Global Size Conversion Guide: Asian, US, UK, and EU Clothing & Shoe Size Comparison 2025

When sourcing apparel or footwear internationally, one of the biggest challenges is understanding how size systems differ between regions. A “Medium” in China rarely equals a “Medium” in the United States. These differences can lead to costly returns, customer complaints, or stock mismatches.

This guide gives you a complete overview of global clothing and shoe size conversions — comparing Asia, US, EU, and UK standards, explaining how manufacturers label sizes differently, and offering tips for importers and online sellers.

🧭 Why Size Conversion Matters in Global Trade

In today’s global fashion and e-commerce supply chain, accurate size conversion is crucial. Asian manufacturers often use centimeter-based systems designed around regional body types, while Western brands rely on inch-based measurements and broader cuts.

If you’re sourcing from China or selling to Western markets, understanding size conversion ensures:

• Better customer satisfaction
• Reduced return rates
• Accurate production specifications
• More consistent product listings

A small online fashion seller from California once faced a wave of returns because her Asian suppliers labeled “L” sizes that were actually closer to “S” in US sizing. She listed the clothes as “true to size” for American buyers, but nearly 40% of customers complained about tight fits and requested refunds. After she started adding a full size conversion chart and model measurements, her return rate dropped dramatically.

This case shows how crucial it is for both importers and online sellers to verify size data with manufacturers before launching products.

Watch this quick video to see how Asian and US size labels differ in real products.

1. Understanding Global Clothing Size Systems

1.1 What Are the Main Size Standards?

Clothing sizes may look similar worldwide — but they follow different measurement logics.

The ISO 8559 international sizing standard defines how body dimensions should be measured (chest, waist, hip, height), yet most regions still rely on their own independent size systems due to cultural and market differences.

• Asian sizes (China, Japan, Korea): based on height + chest/waist in cm (e.g., 175/100A).
• US sizes: use numeric or letter formats (e.g., S/M/L or 4/6/8).
• EU sizes: numeric, based on chest or hip circumference in centimeters (e.g., 38, 40, 42).
• UK/AU/NZ sizes: similar to EU, but often one size smaller.
• Latin American sizes: typically follow EU or US equivalents but with local adjustments.

1.2 Why Are Asian Sizes Smaller?

Asian clothing generally fits shorter and slimmer body frames, reflecting average regional body proportions.

A quick rule of thumb is:

👉 Asian L ≈ US M ≈ EU 40–42

But the difference isn’t just about body shape — it’s also about fashion culture and brand positioning.

• Design philosophy: Japanese and Korean fashion emphasizes sharp tailoring and minimal silhouettes, resulting in tighter fits.
• Comfort preference: American consumers favor relaxed cuts and stretch fabrics, especially in casual wear.
• Market adaptation: Manufacturers adjust patterns for each region. The same global brand may sell different “L” sizes in Tokyo, Berlin, and Los Angeles.

📘 Example:

A Uniqlo “L” shirt made in Japan might measure 100 cm around the chest, while a Gap “L” from the US averages around 108–110 cm. That 8–10 cm gap makes a real difference in fit.

1.3 Regional Variation Insight

Even within Asia, countries differ slightly:

• China: Uses a practical 165/88A–185/104A system combining body height and chest girth.
• Japan: Sizes lean smaller and shorter; sleeve and pant lengths are more compact.
• Korea: Similar to Japan, but often adds “Slim Fit” or “Regular Fit” tags for clarity.

⚠️ Note: When ordering from Chinese or Korean suppliers, ask if they provide “International Fit” options — garments designed with Western proportions but labeled under Asian systems.

👚 2. Women’s Clothing Size Conversion Table

Region	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Asia (CN, JP, KR)	150/76A	155/80A	160/84A	165/88A	170/92A	175/96A
US	0–2	4–6	8–10	12–14	16–18	20+
UK	4–6	8–10	12–14	16–18	20–22	24+
EU	32–34	36–38	40–42	44–46	48–50	52+
AU/NZ	4–6	8–10	12–14	16–18	20	22–24

👉 Tip: Always compare bust, waist, and hip measurements in centimeters when converting sizes.

