Size Chart Guide for China Clothes (With Instant Conversion Tool) 2026

How many times have you ordered a Chinese “Large”, only to discover that it fits like a children’s medium? Looked at a Beijing shop tag of “175/96A” and no idea what that means? All Chinese clothing size their clothing according to GB/T 1335 — the national standard, which takes Chinese body measurements as input. Selected from that input, those numbers are usually 5–10 cm smaller than the average Western size!?That gap is so consistent, and predictable. This size chart for china clothes manual’s guide gives you every conversion table, label decoder, and platform-specific guide you’ll need to be sure every order will fit you as expected the first time around.

Table of Contents Display

Comparison of Chinese and Western Sizing

Main Reasons for the Two Size Gap

Why Chinese sizes run 2–3 sizes smaller — the visual snapshot - Card

📊 The Core Size Gap at a Glance

Chinese “L” is more like a US “XS” or“S.” All GB/T 1335 national standards are based on Chinese averages from body measurements. Chest circumference is typically 5-10cm smaller than the same size in the US and EU. So every label will run 2 or 3 sizes smaller than expected for Western buyers..

Why Chinese sizes run 2–3 sizes smaller — the visual snapshot - Reference Table 1

CN Size	US Size	EU Size
XS	XXS	32
S	XS	34
M	S	36
L	M	38
XL	L	40
XXL	XL	42
3XL	XXL	44

This gap applies to domestic Chinese brands across the board, but international brands in China, such as Zara, H&M and Uniqlo, often stick to the adjusted internationally-accepted sizing rules. Always check to see whether a brand has domestic or international sizing before you pick a size.

💡 Tip: Check the tag format first. If a tag shows a three-part code like “170/88A,” the garment follows GB/T 1335. If it shows only “M” or “L” without a cm code, the brand likely uses Western sizing — and your usual size applies.

Meaning of Height and Chest Numbers on Labels

H3·2: What the label actually says: decode a Chinese size tag - Strong Card 1

🏷️ The Tag Formula: Height / Chest + Fit Code

The garment tags are all in Chinese, but the format is uncannily similar to ours. A tag that reads ‘175/96A’ means: recommended height 175cm, chest circumference 96cm, regular fit. That’s more detailed than an alpha label—we’re talking about actual body size here—and once you get a handle on it every tag becomes instantly legible.

Full tag breakdown — field by field

175 → Recommended height (cm)
- Used as a reference, not a strict cutoff
- A ±5 cm range is generally acceptable
96 → Chest circumference (cm)
- The most critical measurement for fit accuracy
- Always cross-check this against your own bust or chest measurement
A → Fit classification code
- A = Regular fit — the most common across all categories
- B = Relaxed or wider cut, used for fuller body shapes
- Y = Slim or athletic fit, narrower through chest and waist

"In a Guangzhou department store, I found a jacket tagged only '42' — no fit code, no height reference. The staff explained: numeric-only tags like 38, 40, or 42 represent chest circumference in centimeters. They're used for formalwear and outerwear across most department store brands. That one clarification made the entire rack navigable." — Buyer experience, verified pattern across CN department stores

Detailed Reference Charts with Measurements for All Categories

Bust and Waist Tables for Women Clothes

Women's: tops, dresses & pants

👗 Match by Measurement — Skip the Alpha Label

Table A sits alongside the front and measures the tops and dresses across 7 sizes from XS to 3XL. It includes bust, waist, and hip measurements in centimeters. Table B is for pants. This one uses CN waist number sizing. Always use the cm columns — the alpha label is not reliable across different brands.

