Chinese Size Chart Explained: How to Convert EU/US/UK to Asian Sizes

Last updated: March 2026 By the FINDS team — ordered hundreds of items in every size

TL;DR – Quick Size Conversion

Clothing (T-Shirts, Hoodies, Jackets)

Shoes

Important: These are general guides. Always check the specific size chart on each product listing. Individual sellers and brands vary significantly.

Why Chinese Sizing Is Different

Chinese sizing follows different standards than Western sizing for several reasons:

Different Body Proportions

Chinese sizing is based on average Chinese body measurements, which differ from Western averages:

• Shoulders tend to be narrower
• Torsos tend to be shorter
• Arms may be shorter relative to body height
• Feet tend to be narrower

This means a Chinese "L" is cut for a different body shape than a Western "L," even if the chest measurement is similar.

Inconsistent Standards

Unlike the EU, which has standardized sizing (EN 13402), China does not enforce strict sizing standards across manufacturers. Two Chinese brands can label the same measurements as different sizes. A "L" from one seller might have the same measurements as an "XL" from another.

Vanity Sizing Differences

Western brands tend to use "vanity sizing" — making sizes run large so customers feel good about wearing a smaller label. Chinese brands generally do not do this, so their sizes correspond more closely to actual measurements.

The Bottom Line

Never trust the letter size. Always check the measurements. This is the golden rule of buying from Chinese sellers. The S/M/L/XL label is nearly meaningless across different sellers.

How to Measure Yourself for Chinese Clothing

To find your correct Chinese size, you need three to five key measurements depending on the item type.

Essential Measurements for Tops

1. Chest Circumference (most important)

• Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms
• Keep the tape level all the way around
• Breathe normally — do not puff out or suck in
• This is your body measurement. Size charts may show garment measurement (which is larger because clothing has ease built in)

2. Shoulder Width

• Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other
• The edge is where the shoulder seam sits on a well-fitting shirt
• This measurement is particularly important for jackets and structured items

3. Garment Length

• Measure from the base of your neck (where a crew neck sits) down to where you want the item to end
• For regular fit: usually at or just below the belt line
• For oversized fit: add 5-10cm

4. Sleeve Length

• Measure from the shoulder seam down to where you want the sleeve to end
• For long sleeves: to the wrist bone
• For short sleeves: to mid-bicep

Essential Measurements for Bottoms

1. Waist Circumference

• Measure around your natural waist (usually at the belly button or slightly above)
• Keep the tape snug but not tight

2. Hip Circumference

• Measure around the widest part of your hips/buttocks
• Important for jeans and fitted pants

3. Inseam Length

• Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg on a pair of pants that fit well
• Or measure from your crotch to where you want the pants to end

The "Measure a Garment" Method (Recommended)

The most reliable method is not measuring your body — it is measuring a garment you already own that fits well:

1. Lay the garment flat on a table
2. Measure chest width (armpit to armpit, then double it for circumference)
3. Measure length (top of shoulder to bottom hem)
4. Measure shoulder width (shoulder seam to shoulder seam)
5. Compare these measurements to the seller's size chart

This method is more accurate because it accounts for the fit you actually like (tight, regular, or loose) rather than raw body measurements.

How to Read Chinese Size Charts

Most Chinese sellers include a size chart in their product listing. Here is how to decode them:

Common Chinese Size Chart Terms

Important: Body vs Garment Measurements

Some size charts show body measurements (your body dimensions), while others show garment measurements (the actual dimensions of the clothing). Garment measurements are always larger than body measurements because clothing needs ease (room to move).

Garment measurements are more useful because you can compare them directly to a garment you own. If a size chart says the chest is 110cm, the actual garment across the chest is 110cm.

Body measurements mean the size chart is suggesting this size for a person whose chest measures 110cm. The garment itself will be larger (usually 10-16cm larger for a relaxed fit).

Most Chinese sellers use garment measurements, but some use body measurements. If in doubt, ask the seller or your agent.

Tolerance Ranges

Many Chinese size charts include a note like "1-3cm error" or "size tolerance 2cm." This means the actual garment may differ from the listed measurements by up to 3cm. Account for this in your sizing decisions — do not choose a size where even a 2-3cm difference would make it unwearable.

Clothing Size Conversion: Detailed Tables

Men's T-Shirts and Tops

Men's Hoodies and Sweatshirts

Hoodies tend to run slightly smaller than t-shirts from the same brand. Size up one additional size if you want a relaxed fit.

