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.
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.
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.
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 |
Kids' clothing sizes
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
Source: Getty Images
Shoe sizes may vary significantly between different brands. Always refer to the specific brand's size chart for accurate conversions.
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 |
Kids' shoe sizes
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:
- 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.
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.
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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
