Clothing size conversion

Korean clothing uses letter sizes like S, M and L, numeric sizes such as 90, 95 and 100 for tops based on chest circumference in centimeters, and, for womenswear, traditional numbers like 44, 55 and 66. Not every garment follows the same system, and trousers are often labeled by waist. Fit varies by brand, so try things on.

In Korean womenswear, 55 and 66 are long-standing traditional size labels. Roughly, 55 corresponds to S, 66 to M and 77 to L, while 44 is often treated as XS and 88 as XL. These are approximate conventions rather than an official standard, and they vary by brand, so check the actual measurements.

For menswear, 95, 100 and 105 are roughly based on chest circumference in centimeters. They are commonly treated as M, L and XL respectively, with 90 close to S and 110 close to XXL. This is an approximate guide that varies by brand and cut, so trying items on is the most reliable approach.

There is no single conversion, as size charts differ by brand. Some charts roughly match US women's 4 to 6 with Korean 55 and 8 to 10 with 66. US menswear may feel larger than Korean sizing, but it is not always exactly one size apart. Compare actual chest and waist measurements on each brand's size chart.

European women's sizes 34 to 36 are often compared to Korean 55, and 38 to Korean 66, though this varies widely by country and brand. For menswear, European 46 to 48 is sometimes listed as around Korean 95 to 100. Treat these as rough guides and check the detailed measurement chart.

Trousers are often labeled by waist circumference, either in inches like 26, 28 and 30, or in centimeters like 71, 76 and 81. Women's trousers also commonly use S, M, L or inch sizes such as 25, 26 and 27. Fit and length differ even at the same waist size, so check the hips, thighs and inseam too.

Free size means the item comes in only one size, labeled F or FREE. It is commonly thought to fit roughly Korean sizes 55 to 66, but there is no standard range, so it will not suit everyone. Check the actual measurements, such as shoulder width, chest and total length, before you buy.

Often, yes. Even with the same S, M or L label, Korean clothing can feel smaller than US or European sizing. Sleeve length, shoulder width and trouser length in particular may seem short. Try one size up or compare actual measurements before buying.

Danmyeon means a flat measurement, taken with the garment laid flat from one edge to the other. If the chest danmyeon is 50 centimeters, the circumference is roughly double, about 100 centimeters. When comparing with your body measurements, always check whether a chart lists flat widths or full circumferences.

Chongjang is the total length of the garment, shoulder width runs from one shoulder seam to the other, and sleeve length goes to the cuff. For trousers, miwi is the rise, the distance from the waistband to the crotch, which shows how high the trousers sit. Measuring a well-fitting item you own gives the best comparison.

Korean kids' clothing is often labeled by the child's height in centimeters, such as 90, 100 or 110. Pick the number closest to your child's height, or go one size up since children grow quickly. Sizing varies by brand, so check the detailed measurements as well.

Korean bras commonly use labels like 75A or 80B, combining underbust circumference in centimeters with cup size. This differs from US and UK inch-based sizes, so use conversion charts only as a rough guide. Men's underwear is usually labeled S, M, L or with numbers like 90, 95 and 100.

Many people find that S, M and L feel fairly similar in Japan and Korea, since body types and sizing approaches are comparable. The numeric systems differ, though, so Japanese sizes like 7 or 9 do not map neatly onto Korean 44 or 55. Treat any comparison as rough and check actual measurements.

Oversized pieces are designed to be worn loose, so your usual size will often already fit generously. If it feels too big, try one size down. Judge mainly by where the shoulder seam falls and by the total length, rather than by the label alone.

Unisex items are usually based on men's sizing, so they may feel large for women. Women often choose one size smaller than usual. Check the shoulder width and total length on the size chart to see how it will actually fit.

Use a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, the narrowest part of your waist and the fullest part of your hips. Also lay a well-fitting garment flat and measure its shoulder width, total length and chest width, which makes comparing with Korean size charts easy. Write everything down in centimeters.

To ask for another size, say "dareun saijeu isseoyo?" For a bigger one, "han chisu keun geo isseoyo?" and for a smaller one, "han chisu jageun geo isseoyo?" To ask if you can try something on, say "ibeo bwado dwaeyo?" Numbers and S, M, L are widely understood as they are.

Hats are often labeled by head circumference in centimeters or sold as free size, and many have an adjustable strap at the back. If you have a larger head, check the adjustment range carefully. Where trying on is allowed, putting it on yourself is the most reliable way to judge fit.

Larger sizes appear as XL, 2XL or 3XL, as 110 or 115 in menswear, and as 77 or 88 in womenswear. Regular stores may carry few large sizes, so many people use specialist big-size sections or online shops. Checking actual measurements matters more than the label itself.

Yes, materials like cotton and knits can shrink depending on how you wash them. Check the care label inside and follow instructions such as cold wash, hand wash or no tumble drying. Some people factor in shrinkage when choosing sizes for cotton pieces they want to fit closely.