Use our updated Asian clothes conversion size chart to compare US, UK, EU, China, Japan, and Korea clothing sizes. Learn how to measure yourself, understand Asian sizing, and shop online with confidence.

Shopping for clothing from Asian brands has never been more popular. Whether you’re ordering from online marketplaces, international fashion retailers, or visiting Asian countries, understanding clothing sizes is essential for getting the right fit.

Unlike many Western brands, Asian clothing sizes are often based on local body measurements and tend to run smaller. A size labeled “Large” in one country may fit like a Medium or even a Small in another. That’s why relying only on size labels can lead to disappointing purchases.

This guide explains how Asian clothing sizes compare with US, UK, and European sizes. You’ll also find practical shopping tips, measurement advice, and easy-to-follow conversion charts to help you choose the correct size every time.

Why Are Asian Clothing Sizes Different?

Asian clothing sizes are designed around the average body measurements of consumers in different countries. Because body proportions vary between regions, manufacturers develop their own sizing standards rather than following a single international system.

Several factors contribute to these differences:

Average height and body shape
Local fashion preferences
Brand-specific sizing standards
Tailored versus relaxed clothing styles

For example:

Chinese brands often use numbered sizes based on height and chest measurements.
Japanese clothing commonly combines letters with numeric sizing.
Korean brands frequently use simple numeric systems for tops and bottoms.

Because every manufacturer may size garments slightly differently, checking the brand’s size chart is always more reliable than choosing your usual size.

Asian Clothing Size Conversion Chart – Women

US Clothes Size	International	China Clothes Size	Japan Clothes Size	Korea Clothes Size
4	XS	160-165 / 84-86	S / 36 / 5	44
6	XS	160-165 / 84-86	S / 36 / 7	44
8	S	165-170 / 88-90	M / 38 / 9	55
10	S	165-170 / 88-90	M / 38 / 9	55
12	M	167-172 / 92-96	L / 40 / 11	66
16	M	167-172 / 92-96	L / 40 / 11	66
18	L	168-173 / 98-102	L, XL / 42 / 13	77
20	L	168-173 / 98-102	L, XL / 42 / 13	77
22	XL	170-176 / 106-110	XXL / 3L / 15	88
24	XL	170-176 / 106-110	XXL / 3L / 15	88
26	XXL		4L / 17
28	XXL		5L / 19

Asian Clothing Size Conversion Chart – Men

US Clothes Size	International	China Clothes Size	Japan Clothes Size	Korea Clothes Size
14	XS		S / 36	90
14.5	XS		S / 37	90
15	S	165 / 88-90	M / 38	95
15-15.5	S	165 / 88-90	M / 39	95
15-16	M	170 / 96-98	L / 40	100
16	M	170 / 96-98	L / 41	100
16.5	L	175 / 108-110	L, XL / 42	105
17	L	175 / 108-110	43	105
17.5	XL	180 / 118-122	44	110
17.5	XL	180 / 118-122	44	110
	XXL	185 / 126-130
	XXL	185 / 126-130

Asian Shirt Size to US

US Clothes Size	International	China Clothes Size	Japan Clothes Size	Korea Clothes Size
14	XS		S / 36	90
14.5	XS		S / 36	90
15	S	165 / 88-90	M / 38	95
15-15.5	S	165 / 88-90	M / 39	95
15-16	M	170 / 96-98	L / 40	100
16	M	170 / 96-98	L / 41	100
16.5	L	175 / 108-110	L, XL / 42	105
17	L	175 / 108-110	43	105
17.5	XL	180 / 118-122	44	110
17.5	XL	180 / 118-122	44	110
	XXL	185 / 126-130
	XXL	185 / 126-130

Asian Children’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart

US	UK	EU	CHINA	JAPAN	KOREA
4	3-4	98-104 cm	105	100	7
5	4-5	104-110 cm	115	110	9
6	5-6	110-116 cm	115	110	9
7	6-7	116-122 cm	125	120	11
8	7-8	122-128 cm	125	120	13
10	8-9	128-134 cm	135	130	13
12	9-10	134-140 cm	145	140	15
14	10-11	140-146 cm	155	150	17
16	11-12	146-152 cm	165	160	17