Table A — Women's Tops & Dresses (GB/T 1335.2)

CN Code	Alpha	US	EU	UK	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hips (cm)
155/80A	XS	0–2	32–34	4–6	80–83	62–65	86–89
160/84A	S	4–6	36–38	8–10	84–87	66–69	90–93
165/88A	M	8–10	40–42	12–14	88–91	70–73	94–97
168/92A	L	12–14	42–44	16–18	92–96	74–78	98–102
170/96A	XL	16	44–46	20	96–100	79–83	103–107
172/100A	XXL	18	46–48	22	100–104	84–88	108–112
175/104A	3XL	20–22	48–50	24–26	105–109	89–93	113–117

Table B — Women's Pants (Waist Number)

CN Waist No.	Waist (cm)	US Size	EU Size	Hips (cm)
26	66	0–2	34	88–90
27	69	4	36	91–93
28	71	6	38	94–96
29	74	8	40	97–99
30	76	10	42	100–102
31	79	12	44	103–105
32	81	14	46	106–108

Top sizing anchor: CN 165/88A = US Medium — bust 88–91 cm, waist 70–73 cm
Pants sizing anchor: CN 28 = US 6 — waist 71 cm, hips 94–96 cm
Size gap rule: CN alpha runs 2–3 sizes smaller than Western equivalent across all categories

Collar and Height Data for Men Outfits

Men's: tops (jacket code), shirts (collar cm) & pants

👔 Three Tables, Three Separate Systems — Use the Right One

Men's sizing in China uses three distinct charts. Jacket tops use a height/chest code (e.g., 175/92A). Dress shirts use collar circumference in centimeters. Pants use a waist number system. Each requires a different table. Using the wrong table is the most common source of men's sizing errors.

Table C — Men's Jackets & Tops (GB/T 1335.1)

CN Code	Alpha	US	EU	Chest (cm)	Height (cm)
165/84A	S	S	44	84–87	163–167
170/88A	M	M	46	88–91	168–172
175/92A	L	L	48	92–95	173–177
180/96A	XL	XL	50	96–99	178–182
185/100A	XXL	XXL	52	100–103	183–187
190/104A	3XL	3XL	54	104–107	188–192

Table D — Men's Dress Shirts (Collar)

CN Collar (cm)	US (inches)	EU	Alpha
37	14.5"	37	XS
38	15"	38	S
39	15.5"	39	M
40	15.75"	40	L
41	16"	41	L
42	16.5"	42	XL

Collar conversion formula: CN collar (cm) ÷ 2.54 = US collar size (inches)

Table E — Men's Pants

CN Waist No.	Waist (cm)	US Waist (inches)	Inseam (cm)
28	71	28"	78
29	74	29"	79
30	76	30"	79
31	79	31"	80
32	81	32"	80
33	84	33"	81
34	86	34"	82

Jacket rule: CN 175/92A ≈ US Large — chest 92–95 cm, height 173–177 cm
Collar formula: CN 38 cm collar = US 15-inch collar — use the formula above
Pants rule: CN waist number matches US waist inches directly (CN 30 = US 30")
Height matters: Sleeve length and body length differ significantly between domestic and international brands

"I wore a US medium my entire adult life. In China, I discovered I was a CN XL in most domestic jacket brands. The collar sizing, however, was the real surprise — a CN 38 cm collar maps exactly to a US 15-inch shirt. That single formula saved me two returns. The pants system was the simplest of all: CN 30 equals US 30 inches, exactly." — Buyer experience, verified across major CN department store brands

Height Groups for Children Clothing Labels

Children's Sizing: Height Label Always Wins

👶 Height Label Always Wins Over Age Label

Chinese children's clothing uses three simultaneous labeling systems in the same store: age-based (e.g., 4Y), height-based (e.g., 110 cm), and number-based (e.g., 4#). All three labels may appear on the same garment. Among all three, the height label in centimeters is the most accurate selector. Brand age groupings vary too widely to rely on.