Asian M is roughly equal to US S or EU 38–40, but exact fits can vary depending on fabric type and brand cutting.

2.1 Why Women’s Sizes Differ Across Regions

Women’s clothing sizes vary more dramatically than men’s because many brands follow different body proportion assumptions. For example:

• Japanese and Korean fashion brands often use smaller bust-to-waist ratios and shorter sleeve lengths.
• US and European labels tend to use fuller cuts, especially around the hips and shoulders.
• Australian brands like Country Road or Sportsgirl often follow UK standards but may fit closer to EU sizing.

Even within the same region, premium fashion houses like Zara, H&M, or Uniqlo interpret “M” differently — Zara’s M fits smaller than H&M’s. Therefore, it’s always best to rely on exact body measurements rather than just letters or numbers.

📏 Measurement Tip

When measuring:

• Bust: fullest part of chest (in cm)
• Waist: natural waistline (just above the belly button)
• Hips: widest part of the hips

Keep a note of your numbers and compare directly to brand charts for accuracy.

👔 3. Men’s Clothing Size Conversion Table

Region	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Asia	165/84A	170/88A	175/92A	180/96A	185/100A	190/104A
US	34	36	38	40	42	44
UK/EU	44	46	48	50	52	54
AU/NZ	34	36	38	40	42	44

🧩 Note: Asian L ≈ US M, especially in shirts and jackets.

This difference arises because Asian sizing accounts for narrower shoulder width and shorter torso length.

3.1 How Men’s Sizes Vary Across Brands

While regional charts help, brand fit remains the biggest variable. For instance:

• Uniqlo and MUJI (Japan): slim, short sleeves, smaller overall fit.
• Levi’s and Nike (US): broader shoulders, longer lengths.
• ZARA Man (EU): modern, fitted cuts close to body.
• H&M (EU): relaxed, trend-based sizing that can run slightly large.

If buying online, always check whether the product lists “Asian size” or “US/EU size”.

Some international eCommerce platforms (like AliExpress or Taobao Global) specify both to avoid confusion.

Quick Conversion Formula

When unsure:

Asian Size +1 = US Size (rough estimate for tops)

Asian Size +2 = EU Size (for jackets or suits)

For example, an Asian L shirt will fit close to a US M or EU 50.

This conversion holds true for most modern men’s fashion brands exporting from China, Japan, or Korea.

👖 4. Pants and Jeans Size Conversion

Waist (in)	Waist (cm)	US	EU	Asia (CN)	UK
28	71	XS	36	170/72A	28
30	76	S	38	175/76A	30
32	81	M	40	180/80A	32
34	86	L	42	185/84A	34
36	91	XL	44	190/88A	36

🧾 Note: Asian pants are usually 2–3 cm shorter than their Western counterparts. When sourcing or ordering in bulk, always confirm both waist and inseam measurements, as length varies greatly by region and brand.

4.1 How Pant Sizing Systems Differ Globally

Pant and jean sizes are not standardized globally. Each region uses different measurement bases:

• US and UK: usually label pants by waist size in inches (e.g., 32, 34, 36).
• EU: uses centimeters or combined size codes (e.g., 40, 42, 44).
• Asia (especially China, Japan, Korea): combines height and waist (e.g., 175/76A), which reflects a more body-specific measurement system.

This means a US 32 does not always equal EU 40 or Asia 180/80A, especially if the pants are slim fit or stretch denim.

Asian jeans are generally tighter at the hips and thighs and shorter in length, while US or European designs leave more room around the legs.

📏 Tips for Accurate Pants Sizing

1. Measure your waist at the narrowest part and inseam from crotch to ankle.
2. Add 2–3 cm for loose fits or subtract 2 cm for slim fits when converting between Asian and Western sizes.
3. When sourcing from multiple suppliers, request a size sample first — even small deviations (1–2 cm) can affect comfort and resale fit.
4. For jeans, note that stretch denim can expand up to 5%, while raw denim may shrink slightly after the first wash.