US	THAILAND	PHILIPPINES	INDIA	MALAYSIA	VIETNAM
4	XXS	2	22	3-4	XXS
5	XS	4	24	4-5	XS
6	S	6	24	5-6	S
7	S	6	26-27	6-7	S
8	M	8	28	7-8	M
10	M	10	30	8-9	M
12	L	12	32-33	9-10	L
14	XL	14	34	10-11	XL
16	XXL	16	36	11-12	XXL

Asian Shoe Size to US – Women

US Women’s	JP (cm)	CN	KP (mm)	India
1	18	31	180
1.5	18.5	31.5	185
2	19	32	190	0
2.5	19.5	32.5	195	0.5
3	20	33	100	1
3.5	20.5	33.5	105	1.5
4	21	34	110	2
4.5	21.5	34.5	115	2.5
5	22	35	120	3
5.5	22.5	35.5	125	3.5
6	23	36.5	130	4
6.5	23.5	37	135	4.5
7	24	37.5	140	5
7.5	24.5	38	145	5.5
8	25	39	150	6
8.5	25.5	39.5	155	6.5
9	26	40	160	7
9.5	26.5	40.5	165	7.5
10	27	41.5	170	8
10.5	27.5	41.5	175	8.5
11	28	42.5	180	9
11.5	28.5	43.5	185	9.5
12	29	44	190	10
12.5	29.5	44.5	195	10.5
13	30	45.5	200	11
13.5	30.5	46	205	11.5
14	31	46.5	210	12
14.5	31.5	47	215	12.5
15	32	47.5	220	13
15.5	32.5	48.5	225	13.5
16	33	49	230	14
16.5	33.5	49.5	235	14.5
17	34	50	240	15

Asian Shoe Sizes Kids

US	JP	KM(MM)	CN	INDIA
0.5	8	90	15	0
1	8.5	95	15.5	0.5
1.5	9	100	16	1
2	9.5	100	16.5	1.5
2.5	10	105	17	2
3	10.5	110	18	2.5
3.5	11	115	19	3
4	11.5	120	19.5	3.5
4.5	12	125	20	4
5	12.5	125	20.5	4.5
5.5	13	130	21	5
6	13.5	135	21.5	5.5
6.5	14	140	22.5	6
7	14.5	140	23	6.5
7.5	15	145	23.5	7
8	15.5	150	24.5	7.5
8.5	15.5	155	25	8
9	16	160	25.5	8.5
9.5	16.5	160	26	9
10	17	165	27	9.5
10.5	17.5	170	27.5	10
11	18	175	28	10.5
11.5	18.5	175	28.5	11
12	18.5	180	29	11.5
12.5	19	185	30	12
13	19.5	190	30.5	12.5
13.5	20	195	31	13
1Y	20.5	195	31.5	13.5
1.5Y	21	200	32.5	1
2Y	21.5	205	33	1.5
2.5Y	21.5	210	34	2
3Y	22	215	34.5	2.5
3.5Y	22.5	220	35	3
4Y	23	220	35.5	3.5
4.5Y	23.5	225	36.5	4
5Y	24	230	37	4.5
5.5Y	24.5	235	38	5
6Y	25	245	39	5.5

How to Read Asian Clothing Size Labels

Image Prompt: Flat lay of clothing tags from China, Japan, and Korea showing labels like 165/88A, M, L, 95, and 100 with a measuring tape beside them.

Asian clothing labels often include numbers that represent body measurements instead of traditional letter sizes.

Some common examples include:

Chinese Sizes

A label such as 170/92A typically means:

170 = Recommended height in centimeters
92 = Chest measurement in centimeters
A = Standard body build

Japanese Sizes

Japanese brands may use combinations such as:

Some brands also include European-style numeric sizes like 36, 38, or 40.

