Chinese clothing sizes: how to avoid mistakes when choosing

Choosing clothes in Chinese online stores can be a real challenge. It often happens that you find the perfect item, order your usual size, and when you receive it, you realize that it is either too big or too small. The thing is that Chinese size charts are very different from Russian and European standards.

The main reason for the confusion is a different measurement system. Most often, Chinese sizes are indicated by chest circumference, but they correspond to the parameters of a typical figure in China itself. This means that the “L” label on the tag may be similar to our ‘S’ or even “XS.” Simply comparing letters is the surest way to make a mistake.

To make a successful purchase, you need to take just one simple step: take a tape measure and accurately measure your measurements. Focus not on the letters, but on the numerical grid in centimeters, which responsible sellers always publish. By comparing your measurements with their table, you will almost certainly get it right.

The main differences between Chinese size charts

The Chinese fashion industry is geared towards local consumers. On average, Chinese people have smaller body measurements than Europeans and Russians, so Chinese clothing sizes are usually considered “small.” This means that a Chinese S may correspond to a European XS or even XXS, and a Chinese L to an average Russian S/M. Sizes are often accompanied by combinations of numbers (e.g., 160/84A) and letter indices, but the differences lie not only in the labeling, but also in the pattern and cut of the clothing itself.

International shopping expert and stylist Ksenia Prudnikova notes: “Most often, mistakes are made by beginners: they focus on the usual labeling and find themselves in a situation where the jacket or dress they ordered is literally one and a half sizes smaller than usual.”

Why sizes in China are smaller than usual

The main reason is anthropological differences. The height and body measurements of the average Chinese man or woman are smaller than the average European. According to data from the China National Commission for Trade, the average height of women in China is 158-160 cm, and men is 167-169 cm. For comparison, in Russia and Europe, these figures are 7-10 cm higher, and hip and waist measurements are almost a whole size larger.

Another factor is fabric savings, focus on the domestic market, and mass production in more compact patterns. For a Chinese person of standard height and build, European clothing seems too wide and long, while for a European, Chinese clothing seems “childish.”

Types of Chinese size charts

Chinese manufacturers use several parallel sizing systems at once:

• Letter system (S, M, L, XL, and so on);
• Digital (e.g., 44, 46, 48);
• Double digits (e.g., 160/88A, 170/96B);
• Individual grids for brands and stores (often on AliExpress).

The main difference is that each system corresponds to specific body parameters. For example, the marking 160/84A means a height of 160 cm and a bust size of 84 cm, and the letter “A” indicates the body type (A is standard, B is fuller).

Classic letter system and its features

At first glance, the letters S, M, and L that we are used to differ little from European sizes. However, in fact, Chinese M is Russian S or even XS. For example:

• Chinese S: chest circumference up to 80-82 cm, waist up to 62-64 cm, hips around 88-90 cm. The Russian equivalent is more like 40-42;
• Chinese M: bust up to 84-86 cm, waist up to 66-68 cm, hips 92-94 cm. Russian size — 42-44;
• Chinese L: bust 88-90 cm, waist 70-72 cm, hips 96-98 cm, which corresponds to Russian 44-46.

Expert advice. Stylist Olga Vorobyova recommends always adding one or two sizes to your usual size when ordering clothes on Chinese websites: “If you wear a Russian M, feel free to order a Chinese XL, and sometimes even XXL, especially when it comes to outerwear.”

Sizes in numerical designations

Instead of the usual S/M/L, some stores write sizes 44, 46, 48. But it is important to note that Chinese size 44 is not the same as European size 44! Most often, Chinese size 44 = Russian size 40, and Chinese size 46 = Russian size 42. Making a mistake here can result in buying clothes that are literally impossible to wear.

Detailed numerical codes: system 160/84A and similar

These numerical pairs consist of:

• The first number is height (for example, 160, 165, 170);
• The second is the chest circumference (for example, 84, 88, 92);
• Letter (A, B, C) — body type and fullness (A — slim, B — standard, C — full).

For example, 170/96B corresponds to a height of 170 cm, a chest circumference of 96 cm, and an average body type. The Russian size in this case is more likely to be 48-50.

When choosing clothes from China, it is important to remember that their sizes often do not match the ones we are used to. Chinese items are usually smaller — for example, a Russian M may correspond to their L or even XL. It is best to check not the label (S, M, L), but the actual measurements: take a tape measure and check the chest, waist, and hip measurements of the item in centimeters, comparing them with your own measurements. Do not rely on size charts “by eye” — it is safer to go a little larger, especially if the model does not fit your figure.

How to choose the right size: step-by-step instructions

To avoid mistakes when shopping, follow these steps:

Measure yourself correctly

Take a tape measure, stand up straight, and measure:

• Chest (at the most prominent part);
• Waist (at the narrowest point);
• Hips (at the widest part);
• Height (in socks against a wall).

Don't compare with your usual size, but with the seller's size chart.

Almost all large stores provide their own size chart, which sometimes differs significantly from the standards. Always look for the “Size Chart” or “Sizes” section, and don't be lazy about recalculating your measurements. If there is no chart, order 1-2 sizes larger.