👟 5. Global Shoe Size Conversion (Men, Women, Kids)

US Men	US Women	UK	EU	China (mm)	Japan (cm)
6	7.5	5.5	39	245	24.5
7	8.5	6.5	40	250	25.0
8	9.5	7.5	41	260	26.0
9	10.5	8.5	42	270	27.0
10	11.5	9.5	43	280	28.0
11	12.5	10.5	44	290	29.0

🧾 Notes:

In global shoe size conversion, each region follows its own system. China measures shoes by the actual foot length in millimeters (mm) — for instance, a size 260 indicates a foot that is 26 cm long. Japan uses a similar approach but bases its scale on the internal shoe length in centimeters (cm) rather than the foot length itself. European (EU) sizing adopts the “Paris point” method, where one point equals two-thirds of a centimeter, which explains the familiar numbers like 39, 40, or 41. Meanwhile, UK sizes generally run about half to one size smaller than their US counterparts. In the US system, there is a clear distinction between men’s and women’s sizes, with women’s shoes typically measuring about 1.5 sizes larger than the corresponding men’s size — for example, a US Men’s 8 roughly equals a US Women’s 9.5.

Using this international shoe size knowledge is essential for accurate global size conversion, especially when sourcing footwear from different regions.

5.1 How Shoe Sizing Differs Around the World

Unlike clothing, shoe sizes vary not only in scale but in foot shape assumptions:

• Asian footwear (China, Japan, Korea): designed for narrower feet and shorter insteps.
• US brands: built for wider feet with more internal space, especially in toe boxes.
• European models: emphasize sleek silhouettes with slightly tighter fits.

This is why a Chinese 42 (270 mm) may feel tighter than a US 9 or EU 42, even though they seem numerically equivalent.

If you are sourcing footwear globally — whether sneakers, dress shoes, or sandals — make sure to check the “last width” (the internal shoe mold width), as many brands offer standard (D), wide (E), or extra-wide (EE) fits.

5.2 Brand Size Variations

Even within the same size label, each brand has its own fit:

• Nike: runs small — often go half a size up for comfort.
• Adidas: slightly longer, best to check CM measurement on the shoe tongue label.
• New Balance: known for accurate length but offers multiple width options.
• Converse: unisex sizing — runs about half a size larger than standard.
• Vans & Skechers: generally true to size for both men and women.

When purchasing or sourcing wholesale, always refer to the brand’s official CM measurement chart, not just the US/EU label.

🧒 6. Kids’ Clothing & Shoe Size Conversion

Age	Height (cm)	Clothing (Asia)	US Size	EU Size	Shoe (mm)
3–4 yrs	100	100/56	4T	98–104	160–170
5–6 yrs	110	110/60	5–6	110–116	180–190
7–8 yrs	120	120/64	7–8	122–128	200–210
9–10 yrs	130	130/68	10	134–140	220–230
11–12 yrs	140	140/72	12	146–152	240–250

6.1 How Kids’ Sizes Differ Across Regions

Children’s clothing and shoe sizes can vary widely between Asia, the US, and Europe.

• Asian sizes (China, Japan, Korea) are typically based on height and chest measurement in centimeters, such as 120/64, meaning height 120 cm and chest 64 cm.
• US sizes use age-based categories like 4T (Toddler) or numeric labels (5–6, 7–8), which are easier for parents but less precise.
• EU sizes are defined by the child’s height in centimeters — for example, EU 122–128 fits children around 7–8 years old.

Because children grow at different rates depending on nutrition and genetics, these systems don’t always match perfectly. For example, an 8-year-old in Europe may fit an Asian 130 or US 7–8, depending on body build.

🏁 7. Final Tips Before You Buy

When sourcing apparel or footwear globally, understanding size conversion is essential. Even with international standards, sizing can still vary among major brands like Nike, Adidas, or Li-Ning. Differences in material, regional fit preferences, and design purpose often lead to inconsistencies that make a reliable clothing size chart or shoe size conversion guide invaluable.

If you’re importing in bulk or managing retail stock, using accurate size data reduces product returns and enhances customer satisfaction. Many international buyers now rely on China sourcing experts to verify size accuracy, inspect product quality, and confirm correct labeling before shipment.

👉 Need help sourcing apparel or footwear from China?

Toptrade professional team can help you find reliable suppliers, check product quality, and manage bulk orders efficiently — saving time and avoiding costly sizing mistakes.

📞 Contact us today to start your next order with confidence.