Korean Sizes

Korean clothing often uses numbers instead of letters.

Examples include:

90
95
100
105
110

These generally correspond to chest measurements and become easier to understand after checking the brand’s size chart.

Always Check Measurements

Even if two garments both say Large, they may fit very differently depending on:

Brand
Fabric stretch
Garment style
Intended fit (slim, regular, oversized)

For the most accurate fit, compare your body measurements, not just your usual clothing size.

How to Measure Yourself for the Best Fit

Image Prompt: A person standing in front of a mirror using a soft measuring tape to measure their bust, waist, hips, and inseam. Simple infographic style with labeled measurement points.

Accurate body measurements are the foundation of choosing the correct clothing size, especially when shopping from Asian brands. Since many manufacturers use body measurements instead of standard size labels, taking a few minutes to measure yourself can save you from ordering the wrong size.

What You’ll Need

A flexible measuring tape
A mirror
Lightweight clothing or fitted undergarments
A friend (optional, for more accurate measurements)

Bust/Chest

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest while keeping it level across your back. Don’t pull the tape too tightly.

Waist

Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist, usually just above your belly button.

Hips

Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.

Inseam

Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle. This measurement is especially useful when buying pants or jeans.

Pro Tip: Most Asian brands list measurements in centimeters (cm). If your tape measure uses inches, multiply the measurement by 2.54 to convert it to centimeters.

Asian Clothing Size Differences by Country

Image Prompt: An illustrated map of Asia highlighting China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam with clothing icons and size labels representing each country’s sizing system.

Although people often refer to “Asian sizing” as if it’s universal, each country has its own standards. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right size more confidently.

China

Chinese brands frequently use height and chest measurements, such as 170/92A. Clothing generally has a slim fit and often runs one to two sizes smaller than US sizing.

Best practice: Check both height and chest measurements before purchasing.

Japan

Japanese clothing usually offers a balanced fit with labels such as S, M, L, LL, and 3L. Some brands also use European numeric sizing.

Compared with Chinese sizing, Japanese clothing may fit slightly larger but is still generally smaller than US or European sizes.

South Korea

Korean fashion brands often use numeric sizing like 90, 95, 100, and 105.

Korean clothing is well known for modern, slim silhouettes, making accurate measurements especially important if you prefer a relaxed fit.

Thailand, Vietnam, and Other Asian Countries

Sizing systems vary across Southeast Asia. Some manufacturers follow Chinese standards, while others develop their own size charts.

Whenever possible:

Read customer reviews.
Compare body measurements.
Avoid selecting a size based only on the letter (S, M, L).

Tips for Shopping on Asian Fashion Websites

Image Prompt: A shopper browsing popular online fashion stores on a laptop while comparing a size chart and reading customer reviews.

Buying clothing online becomes much easier when you follow a few simple habits.

Always Check the Size Chart

Never assume your usual size will fit. Compare your body measurements with the brand’s official chart.

Read Customer Reviews

Reviews often reveal whether an item runs:

Small
Large
True to size

Many buyers also mention their height and weight, making comparisons easier.

Consider Fabric Stretch

Stretch fabrics such as elastane or spandex are more forgiving than woven cotton or linen.

Check Return Policies

Before placing your order, confirm whether the retailer accepts returns or exchanges, especially for international purchases.

Compare Product Measurements

Some brands list the actual garment measurements instead of body measurements. Understanding the difference can help you avoid ordering the wrong size.

Common Asian Clothing Size Mistakes to Avoid

Image Prompt: A shopper holding two shirts labeled “M” that are visibly different sizes while comparing a size chart on a smartphone. Clean, modern online shopping theme.

Even experienced online shoppers occasionally order the wrong size. Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and the hassle of returns.

Choosing Your Usual Size Without Measuring

The biggest mistake is assuming your regular US, UK, or EU size will fit the same in Asian brands. Since sizing standards vary widely, always compare your body measurements with the retailer’s chart.

