Asian Size to US Size: Charts & How to Convert Clothing Sizes

Asian clothing sizes usually run 1–2 sizes smaller than standard US sizes, due to differences in body measurements and sizing systems. To convert Asian size to US size, use a conversion chart, pay close attention to garment measurements, and check the fabric type—especially if the item has little stretch or is fitted.

Key takeaways

• Asian sizes are typically 1–2 sizes smaller than their US counterparts.
• Always refer to garment measurements, not just size tags, for a reliable fit.
• Fabric stretch makes a big difference—non-stretch items fit much smaller.
• Check the store’s size chart: sizes can vary by style and manufacturer.
• When unsure, sizing up is usually safer, especially for fitted or woven clothes.

Asian Size to US Size Chart

Most Asian clothing labels (China, Korea, Japan, Thailand) use size numbers or letters that do not match US sizing. The tables below give a general guideline for converting Asian sizes to US sizes, for both women’s and men’s clothing. Always check garment measurements for the most accurate fit.

Asian Size	US Size	Bust (in)	Waist (in)	Hip (in)	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hip (cm)
S / 36	XS (2–4)	31–33	23–25	33–35	79–84	59–64	84–89
M / 38	S (4–6)	33–35	25–27	35–37	84–89	64–69	89–94
L / 40	M (8–10)	35–37	27–29	37–39	89–94	69–74	94–99
XL / 42	L (12)	37–39	29–31	39–41	94–99	74–79	99–104
XXL / 44	XL (14)	39–41	31–33	41–43	99–104	79–84	104–109

Asian Size	US Size	Chest (in)	Waist (in)	Chest (cm)	Waist (cm)
M / 39–40	S (36)	36–37	30–31	91–94	76–79
L / 41–42	M (38)	38–39	32–33	96–99	81–84
XL / 43–44	L (40)	40–41	34–35	101–104	86–89
XXL / 45–46	XL (42)	42–43	36–37	106–109	91–94
XXXL / 47–48	XXL (44)	44–45	38–39	112–114	97–99

Tip: Asian size numbers and letters can overlap for the same measurements. Always compare sizing charts from the store or brand.

Asian Clothing Size Chart for Dresses, Tops, and Bottoms

Dress and blouse sizing can differ from pants, especially if the fabric lacks stretch. Here is a conversion guide for women’s dresses, tops, and pants. Each brand may label their sizes a little differently.

Asian Size	US Size	Bust (in)	Bust (cm)
S / 36	XS (2–4)	31–33	79–84
M / 38	S (4–6)	33–35	84–89
L / 40	M (8–10)	35–37	89–94
XL / 42	L (12)	37–39	94–99

Asian Size	US Pant Size	Waist (in)	Hip (in)	Waist (cm)	Hip (cm)
S / 26	0–2	23–25	33–35	59–64	84–89
M / 28	4–6	25–27	35–37	64–69	89–94
L / 30	8–10	27–29	37–39	69–74	94–99
XL / 32	12	29–31	39–41	74–79	99–104

How to Measure Yourself for Clothing

Measuring your body accurately is the best way to match Asian clothing to US sizing. Use a soft tape measure, wear light clothing, and keep the tape level. If you already have a well-fitting garment, compare its laid-flat measurements to those provided for the item you want to buy—this often gives a better sense of fit than size tags alone.

How to measure for clothing size

1. Measure your bust or chest at the widest point, under your arms.
2. Measure your waist at the narrowest part, usually above the belly button.
3. Measure your hips at the fullest point (often 7–9 in / 18–23 cm below the waist).
4. For pants, measure your inseam from the crotch to the ankle.
5. Compare your body measurements to the retailer’s chart.
6. If possible, compare your favorite garment’s flat measurement to those online.

Why Are Asian Sizes Different From US Sizes?

Most Asian countries use smaller base measurements, reflecting average population body types and historical patterns. Even common size letters (S, M, L) can represent smaller measurements in Asian sizing than in US/Western sizing. A US women’s small, for example, often matches an Asian medium or large, depending on the brand and fit.

Regulatory standards also differ: for example, Chinese size codes are based on body height and chest circumference (e.g. 165/88A), not just S–M–L labels. Japanese and Korean systems use their own reference charts as well, which creates further variation. For unisex items or outerwear, some Asian brands base sizing on men’s measurements, resulting in a fit that’s even smaller for women shopping those categories.

Do Asian Sizes Run Smaller than US Sizes?

Yes, Asian sizes are usually 1–2 sizes smaller than US sizes for both men’s and women’s clothing. This is true for tops, bottoms, dresses, and even shoes. Garments with little stretch, such as tailored shirts and woven dresses, feel especially small compared to US standards. In our production records, comparing dozens of imported Asian-labeled T-shirt lots, finished garments labeled as “L” matched typical chest measurements for US “S” or “M”—especially after washing and drying when shrinkage is considered.

How Washing and Shrinkage Affect Sizing—Real Fabric Data

Shrinkage can make an already-small garment feel even snugger after the first few washes, especially with cotton and other cellulosic (plant-based) fibers that lack stretch. Based on lab and production reports from US and Asia-bound apparel orders (6,215–9,356 lots tested, 2012–2026), 100% cotton T-shirt jerseys shrank a median 5–6% in length and 2% in width after one wash and tumble dry. The effect is most obvious on garments cut in a slim fit with minimal seam allowance.

Asian-sourced cotton tees: shrinkage after wash

Measured result

Test

Dimensional change after washing and tumble drying

Method

Finished-fabric quality check

Sample

6,215 cotton T-shirt lots, 2012–2026

Conditions

One wash, tumble dry

Result

Median length −6%, width −2%

Most garments fit noticeably tighter after initial washing.

