How to Measure Yourself for Asian Sizes

The single most important thing you can do before shopping from Asian retailers is to take accurate body measurements in centimetres. Letter sizes and number sizes are only approximations — the centimetre measurements listed on each product are what actually determine if an item will fit. You need five key measurements: chest or bust circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, shoulder width and inseam length. For shoes, measure your foot length from heel to toe. Always measure over thin clothing, keep the tape measure level and snug but not tight, and measure at the widest point of each area. Write your measurements down and keep them handy. Our converter above gives you the right starting size, but always verify against the specific product's centimetre chart.