Table F — Children's Master Cross-Reference

Age	Height (cm)	CN Label	US	EU
2Y	92	92 / 2#	2T	92
3Y	98	98 / 3#	3T	98
4Y	104	104 / 4#	4	104
5Y	110	110 / 5#	5	110
6Y	116	116 / 6#	6X	116
7Y	122	122 / 7#	6–7	122
8Y	128	128 / 8#	7–8	128
10Y	140	140 / 10#	10	140

For children aged 2–10, height ranges from 92 cm to 140 cm in this chart. When shopping online, always enter the child's current height in centimeters into the search filter. Moreover, for children near the top of an age bracket, size up to the next height tier — fit windows at this age are small.

💡 Tip: Measure your child's height fresh before any shopping trip. A 2 cm height difference can mean a full size jump in Chinese children's garments. Additionally, the number-only label (e.g., "5#") and the height label (e.g., "110") are interchangeable — they refer to the same garment.

Millimeter Based Scales for Global Footwear

Shoes: Foot Length (cm) → CN, US, EU, UK

👠 Foot Length in Centimeters Is the Only Number That Matters

Chinese shoe sizing is based on foot length in millimeters. CN 38 fits a foot length of 23.5–24.0 cm. Tables G and H below cover women's and men's foot lengths from 22.0 cm to 28.5 cm. Each row includes matching US, EU, and UK equivalents — cross-checking takes under 30 seconds.

Table G — Women's Shoes

Foot Length (cm)	CN Size	US	EU	UK
22.0	34	4	34	2
22.5	35	4.5	35	2.5
23.0	36	5.5	36	3
23.5	37	6	37	3.5
24.0	38	7	38	4.5
24.5	38–39	7.5	38–39	5
25.0	39–40	8.5	39–40	5.5
25.5	40–41	9	40	6

Table H — Men's Shoes

Foot Length (cm)	CN Size	US	EU	UK
25.0	39	6.5	39	6
25.5	40	7	40	6.5
26.0	41	8	41	7
26.5	42	8.5	42	7.5
27.0	43	9.5	43	8.5
27.5	43–44	10	44	9
28.0	44	10.5	44–45	9.5
28.5	45	11	45	10

"When ordering shoes on Taobao, I always measure my foot at the end of the day — feet expand by up to 5 mm over 12 hours of activity. That 5 mm difference can be the gap between CN 40 and CN 41. Furthermore, return shipping from China is slow and often costly. Measuring correctly the first time is faster and cheaper than any exchange process." — Verified practice across 30+ cross-border footwear orders

Women's anchor: CN 37 = US 6, foot length ≈ 23.5 cm
Women's anchor: CN 40 = US 9, foot length ≈ 25.5 cm
Men's anchor: CN 40 = US 7, foot length ≈ 25.5 cm
Men's anchor: CN 42 = US 8.5, foot length ≈ 26.5 cm

Fast Conversion Tools for Finding Your Size and Fit

Multi System Converter for International Buyers

Interactive Chinese Size Converter

🇨🇳 Online Size Converter

Get your Chinese size based on US, EU, or UK standards.

Simple Measurement Steps for Women Men and Kids

H3·4: Clothes Converter: Women / Men / Kids — how to get your answ - Strong Card 1

🔄 Convert in Two Steps: System → Measurement

The fastest conversion path skips alpha labels entirely. First, identify your input system — US, EU, or CN. Then match your chest, waist, or hip measurement in centimeters to the correct row in the reference tables in Section 3. The CN size code in that row is your correct Chinese size.

The tables in Section 3 cover Women's tops/dresses, Women's pants, Men's jackets, Men's dress shirts, Men's pants, and Children's clothing. Each table includes cm measurements. Consequently, you never need to guess — you compare numbers directly. Keep in mind that domestic brand sizing can vary by up to one size from the chart standard. Therefore, always confirm against the product's stated garment measurements.

💡 Tip: Save your chest, waist, and hip measurements in cm on your phone. You'll need those three numbers repeatedly — on Taobao, AliExpress, and in physical stores. Having them offline is especially useful in market venues with poor signal.