A typical Asian cotton T-shirt after one wash and dry

Length

−6%

Width

−2%

Fabric area

−7.9%

The Effect of Fabric Stretch on Sizing

Whether a fabric stretches—or not—makes a major difference in fit. Stretch fabrics (like those with spandex or elastane) can accommodate more body shapes and small discrepancies in sizing. Non-stretch (woven, 100% cotton, linen) fit tighter and need closer attention to actual measurements. For example, modal and viscose blends with elastane tend to run more forgiving, while 100% cotton styles offer little give, especially after washing and drying.

How fabric type affects Asian-to-US fit

Problem

The garment feels much smaller than expected

Why it happens

• Tagged size is for smaller Asian measurements
• Non-stretch fabric offers little give
• Washing shrinks natural fibers further

What fixes it

• Check the size chart and body measurements
• Choose stretch fabrics if in doubt
• Size up for woven or non-stretch items

Pros and cons of buying Asian-sized clothing online

• Pros:
  • Wide selection of styles and prices
  • Trendy designs and colors often ahead of US markets
  • Many brands post detailed measurements online

  Cons:

  • High risk of receiving a smaller fit than expected
  • Returns can be costly or slow for international orders
  • Size inconsistencies even within the same brand

  Should You Size Up for Asian Clothing?

  In general, sizing up 1–2 sizes is safest when buying Asian-sized clothes for a US fit—especially for woven garments and tailored pieces. For stretch fabrics or looser designs, you may need only 1 size up, or your regular US size if specific body measurements match. Always confirm with a size chart: different brands interpret sizing differently, and there is no single “Asian size to US size” formula. For shoes, be extra careful: Asian footwear is often labeled in millimeters (mm) or as Japan shoe size (equal to foot length in cm), and usually runs shorter and narrower than standard US/UK sizes.

  Tips for Shopping Asian Clothing in the US

  • Measure before you buy: Take your body measurements and compare them to the chart, not just the labeled size.
  • Check fabric type: Non-stretch clothes (100% cotton, linen, woven blends) may fit much tighter than expected, especially after washing.
  • Expect some shrinkage: Natural fibers like cotton and linen often shrink on the first wash, making the fit even snugger.
  • Read garment descriptions: Some stores post precise garment measurements; if possible, compare these to your own clothes for best results.
  • When in doubt, size up: It’s easier to tailor something slightly large than stretch out a too-small piece.
  • Mind the shoulders and arm lengths: Many Asian shirts and jackets run noticeably narrower in the shoulders and shorter in the sleeves compared to US brands, even when chest circumference is similar. This is especially important for men over 5’10” (178 cm) or women with broader builds.
  • For children and teens: Asian kids’ clothing may use height in centimeters as the main sizing cue. Measure the child’s height in cm and choose accordingly, keeping in mind body build can still differ.

  FAQ: Asian Size to US Size

  Asian size to US size: quick answers

  How do I know my Asian size if I wear M in US size?

  Most commonly, a US Medium matches an Asian Large or XL, but always check the store’s chart and actual garment measurements to be sure.

  Why are Asian clothes so much smaller than US sizes?

  Sizing systems are based on different population averages and standards. Asian sizes reflect smaller average body measurements, so tagged sizes run 1–2 sizes smaller than US standards.

  Does fabric stretch affect how Asian sizes fit?

  Yes. Stretchy fabrics (knits, blends with elastane or spandex) can fit a wider range of body shapes and allow for a snug fit even if the size isn’t exact. Woven and non-stretch fabrics fit tighter and require precise measurements.

  Will cotton clothes from Asia shrink after washing?

  Natural fiber fabrics, like cotton, often shrink after the first wash and tumble dry. Our records show a median shrinkage of 5–6% in length and 2% in width for cotton T-shirt fabric during production testing.

  Are size charts the same for every Asian country and brand?

  No. Sizing can differ among countries and even between brands from the same country. Always check the specific item’s chart and measurements.

  Is the conversion the same for shoes and accessories?

  No. Shoe sizing often uses centimeter-based scales in Asia. For accuracy, always compare your foot length (in cm) directly to the shoe’s listed size or insole measurements.

  How to Care for Clothes to Maintain Fit

  To keep your new clothes fitting well, especially after converting Asian size to US size:

  Best care tips for most clothing

  Machine wash at 30 °C (86 °F) or belowCool water keeps the dye and fiber stable. Hotter water can shrink the fabric, loosen dye or weaken elastane.

  Non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach onlyChlorine bleach would strip the dye or yellow the fiber; oxygen bleach is gentler.

  Line dryHang to dry; it keeps size and saves the fiber from dryer heat.

  Iron on medium, max 150 °C (300 °F)Medium heat suits polyester, wool, silk, viscose and modal. Use a pressing cloth on dark colors to avoid shine.

  • Use cold or warm water wash (86°F / 30°C) to minimize shrinkage, especially for natural fibers.
  • Line dry instead of tumble dry to reduce fabric shrinkage and preserve size.
  • Iron on medium heat if needed. Avoid high heat which can further shrink some fabrics.
  • Wool, silk, and specialty fabrics may require hand washing or professional cleaning—always check for care symbols if the fabric is unfamiliar.

  More Fit & Fabric Guides

  If you want to understand how different fabrics affect sizing, stretch, and shrinkage, explore these popular guides:

  • What Is Modal Fabric?
  • All Fabric Guide guides

  How this guide was researched

  This guide is based on widely published international size charts, garment measurement practice from my textile industry experience, and real-world fit tips. Where shrinkage or fabric type matters, I have drawn on production records and lab data (6,215–9,356 lots, cotton and blends, 2012–2026) documenting fabric behavior after wash and dry. For detail on testing methods, see how we test.

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