preference. The 2XL gives him the relaxed fit he likes.

Example 3 (Pants): I'm 5'6" and wear US size 6 pants with a 28-inch inseam. When ordering Asian pants, I look for about a 28.5-29 inch inseam and usually size up to a size L or M (depending on the brand). The waistbands on Asian sizes are typically much smaller than US equivalents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Asian brands size the same way?

No, and this is something I've learned through trial and error. Even within the same country, sizing can vary between brands. A small Chinese streetwear brand might size completely differently than a major Chinese retailer. Always check individual size charts rather than assuming consistency. This is why I never order anything without checking the specific measurements first.

Should I use cm or inches when checking size charts?

Most Asian retailers provide measurements in centimeters. I recommend using centimeters and converting to your preferred unit, or better yet, measure your existing clothes in centimeters and match those measurements directly. This eliminates rounding errors that can add up when converting back and forth.

Why do Asian clothes run so much smaller?

There are several reasons. Average heights and body proportions differ across regions. The average woman in China, for example, is shorter than the average American woman. Additionally, fashion aesthetics vary—fitted silhouettes are more common in Asia, while looser cuts are traditional in Western fashion. It's not about quality; it's about design and target demographics.

How do I measure myself correctly for Asian sizing?

Measure over a fitted t-shirt with a soft measuring tape. For bust/chest, measure around the fullest part of your chest. For waist, measure around your natural waistline. For sleeve length, measure from the middle of your back neck down your arm to your wrist. For shoulder width, measure straight across from shoulder point to shoulder point. Write everything down and compare to the size chart—don't estimate.

Are petite sizes different in Asia?

Yes. Many Asian brands have petite lines or specific sizing for shorter people. Japanese brands in particular often have dedicated petite sizing. However, what Americans call "petite" (typically designed for people 5'4" and under) is closer to standard sizing in many Asian countries. If you're on the taller side, you might struggle even with larger sizes.

What's the best way to measure sleeve length?

Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides. Have someone measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, and down to your wrist. This is your full sleeve length. Some size charts ask for shoulder-to-wrist only, which is slightly shorter. When in doubt, ask the seller which measurement they're using.

Can I return items if they don't fit?

Return policies vary significantly. Most reputable retailers (including major marketplaces) have return windows, but international returns from Asia can be expensive and time-consuming. This is another reason to be absolutely certain about sizing before ordering. Read reviews, check photos of real people wearing the items, and always buy from sellers with clear return policies if you're uncertain.

Do luxury Asian brands size differently than fast fashion?

Generally, luxury brands are more consistent with their sizing and provide more detailed measurement guides. Fast fashion tends to vary more. However, I've had better experiences with mid-range Korean and Japanese brands than with some luxury options. The quality of the size chart matters more than the brand prestige.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Asian clothing sizes took me a bit of time and more than a few ordering mishaps, but it's absolutely learnable. The key is understanding that it's not a mistake or a defect—it's simply a different sizing system based on different bodies and aesthetics. Once you know how to navigate it, you open up access to incredible fashion options that Western retailers don't offer.

My biggest piece of advice: measure yourself, check the actual dimensions provided by the seller, and compare to clothing you already own. Don't rely on letter sizes alone. Every seller is different, and even the same brand can vary between seasons. But with the information in this guide and a little care with your measurements, you'll find that ordering from Asian retailers becomes smooth and enjoyable.

The next time you're eyeing something from a Korean brand or considering a Taobao haul, you'll know exactly what to do.