Asian and US clothing sizes are not always the same. In many cases, Asian sizes run smaller than US sizes because body measurements, sizing systems, and fit preferences vary by country and brand. That is why checking a size chart before buying is important, especially when shopping from Japan, China, Korea, India, or other Asian brands.
This guide explains Asian to US size conversion for men, women, kids, gloves, and shoes so you can choose a better fit with more confidence. The existing SizeChartly page covers these sections, but the content needed better structure and readability.
Asian Size Chart to US
Asian sizes are usually labeled as XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and above. However, an Asian XL may fit closer to a US M or L depending on the brand. Always compare your body measurements with the brand’s official size chart before ordering.
Men Sizes
| Standard EU Sizing | 2XS 44 | XS 46 | S 48 | M 50 | L 52 | XL 54 | 2XL 56 | 3XL 58 | 4XL 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 60 | 62 |
| Italy | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 60 | 62 |
| UK | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| USA | 34/27 | 38/28-29 | 39/30-31 | 40/32-33 | 42/34-35 | 44/36-37 | 46/38-39 | 48/40-41 | 50/42-43 |
| Asia | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
Women Sizes
| Standard EU Sizing | 2XS 32 | XS 34 | S 36 | M 38 | L 40 | XL 42 | 2XL 44 | 3XL 46 | 4XL 48 | 5XL 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
| Italy | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| UK | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| USA | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| Asia | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | 6XL |
Boys
| Age Size EU | 4-6 116 | 6-8 128 | 8-10 140 | 10-12 152 | 12-14 164 | 14-16 176 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 114 | 126 | 138 | 150 | 162 | 174 |
| Italy | 114 | 126 | 138 | 150 | 162 | 174 |
| UK | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| USA | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Girls
| Age Size EU | 4-6 116 | 6-8 128 | 8-10 140 | 10-12 152 | 12-14 164 | 14-16 176 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 114 | 126 | 138 | 150 | 162 | 174 |
| Italy | 114 | 126 | 138 | 150 | 162 | 174 |
| UK | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
| USA | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Gloves
| Size | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM Inch | 15.5 6.1 | 16 6.1 | 16.5 6.3 | 17 6.5 | 18 7.1 | 19 7.5 | 20.5 8.1 | 22 8.7 | 23 9.1 | 24 9.4 | 26 10.2 | 27 10.6 |
| Ladies | XS | S | M | L | XL | |||||||
| Men | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | |||||||
| Juniors | XS | S | M | L | XL |
Shoe size conversion
Women’s shoe size conversion
| Standard EU Sizing | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
| USA | 5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 |
| China | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
| Japan | 21 | 22 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 27 |
Men’s shoe size conversion
| Standard EU Sizing | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| USA | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| China | 39 | 41 | – | 42 | 43 | 43.5 | 44.5 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
| Japan | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Common Asian Size Labels and Their US Equivalents
Asian clothing sizes can look simple, but the fit is not always equal to US sizing. A shirt labeled Asian L may feel closer to a US S or M depending on the cut, brand, and fabric.
Japan
Japanese clothing sizes often use numeric or letter-based labels. For tops and dresses, the fit may be slimmer than that of many US brands. For shoes, Japan commonly uses centimeters, which can make conversion easier if you know your foot length.
China
Chinese sizes may use numbers, letters, or body measurements. Some brands provide size charts based on height and weight, while others use chest, waist, and hip measurements. Do not rely only on the size label.
Korea
Korean fashion often has a slimmer fit, especially in tops, jackets, and dresses. Many Korean brands also use “free size,” which usually means one-size-fits-most, not a guaranteed fit for every body type.
India
Indian sizing can vary widely between ethnic wear, western wear, and footwear. For kurtas, saree blouses, shirts, and dresses, bust/chest and waist measurements are more useful than the size label alone.
How to Measure Yourself for Asian to US Size Conversion
For the best fit, take your body measurements before comparing size charts.
Measure these areas:
- Chest or bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest or bust.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
- Shoulder: Measure from one shoulder edge to the other.
- Inseam: Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the leg.
- Foot length: Measure from heel to longest toe for shoe conversion.
Use a soft measuring tape and keep it snug, not tight. If your measurement falls between two sizes, choose based on the garment type. For fitted clothing, size up for comfort. For stretchy fabric, your regular size may work.
Tips for Choosing the Right Asian Size
Asian sizes often run smaller, but this is not a fixed rule. A better strategy is to compare measurements, not labels.
Here are a few useful tips:
- Check the brand’s official size chart before buying.
- Read customer reviews for fit feedback.
- Size up if the item is slim-fit or non-stretch.
- Check fabric details before choosing your size.
- Compare your measurements in inches and centimeters.
- For shoes, measure your foot length instead of guessing by country size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many shoppers order the wrong size because they compare Asian and US labels directly. That is risky because a US medium and an Asian medium may not fit the same.
Avoid these mistakes:
- Do not assume all Asian sizes run exactly one size smaller.
- Do not ignore fabric stretch.
- Do not rely only on S, M, L, or XL labels.
- Do not skip brand-specific size charts.
- Do not forget that shoes and clothing use different conversion systems.
Conclusion
Asian to US size conversion is helpful, but it should be used as a guide, not a fixed rule. The best way to choose the right size is to measure your body, compare it with the brand’s size chart, and consider the fabric and fit. Since Asian sizes often run smaller than US sizes, checking measurements before ordering can help you avoid returns and get a better fit.
FAQs
1. Are Asian sizes smaller than US sizes?
Yes, Asian sizes often run smaller than US sizes, especially in clothing. However, the difference depends on the brand, country, fabric, and fit style.
2. What is Asian XL in US size?
Asian XL may fit like a US M or L in many brands, but it is not always the same. Always check the exact chest, waist, and hip measurements before ordering.
3. How do I convert Asian shoe size to US size?
The best way is to measure your foot length in centimeters and compare it with the brand’s shoe chart. Japan often uses centimeter-based sizing, while China and the US use different number systems.
4. Should I size up when buying Asian clothing?
In many cases, yes. If the clothing is slim-fit, non-stretch, or from a brand known for smaller sizing, sizing up can help. But measurement comparison is more accurate than guessing.
5. Why do Asian and US sizes differ?
Asian and US sizes differ because brands use different body measurements, fit standards, and regional sizing systems. That is why two items with the same label can fit differently.