Back to Guides

Tutorial

China size charts: how to convert to US, EU, and UK sizing

4 min read

Every reverse-haul buyer needs to learn this once. Chinese seller size labels mean something different from Western labels, and the difference is bigger than most charts admit. Here are the tables you need plus the technique that beats every table.

The technique that beats every chart

Measure clothing you already own and love. Take a tape measure, measure chest width, sleeve length, pant inseam, and waist. Compare those numbers against the seller's measurement chart (most Weidian sellers provide one). Match the measurements, not the labels.

If a seller doesn't provide measurements: skip them or ask your agent to message them. Reputable sellers respond within 24 hours.

Men's tops (T-shirts, hoodies, sweaters)

Chinese label sizing vs US sizing, with chest measurements in cm:

| Chinese | US | Chest (cm) | Length (cm) | |---|---|---|---| | S | XS | 100-104 | 64-66 | | M | S | 104-108 | 66-68 | | L | M | 108-114 | 68-70 | | XL | L | 114-120 | 70-72 | | 2XL | XL | 120-128 | 72-74 | | 3XL | 2XL | 128-136 | 74-76 |

Notes:

  • Chinese Large is approximately US Medium.
  • For oversized streetwear (Essentials-style, Yeezy-style hoodies), the chart above may already reflect the oversized fit. Confirm intended fit with seller.
  • Length runs short — Chinese label "L" hoodies are 68-70cm body length; US streetwear "M" usually runs 70-72cm.

Men's bottoms (jeans, joggers, shorts)

Waist measurements in inches:

| Chinese | US | Waist (inches) | |---|---|---| | 28 | 28 | 28-29 | | 30 | 30 | 30-31 | | 32 | 32 | 32-33 | | 34 | 34 | 34-35 | | 36 | 36 | 36-37 |

Notes:

  • Waist labels are generally honest 1:1 with US sizing.
  • Inseam is the variable — Chinese jeans often run 1-2 inches shorter in inseam. Confirm if you're tall.
  • For technical pants (cargo, joggers), check thigh and rise measurements separately.

Women's tops

| Chinese | US | Bust (cm) | |---|---|---| | S | XS | 80-84 | | M | S | 84-88 | | L | M | 88-94 | | XL | L | 94-100 | | 2XL | XL | 100-106 |

Notes: women's sizing is more variable by seller because fit philosophies differ (e.g., "Korean cut" runs slimmer than "American cut").

Footwear

Use millimeter insole length, not size labels:

| US Men | EU | UK | Foot length (mm) | |---|---|---|---| | 7 | 40 | 6 | 245 | | 8 | 41 | 7 | 255 | | 9 | 42.5 | 8 | 270 | | 10 | 43.5 | 9 | 280 | | 11 | 45 | 10 | 290 | | 12 | 46 | 11 | 300 |

Notes:

  • Putian factory sneakers (see Putian sneaker scene) generally match real brand sizing within 5mm.
  • Sneaker buyers should still measure foot length directly. Trace your foot on paper, measure heel to longest toe in mm.
  • See sneaker sizing from Chinese sellers for brand-specific notes.

EU sizing for clothing

EU clothing sizing maps fairly cleanly:

  • EU 46 ≈ US S / Chinese M
  • EU 48 ≈ US M / Chinese L
  • EU 50 ≈ US L / Chinese XL
  • EU 52 ≈ US XL / Chinese 2XL

When you can't measure first

If you're ordering something where you can't measure existing clothing first (one-off piece, new category): size up one step from your normal Western label. Slightly large is wearable; slightly small is not. See when in doubt, size up.

For sneakers specifically, do not size up by default — Putian sizing generally matches retail. Size up only if the seller's chart shows the shoe runs small.