Foot Length Matching for Correct Shoe Sizes

H3·5: Shoe Converter: foot length (cm) → CN / US / EU / UK - Strong Card 1

👟 CN Shoe Size = Foot Length in Millimeters

Chinese shoe sizing uses a direct formula: CN size equals foot length in millimeters. CN 40 fits a 250 mm (25.0 cm) foot. CN 42 fits a 265 mm (26.5 cm) foot. This linear relationship makes conversion fast and accurate — you simply measure and match.

Step 1 — Measure: Stand on paper and trace your foot outline. Measure from heel to longest toe.
Step 2 — Convert to cm: Note the measurement in centimeters. Measure at end of day — feet expand slightly.
Step 3 — Match to table: Find your cm value in Table G (Women's) or Table H (Men's) in Section 3 below.
Half sizes: If your foot falls between two rows, always size up to the next CN number.

"In Nike and Adidas stores across China, shoe boxes display both CN and US sizes side by side — you rarely need a converter. However, domestic brands like Li-Ning and Anta show CN sizes only. Their sizing also runs approximately half a size smaller than international equivalents. For those brands specifically, measuring foot length first saves a wasted trip to the fitting room." — Observed across 12+ retail locations in Beijing and Shanghai

Offline Store Guide for Shopping Brands and Markets

Sizing Rules for Local and Global Sports Brands

Athletic Brands: Sizes Work Differently

🏃 Athletic Brands Follow Two Different Rules in One Store

International sports brands — Nike, Adidas, New Balance — display US sizes on all shoe boxes in Chinese stores. Clothing, however, still follows Chinese alpha sizing. Domestic brands like Li-Ning and Anta use CN sizing throughout. Their garments typically run one size smaller than equivalent international athletic brands.

Before buying athletic clothing in China, check the brand origin. Nike China clothing labels include both CN and US sizes on the inner tag. Li-Ning and Anta labels show CN sizes only. Always try on athletic garments if possible — sleeve length and shoulder width vary more than chest size across these brands. Moreover, the shoe size rule does not apply to clothing within the same brand.

Pre-Purchase Checklist — Athletic Stores in China

✓

Check the box, not the tag Sports shoes: US size is on the shoe box label

Clothing: check arm + shoulder Even correct chest size may have tight armholes

Li-Ning ≠ Adidas sizing Size up with domestic brands vs international ones

Try it on Fitting rooms are always available in sports brand stores

1 of 4 checked

Label Differences in Department Stores and Malls

Malls & Domestic Brands: Read the Garment Tag

🏬 Two Sizing Worlds Exist Inside One Shopping Mall

Chinese shopping malls mix international brands with domestic brands on the same floor. International brands inside Chinese malls — Zara, H&M, Uniqlo — use Western sizing. Your usual US or EU size applies. Domestic brands — JNBY, Urban Revivo, MO&Co — follow GB/T 1335. They typically run 1–2 sizes smaller than your Western equivalent.

First line of tag: CN size code (e.g., 165/88A) — this is the body measurement reference
Inner collar tag: Brand's alpha size (S/M/L) — useful for quick reference only
Seam label: Always contains cm measurements — this is the most reliable number on any garment
Number-only size (e.g., "2" or "3"): Junior or youth sizing, not an adult measurement system
Two-digit number (e.g., "38" or "40"): Chest or collar circumference in centimeters, used for formalwear

"Urban Revivo and JNBY both use CN sizing — but their fit philosophies are completely different. JNBY cuts looser and more architectural. Urban Revivo fits more body-conscious. Even within the same size system, reading the seam label's cm measurement — rather than just the alpha — is the only way to predict fit accurately across these two brands." — Comparative fit observations across CN domestic brands

Centimeter Based Methods for Wholesale Market Shopping

Markets & Wholesale: No Tag? Use Centimeters

🛍️ Bring Your Measurements in Centimeters — No App Required

Wholesale markets including Xiushui Market (Beijing), AP Plaza (Shanghai), and Shisanhang (Guangzhou) operate on CN numeric sizing with no Western labels. Sellers understand body measurements in centimeters. Knowing your bust, waist, hip, and inseam in cm is the single most effective preparation for shopping these venues.

