Chinese sizes: converting to European sizes without mistakes
A Chinese M isn't a European M. Here's how to read a seller's size chart and pick the right size first time.
The habit: centimetres, not letters
Sellers almost always give a size chart photo in centimetres. Compare those numbers with a garment of yours that fits well, laid flat. It's more reliable than any letter conversion.
Careful: measurements are often "flat"
On Chinese charts, the chest (胸围) is often measured flat, armpit to armpit. Multiply by two for the full circumference. If the value looks small (under 80 cm for an adult), it's flat.
Words to know on a chart
| Chinese | English | Meaning |
| 胸围 | Chest | Chest |
| 衣长 | Length | Top length |
| 肩宽 | Shoulder | Shoulder width |
| 袖长 | Sleeve | Sleeve length |
| 腰围 | Waist | Waist |
| 臀围 | Hip | Hips |
| 裤长 | Length | Trouser length |
Rules of thumb without a chart
- Asian cuts often run one size small: if in doubt, size up.
- For an oversized look, add one more size.
- For sneakers, most sellers give EU sizes: take your usual size unless the seller says otherwise.
The easy way: let Yupa do it
In Yupa you enter your measurements once. On every item with a size chart, Yupa compares them with the seller's centimetres and tells you which size to take, including shoulders, sleeves and length.
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