Men's Pants

Women's Tops

Shoe Size Conversion: Detailed Guide

Understanding Chinese Shoe Sizing

Chinese shoe sizes typically use the EU numbering system (36, 37, 38...), but there are some important differences:

1. Width is not standardized — Chinese shoes tend to be narrower than European shoes of the same numbered size
2. Half sizes are rare — Many Chinese shoes only come in whole sizes (42, 43, 44), not half sizes (42.5, 43.5)
3. Insole length is king — The most reliable measurement is the insole length in centimeters

Men's Shoe Conversion Table

Women's Shoe Conversion Table

The Insole Length Method

The most reliable way to find your size in Chinese shoes:

1. Take an insole out of a pair of shoes that fits you well
2. Measure the insole from heel to toe in centimeters
3. Match that measurement to the insole length column in the size chart
4. If between sizes, go up to the next size

For a more detailed foot measuring technique, check our how to measure feet for rep sneakers guide.

Brand-Specific Sizing Notes

Different rep brands and sellers have different sizing tendencies. Here are notes for popular categories:

Sneakers (Nike, Jordan, Adidas reps)

• Most rep sneakers follow standard EU sizing accurately
• Nike/Jordan reps: Generally TTS (true to size). If you wear US 10 in retail Nike, order EU 44 in reps
• Adidas/Yeezy reps: Often recommended to go half size up. Yeezys in particular run snug
• New Balance reps: Generally TTS or slightly narrow

Hoodies and Sweatshirts

• Trendy/streetwear brands: Often intentionally oversized. Check if the listing says "oversized fit" — if so, you might not need to size up
• Classic brands: Usually run true to Chinese sizing, which means 1-2 sizes smaller than Western
• Budget sellers: Tend to run smaller. Size up 2 sizes from your Western size

Jackets

• Down jackets: Often sized generously because they are meant to be worn over layers. Your usual Chinese size might work.
• Leather jackets: Run small. Size up 1-2 sizes and pay attention to shoulder and chest measurements
• Windbreakers: Usually TTS to Chinese sizing

Pants and Jeans

• Waist sizes in Chinese listings usually match Western waist sizes (a "32" is a 32)
• Length is where it gets tricky — Chinese standard length is shorter. If you are over 180cm tall, look for "tall" or "long" options
• Joggers and sweats with elastic waists are more forgiving — size based on hip measurement

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Trusting the S/M/L/XL Label

The number one mistake. A Chinese XL might be a Western M. Always check measurements in cm, never rely on letter sizes alone.

Mistake 2: Not Measuring Before Ordering

Guessing your measurements leads to wrong sizes. Take 5 minutes to measure a garment you like. It saves weeks of returns and re-orders.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Size Chart

Some buyers order based on their usual Western size and hope for the best. Always check the product listing's size chart. If there is no size chart, ask the seller or your agent before ordering.

Mistake 4: Not Accounting for Fit Preference

Do you like a tight fit or a loose fit? Measurements on a size chart represent the garment dimensions. If you want a loose fit, choose a size where the chest measurement is 10-15cm more than your body measurement. For a slim fit, 4-8cm more.

Mistake 5: Forgetting About Shrinkage

Cotton clothing from Chinese sellers may shrink slightly after the first wash (1-3%). If you are between sizes, this is a reason to go with the larger option.

Requesting Measurements from Your Agent

If the listing does not have a size chart, or you want to verify an item after it arrives at the warehouse, you can request measurement photos from your agent:

1. After the item arrives at the warehouse, go to your QC photos
2. Request additional "measurement photos"
3. Specify what you want measured (chest width, length, shoulder)
4. Your agent will photograph the item laid flat with a measuring tape
5. Compare these measurements to your reference garment

This costs $0.50-1.00 per measurement photo but can save you from shipping a wrong-size item internationally. It is especially worthwhile for items without size charts.

For more on the QC and measurement process, check our QC guide.

Sizing Up for Oversized Fits

The oversized and relaxed fit trend is huge, and sizing for it requires a different approach. Check our oversized fit guide for detailed advice on how to size up correctly for hoodies, jackets, and tees.

Quick rule: For an oversized fit from Chinese sellers, add 2-3 sizes beyond your regular Chinese size (which is already 1-2 sizes up from Western). So if you are a US L, your regular Chinese size might be 2XL, and for oversized you might need 3XL or 4XL.

But again — check the measurements. Some items are already cut oversized, so sizing up further would make them unwearably large.

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