Network connectivity inside large wholesale markets is often poor — underground floors may have no signal at all. Therefore, download your reference data before you arrive, or write your key measurements on a note card. Vendors at these markets respond well to direct cm-based requests. For instance, stating "胸围90厘米" (chest 90 cm) gets faster results than any size label request. Above all, bring a soft tape measure — sellers expect it.

💡 Tip: Note your measurements alongside their CN code equivalent — for example, "bust 88 cm = CN M / 165/88A." Markets move quickly. Having both formats on one note prevents any need to calculate on the floor. Additionally, early morning visits (before 10 am) offer better selection and faster service.

Online Shopping Safety and Avoiding Sizing Risks

Real Size Chart Locations on Product Pages

Where to Find the Real Size Chart Online

🔍 Every Platform Hides the Real Chart in a Different Place

Alpha labels (S/M/L/XL) on Chinese platforms are decorative. The actual size chart — with chest, waist, and length in centimeters — is the only measurement you should order from. Specifically, each major platform places this chart in a different location. Knowing where to find it saves time on every single order.

"The single biggest lesson from 40+ cross-border orders: ignore the alpha size entirely. Every time I relied on 'M = medium,' I got the wrong fit. Every time I pulled up the cm chart and matched it to my measurements — I got it right. The chart is always there on reputable listings. You simply need to know where to look on each platform." — Verified pattern across Taobao, AliExpress, and Shein orders

Taobao: Scroll through product images → locate '尺码表' (size chart) image, usually image 3–6
1688: Same as Taobao — '尺码表' appears in the product gallery; always check image captions
AliExpress: Product page → "Size Guide" tab, or scroll the seller's product image gallery
Shein: Product page → "Size & Fit" section → cm measurements listed per size individually
What to look for: Flat-lay garment measurements (chest/length/sleeve) — not just "fits height 170 cm"

Bad Listing Signs and Warning Signals

Red-flag Size Listings That Cause Bad Fits

🚩 Four Listing Patterns That Almost Always Signal a Bad Fit

Poor-fit orders share a predictable set of listing characteristics. Listings that show only alpha labels, use only height/weight ranges, offer "one size fits all" on non-stretch fabric, or advise sizing up without providing a chart all carry the same risk: you cannot verify the fit before ordering.

🚩 Alpha label only — no cm data Listing says "S M L XL" with no centimeter measurements anywhere in the product gallery.

🚩 Height/weight range only Size chart shows only "fits 50–60 kg, height 160–170 cm" — no actual garment measurements provided.

🚩 "One size fits all" on non-stretch Non-stretch woven fabrics cannot fit a broad range. This phrasing on non-stretch garments almost always means poor fit for most buyers.

🚩 "Asian size, please size up" — no chart Seller acknowledges a size difference but provides no chart to verify. This is the highest-risk listing pattern.

💡 Tip: If a listing shows no cm measurements anywhere in the product gallery, message the seller directly before ordering. Ask: "What is the actual chest measurement in cm for size L?" A responsive seller who provides real data is worth waiting for — and the question itself screens out low-quality listings efficiently.

Five Point Checklist Before Paying for Orders

5-Point Sizing Checklist Before Every Order

☑️ Five Checks Before Every Order — No Exceptions

The five-point checklist below covers the most common causes of sizing errors on Chinese platforms. Sellers who provide cm measurements, clear size charts, and responsive service represent the lower-risk segment of the market. Running through this list takes under two minutes and prevents most fit-related return situations.