Ignoring Brand-Specific Size Charts

There is no universal Asian sizing standard. A Medium from one brand may fit like a Small from another. Always use the size guide provided for the specific product.

Overlooking Fabric Type

The material can significantly affect how a garment fits.

Stretch fabrics offer more flexibility.
Cotton and linen usually have less stretch.
Denim may loosen slightly with wear but often feels snug at first.

Forgetting About Fit Style

Pay attention to the intended fit:

Slim Fit
Regular Fit
Relaxed Fit
Oversized Fit

A slim-fit jacket in your usual size may feel much tighter than expected.

Not Reading Customer Reviews

Reviews often provide valuable information about sizing accuracy, fabric quality, and overall fit. If several customers recommend sizing up or down, it’s worth considering.

Quick Checklist Before Buying Asian Clothing Online

Image Prompt: Flat-lay illustration of a laptop displaying a clothing product page alongside a measuring tape, notebook checklist, and shopping cart icon.

Use this checklist before placing your order:

✔ Measure your bust, chest, waist, hips, and inseam.

✔ Convert your measurements to centimeters if needed.

✔ Check the product’s official size chart.

✔ Read recent customer reviews.

✔ Consider whether the fabric stretches.

✔ Check whether the item is slim fit or oversized.

✔ Review the return and exchange policy.

✔ If you’re between sizes, choose the larger size unless the product specifically recommends otherwise.

Following these simple steps greatly improves your chances of receiving clothing that fits the first time comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Asian clothing sizes run small?

Yes. Many Asian brands are designed around local body measurements, so they often fit one or two sizes smaller than typical US or European clothing. Always compare your body measurements with the brand’s size chart.

2. Is Asian XL the same as US XL?

Not always. An Asian XL may fit similarly to a US Large, depending on the manufacturer. Size labels alone should never be used for comparison.

3. Should I size up when buying Asian clothes?

If your measurements fall between two sizes, sizing up is usually the safer choice, especially for garments made from non-stretch fabrics.

4. Are Chinese, Japanese, and Korean sizes the same?

No. Each country follows its own sizing standards. Even within the same country, brands may use slightly different measurements.

5. Are Asian clothing sizes based on centimeters?

Most Asian manufacturers use centimeters for body and garment measurements. Having your measurements in centimeters makes choosing the correct size much easier.

6. How do I convert US sizes to Asian sizes?

Start by measuring your body, then compare those measurements with the specific conversion chart for the country or brand. Avoid relying only on letter sizes like S, M, or L.

7. Why do some Asian clothing labels include numbers like 170/92A?

These numbers usually indicate the recommended height and chest measurement. The letter often represents the body type or fit category.

8. Are online Asian clothing size charts accurate?

Most reputable retailers provide reliable size charts. However, because sizing varies by brand, it’s still important to read customer reviews and compare your measurements.

9. Can I alter Asian clothing if it doesn’t fit?

Yes. Basic alterations such as hemming pants, shortening sleeves, or adjusting the waist can often improve the fit if the garment is slightly too large.

10. What’s the easiest way to avoid ordering the wrong size?

Take accurate body measurements, use the retailer’s size chart, read customer feedback, and choose the larger size if you’re unsure.

Conclusion

Finding the right Asian clothing size doesn’t have to be difficult. While sizing systems in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries differ from US, UK, and European standards, using accurate body measurements and reliable conversion charts makes online shopping much easier.

Instead of relying solely on size labels, compare your bust, chest, waist, hips, height, and inseam with the brand’s size guide. Reading customer reviews, checking fabric details, and understanding fit styles can further improve your chances of choosing the correct size.

Whether you’re shopping for everyday clothing, formal wear, children’s apparel, or shoes, taking a few extra minutes to verify measurements can help you avoid costly returns and enjoy a better-fitting wardrobe.

By using the Asian clothes conversion charts and practical tips in this guide, you’ll be able to shop with greater confidence and find clothing that fits comfortably and looks great—no matter where it’s made.