Quick Asian size to US size conversion guide for busy shoppers

Quick Asian size to US size conversion guide for busy shoppers

With the rising notoriety of Asian fashion brands, you have probably spotted a fit that could take your styling game to the next level. But you are worried because you are on a different continent. Knowing how to convert Asian sizes to US sizes will help you place that order confidently.

Asian size to US size
A woman measuring her waist with a measuring tape (L). Different clothes sizes (R). Photo: Urbazon, Brasil2 (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Asian clothes are typically smaller than those in the US.
  • The size difference is mainly because of the difference in body structures and fashion preferences.
  • Asian countries use centimetres as the SI unit for measurements, while the US uses inches.

Asian size to US size conversion guide

Navigating size differences when shopping between US and Asian clothing brands can be daunting. Sometimes, an Asian large or medium may be a US size small.

A hoodie in an online store's add to cart interface
A hoodie in an online store's add to cart interface. Photo: Nadia
Source: Getty Images

Clothes

When shopping for clothes from Asian brands, consider the fabric as some shrink or expand upon the first wash. But with this conversion guide, you will avoid endless returns and frustrations.

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Women's clothing sizes

Asian women's fits tend to have slimmer cuts. Therefore, paying attention to bust, waist, and hip measurements specific to each brand is vital.

International

US

China

Japan

Korea

XS

4-6

160-165/ 84-86

S/ 36/ 5

44

S

8-10

165-170/ 88-90

M/ 38/ 9

55

M

12-16

167-172/ 92-96

L/ 40/ 11

66

L

18-20

168-173 / 98-102

L, XL/ 42/ 13

77

XL

22-24

170-176/ 106-110

XXL/ 3L/ 15

88

XXL

26

4L /17

XXL

28

5L /19

Men's clothing sizes

For men, Asian clothes tend to have narrower shoulders and chests than US fits. A typical Asian large corresponds to a US small or medium.

International

US

China

Japan

Korea

XS

14-14.5

S/ 36-37

90

S

15-15.5

165/ 88-90

M/ 38-39

95

M

15.5-16

170/ 96-98

L/ 40-41

100

L

175 / 108-110

L, XL/ 42-43

105

XL

17.5

180/ 118-122

44

110

XL

185/ 126-130

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Kids' clothing sizes

A woman purchasing clothes on a mobile app
A woman purchasing clothes on a mobile app. Photo: Alistair Berg
Source: Getty Images

This chart will help you find the best sizes if you are shopping for your child. However, keep in mind that children grow rapidly, so buying a size larger may be ideal.

International

US

China

Japan

Korea

XXS

4

105

100

7

XS

5

115

110

9

S

6

115

110

9

S

7

125

120

11

M

8

125

120

13

M

10

135

130

13

L

12

145

140

15

XL

14

155

150

17

XXL

16

165

160

17

Jackets, coats and sweater sizes

When purchasing these items from Asian brands, consider sizing up for a more comfortable yet stylish look. Below is a guide to help you with measurements before adding any item to cart.

International

US

Japan

S

32-36

42-46

M

38

48

L

40

50

L

42

52

XL

44-46

54-56

Shoes

A female foot in a sock and measuring tape on a white background
A female foot in a sock and measuring tape on a white background. Photo: Victoria Kotlyarchuk
Source: Getty Images

Shoe sizes may vary significantly between different brands. Always refer to the specific brand's size chart for accurate conversions.

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Women's shoe sizes

Now that you know how to convert Asian clothes to US sizes, you probably wonder if the same principle applies to shoes. Below is the simple answer to this.

US

Japan

China

Korea

3

20

33

200

3.5

20.5

33.5

205

4

21

34

210

4.5

21.5

34.5

215

5

22

35

220

5.5

22.5

35.5

225

6

23

36:5

230

6.5

23.5

37

235

7

24

37.5

240

7.5

24.5

38

245

8

25

39

250

8.5

25.5

39.5

255

9

26

40

260

9.5

26.5

40.5

265

10

27

41.5

270

10.5

27.5

41.5

275

11

28

42.5

280

11.5

28.5

43.5

285

12

29

44

290

12.5

29.5

44.5

295

Men's shoe sizes

When ordering a shoe, ensure you go a size bigger. Most Asian shoes are smaller than those in the US.

US

Japan

China

Korea

3

21.5

34.5

215

3.5

22

35

220

4

22.5

35.5

225

4.5

23

36.5

230

5

23.5

37

235

5.5

24

37.5

240

6

24.5

38

245

6.5

25

39

250

7

25.5

39.5

255

7.5

26

40

260

8

27

41

270

9

27.5

41.5

275

9.5

28

42.5

280

10

28.5

43.5

285

11

29.5

44.5

295

11.5

30

45.5

300

12

30.5

46

305

12.5

31

46.5

310

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Kids' shoe sizes

Trousers arranged according to size
Trousers arranged according to size. Photo: Design
Source: Getty Images

If you have stumbled upon a shoe for your child, use this sizing chart to help you pick one that will fit them perfectly.

US

Japan

China

Korea

4

11.5

19.5

120

4.5

12

20

125

5

12.5

20.5

125

5.5

13

21

130

6

13.5

21.5

135

6.5

14

22.5

140

7

14.5

23

140

7.5

15

23.5

145

8

15.5

24.5

150

8.5

15.5

25

155

9

16

25.5

160

9.5

16.5

26

160

10

17

27

165

10.5

17.5

27.5

170

11

18

28

175

11.5

18.5

28.5

175

12

18.5

29

180

12.5

19

30

185

13

19.5

30.5

190

13.5

20

31

195

1Y

20.5

31.5

195

1.5Y

21

32.5

200

2Y

21.5

33

205

2.5Y

21.5

34

210

3Y

22

34.5

215

3.5Y

22.5

35

220

4Y

23

35.5

220

4.5Y

23.5

36.5

225

5Y

24

37

230

Tips for shopping Asian brands

Before shopping from Asian fashion brands, get your accurate body measurements. Below are some other considerations to keep in mind before making an order:

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  • Go through customer reviews to get an insight into the quality of clothing.
  • Opt for clothes with adjustable features such as drawstrings and belts.
  • Source clothes from reputable retailers such as Shein, as there is a likelihood that their sizing is accurate and quality is top-notch. 
  • Go through the brand's return policy to have a hint of the possible outcome if the clothes do not fit.
A woman in an oversized dress
A woman in an oversized dress. Photo: HappyNati
Source: Getty Images

FAQs

Globalisation has made ordering items internationally from the comfort of your home easy. However, you must understand the sizing system to avoid losses when shopping for clothes or shoes.

What is an Asian size XL in the US?

An Asian XL is typically a US large. However, this may vary based on several factors, including the type of garment and gender.

What apps help convert from Asian to US size?

If you are on an online shopping spree and have a tight schedule, consider the ESC Size Charts & Guides app for size conversions. The best part: they all have free plans available.

Wrapping up

Converting Asian sizes to US sizes can sometimes be tricky. However, with the proper knowledge and tools, you can shop for fits like a pro.

Asian size to US size conversion guide
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: Original

READ MORE: Most expensive clothing brands in the world

Briefly.co.za published an article about the world's most luxurious clothing brands. For those who have a taste for the finer things in life, nothing quite compares to the feeling of donning costly clothes.

From haute couture to exclusive designer labels, these brands continue to redefine what it means to be fashionable and wealthy. And the good news is that whatever your budget is, there is a high-end proprietary name that will fit you and your pocket.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ruth Gitonga avatar

Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for seven years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.

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