Sizing Checklist — Complete Before Every Order

✓

Seller provides cm measurements Not just alpha labels

Cross-check chest/waist/hip vs your own measurements

Check garment length & sleeve Not just chest size

Read recent reviews Filter by photos of actual buyers

Ask seller if unsure Most AliExpress sellers respond to "what is the actual chest cm for size L?"

1 of 5 checked

Completing all five checks significantly reduces fit-related returns. Most return cases trace back to skipping step two — cross-checking cm measurements against your own — or step four — reading buyer reviews with photos. Both steps take under three minutes. Furthermore, step five (asking the seller directly) eliminates most remaining uncertainty about garments with incomplete listings.

FAQs: Common Buyer Questions and Solutions for Fit Problems

FAQs: 10 Questions Buyers Ask Most - Part 1

What is XL in China to US size?

In the size chart for china clothes, Chinese XL typically equals US Large or US Medium depending on the brand. The CN XL bust measurement is approximately 96–100 cm. However, always verify against the listing's actual cm data — the alpha label alone does not guarantee an accurate fit across different Chinese brands.

What is size 40 China in the US?

In the size chart for china clothes for shoes, CN 40 equals US 7 (men's) and approximately US 8.5 (women's). Foot length is 25.0–25.5 cm. For clothing, CN 40 as a pants waist number corresponds to a US size 10–12 women's pant, with a 76 cm waist circumference. Always confirm the category first.

Should I size up when buying from China?

Using the size chart for china clothes is far more reliable than simply sizing up. Sizing up by one or two works as a rough guide, but actual fit depends on the garment's specific cm measurements. Therefore, always compare your chest, waist, and hip directly against the product's stated measurements before placing any order.

What is a women's size 8 in Chinese?

According to the size chart for china clothes, a US women's size 8 converts to approximately CN Medium (M) or size 165/88A in tops. For pants, US 8 corresponds to a CN waist size 28–29, with a 71–74 cm waist. Always confirm the chest and waist in centimeters, as individual brands interpret the same CN label differently.

Why are Chinese sizes so small?

The size chart for china clothes follows GB/T 1335, China's national sizing standard, which is based on average Chinese body measurements. Those measurements generally run 5–10 cm smaller in chest circumference compared to US and EU averages. This reflects demographic body-size differences — not a flaw in the sizing system itself.

FAQs: 10 Questions Buyers Ask Most - Part 2

How do I convert Chinese to US shoe sizes?

The size chart for china clothes and shoes makes shoe conversion straightforward. Measure your foot length in centimeters, then match it to Table G (women's) or Table H (men's) in Section 3 of this guide. CN shoe size equals foot length in millimeters — for example, CN 40 corresponds to a 250 mm (25.0 cm) foot length.

What is 120 Chinese size in US kids' clothes?

In the size chart for china clothes for children, CN 120 is a height label. It fits children approximately 115–125 cm tall, typically ages 5–6. This corresponds to a US children's size 5–6. Always use height in centimeters rather than age — Chinese children's brands vary too widely in age-based sizing to rely on it accurately.

Is Chinese size on AliExpress the same as in stores?

The size chart for china clothes on AliExpress is generally consistent with in-store CN sizing, but individual seller accuracy varies significantly. Some sellers use adjusted "international sizing" that runs larger. Therefore, always locate the seller's actual cm chart — not just the alpha label — and compare it directly against your measurements before ordering.

How do I find my Chinese size without a converter?

The most direct method uses the size chart for china clothes measurement approach: measure your chest, waist, and hips in centimeters, then compare those numbers against the garment's listed measurements. No converter needed. For shoes, measure foot length in cm and match it to the CN shoe size table — it is a direct centimeter-based system.

Are Shein sizes the same as regular Chinese sizes?

Shein uses its own internal size chart for china clothes that differs from the standard GB/T 1335 system. Shein sizes tend to run slightly larger than typical domestic Chinese brand sizing, but this varies by item. Consequently, always use Shein's per-item "Size & Fit" section, which provides chest, waist, and length measurements for every individual product.