Asian Size to US Size, Conversion Charts for Clothes & Shoes

From a Western perspective, Asian culture is unique and eclectic, and its fashion often exudes an elegant, minimalist style resplendent of the East. But once you’ve succumbed to the allure of Asian attire, how do you go about buying the clothes when the sizing is so distinctly different from what you’re accustomed to? In this guide, you will find a comprehensive array of Asian Size Charts to make conversions easier.

How to Convert Asian Clothing to US Sizes

There is no such thing as a universal Asian size. Individually, most countries in Asia have their own sizing systems. Below is a compilation of charts featuring the most common clothing sizes from China, Japan, and Korea:

• Chinese clothing sizes are sometimes labeled with two numbers, e.g., 165/80. In this case, the first number represents the height of the person in centimeters. The second number represents the circumference of the person’s chest, again in centimeters.
• Japanese clothing sizes uses a lettered sizing system (XS-XL), akin to the similar US size spectrum but tending to run smaller. The country also employs two numbered sizing systems. In those systems, for example, a size 9, and a size 38, respectively, are the equivalent of a US/UK small.
• Korean clothing size follows a surprisingly simple numbered system. A size 55 is the equivalent of a US size small.
• Asian clothing sizes, in general, run smaller than US sizes. If an article of clothing comes in “free size” or “one size,” do not buy it if you are a size 4 or above in the US.

• Asian Clothing Sizes for Women, Men and Kids
• Asian Shoe Sizes for Women, Men and Kids

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Asian Size Charts

Asian Clothing Size Conversion Chart – Women

A more detailed discussion on women’s clothing sizes is available here.

Asian Clothing Size Conversion Chart – Men

This article on men’s clothing sizes might interest you as well.

Asian Shirt Size to US

With the Asian shirt size to US shirt size chart below, you can convert your size into the Asian shirt sizes and vice versa.

At a Glance

• There is no universal Asian size system, and each country in Asia has its own sizing system.
• In China, two different systems of clothing sizes are used to measure different dimensions of the body.
• Japan uses a lettered system (XS-XL) that tends to run smaller compared to US or UK sizes, and also uses two different numbered systems in sizing.
• Some areas of the body, such as the chest and shoulders, may be smaller than what is typically found in US or UK sizes. Women who are bustier or have a full figure may find that a lot of Asian apparel won’t fit them. The same applies to height.

Asian Children Size Chart

The best method for fitting your child with an Asian shirt is to measure him or her closely, then compare those measurements with the corresponding Asian Children Size Chart below. Keep in mind that these are general sizes and each manufacturer tends to slightly differ in their sizing standards. Also, some larger sizes might not be available in Asian sizes. Find clothing sizes for girls here, for boys here.

Asian Children’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart

Asian Shoe Size Charts

Asian Shoe Size to US – Women

Converting Asian women’s shoe sizes (China, Japan, Korea, etc.) to US women’s shoe sizes couldn’t be easier than with this Asian Shoe Size Chart for women.

Asian Shoe Size to US – Men

With this Asian Shoe Size chart, you can easily convert different Asian shoe sizes (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.) into Men’s US shoe sizes.

To learn more about Asian shoe sizes, click here.

Asian Shoe Sizes Kids

Children’s shoe sizes vary greatly from country to country. US and UK sizes for kids shoes diverge from one another by about a half-size. Respectively, Europe and Japan use entirely different systems altogether to measure shoe sizes.

The chart below will help you convert your child’s shoe size to different Asian shoe sizes. Consult this chart to make sure you pick the right shoes for your child.

Understanding Asian Sizes and Conversions

Chinese Clothing Sizes

In China, two different systems of clothing sizes are used. This is because they measure two different dimensions of the body—overall height and circumference at the chest. You will find, for example, that a US medium is a size 88-90 or 165-170 in China.

Japanese Clothing Sizes

Like the US, Japan uses a lettered system (XS-XL). However, exercise caution because these sizes tend to run smaller compared to US or UK sizes. A medium in Asian size might correspond to a small in US stores.  Japan also uses two different numbered systems in sizing. So you might see sizes 9 or 38, both of which are equivalent to a US/UK small.

Korean Clothing Sizes

This country uses a very simple numbered system. For instance, a size 55 is simply a small on the US size spectrum.

Here you can find more information about US shoe sizes and US pant sizes.

Things To Consider When Buying Asian Clothing or Shoes

“Caveat emptor,” as the ancient Latin phrase goes, “Let the buyer beware.” Here are some things you need to take into consideration before you fill your shopping cart, virtual or otherwise, with clothes.

• Beware of the “one size fits all” pitch. Some areas of the body, particularly the chest and shoulders, may be a bit smaller than you are used to. If you are a woman who measures on the bustier side, or who cuts a zaftig or Rubenesque figure all around, it might be time to accept that a lot of Asian apparel simply won’t fit. The same thing applies to height.
• Quality. You may have noticed that clothes from China can be cheap—both inexpensive to buy and cheaply made from inferior materials.  Particularly if you are shopping online, there are often no assurances beforehand of the quality of the clothes you are buying. If you can, be sure to identify the fabric from which the clothes are made. If they are made of any synthetic material, such as polyester, then the quality may disappoint you. When shopping online, you can’t feel or as closely examine the material and craftsmanship, so be extra cautious. Items rarely look exactly the same in real life as their enticing photos in advertisements, so lower your expectations somewhat if you wish to avoid disenchantment when your shipment arrives.
• When buying online, communicate with the seller. If you are buying from an online seller, communication is key. Given the opportunity, pose as many questions as you can think of about the quality and the particular size of the articles of clothing you are purchasing. This will help dispel any qualms that remain regarding your purchase. 
• Finally, practice patience. You’re buying goods from the other side of the world; don’t expect them to arrive at your doorstep the next day. Shipping can take time, so consider that before you buy a dress for a prom that’s only a week away.

FAQ