Read other buyers' reviews carefully

On platforms such as AliExpress, Shein, and Taobao, hundreds of thousands of users share photos and write about how an item “fits” someone who is 170 cm tall, weighs 60 kg, etc. Look at real cases — they are the best guide.

Example: 80% of reviews for a size M Shein jumpsuit say that it only fits girls who are 155-160 cm tall and weigh up to 52 kg, while others are advised to take L or even XL.

Consider the style and type of fabric.

“Oversized dresses” can be truly oversized even in Chinese size S. However, items made from non-stretch fabrics (jeans, jackets, coats) almost always run small. Experts advise: if in doubt, go for a size larger, but for knitwear, you can sometimes take a chance and go for your usual size.

Comparison tables: Chinese and Russian clothing sizes

Women's size chart

Chinese size Chest circumference (cm) Waist circumference (cm) Hip circumference (cm) Russian size European size S 78-82 60-64 86-90 40-42 32-34 M 82-86 64-68 90-94 42-44 34-36 L 86-90 68 -72 94-98 44-46 36-38 XL 90-94 72-76 98-102 46-48 38-40 XXL 94-98 76-80 102-106 48-50 40-42

Men's size chart

Chinese size Chest circumference (cm) Waist circumference (cm) Russian size European size M 86-92 72-78 44-46 46-48 L 92-98 78-84 46-48 48-50 XL 98-104 84 -90 48-50 50-52 XXL 104-110 90-96 50-52 52-54

These tables are provided for reference only; some manufacturers may be a whole size larger or smaller.

Features of sizes for children and teenagers

Chinese children's clothing is often labeled exclusively by height: 90, 100, 110, etc., which corresponds to the child's height in centimeters. But even here, many items are “small” — for example, a child who is 110 cm tall should buy clothes labeled 120 or 130.

Differences between brands and “no name” manufacturers

The Chinese clothing market is full of both major brands (Li Ning, Balabala, Peacebird, Bosideng) and anonymous no-name factories. Experienced shoppers note that well-known brands have a sizing system that is slightly closer to the global one, and when buying, say, a Li-Ning hoodie, the difference will not be so significant. However, no-name mass-market brands are more likely to be undersized.

Example: Li Ning sports shorts labeled L will fit a Russian child with a hip circumference of up to 100 cm, while the same shorts from a “no-name” brand will be too tight at 96 cm. The difference is up to two sizes!

Tip: check the manufacturer's official website and look for size charts in English, especially if you are buying medium- and high-priced items.

Practical examples and real reviews

Dress from AliExpress

Maria, 29, Moscow: "My measurements are 92/72/98, and I wear a Russian size 46. I ordered an XL dress (according to the AliExpress size chart, XL should fit a 92-96 bust). In reality, the dress is tight, the sleeves are short, and the height is listed as 165 cm, but I am 174 cm tall. Next time, I will get an XXL."

Men's sweatshirt from Shein

Andrey, 35, Novosibirsk: "I wear a Russian size 52, which according to the Shein chart is XXXL or even XXXXL — only then will the item be ‘as pictured’. I ordered both — XXXL turned out to be just right on the shoulders, XXXXL — comfortable!"

Children's set for boys

Svetlana, Yekaterinburg: “My son is 112 cm tall, I usually order 120-130 (on Taobao), otherwise the pants are too short and the T-shirt is almost up to his armpits. Chinese sizes are always one or two years smaller than Russian sizes.”

What to do if the size doesn't fit

Popular platforms (AliExpress, Shein) most often offer free or partially paid returns if the specified sizes do not match the actual size. But there may be difficulties—refunds are delayed by 2–3 weeks, and shipping is at the buyer's expense.

The best solution is to give the ill-fitting item to friends or sell it on local online platforms. And if the measurements were accurate, most stores are accommodating, especially if you photographed the “measurements” in advance and there is a clear mismatch in parameters.

Expert advice on choosing clothes from China

• Always refer to centimeters only, not S/M/L markings.
• Read the product descriptions and reviews carefully, and be sure to look at real photos.
• When buying outerwear or jeans, go 1-2 sizes larger than usual.
• Look for items with elastic inserts, knitwear, and elastic bands — they are more versatile.
• Avoid buying the first no-name clothing you come across without reviews.
• For expensive items, check the tables on the official English-language websites of the brands.
• For teenagers and children, always choose items that they can grow into.

The future of the Chinese sizing system: trends and changes

Given the growing focus of Chinese brands on foreign markets, there has been a gradual alignment of size charts with international standards. Young brands, especially those focused on exports (Anzheng, Peacebird, Mark Fairwhale), are releasing special “US/UK/EU-size” lines and adapting their patterns to average Europeans.

However, the mass market will continue to be geared toward the local audience for many years to come. Market analysts predict that the trend toward increasing the “real” parameters of Chinese sizes will be slow, especially for low-budget and new brands.

On the other hand, artificial intelligence recommendations are improving: major platforms (such as Taobao, AliExpress, Shein) are developing smart recommendation systems. Modern AI recommendation systems analyze your profile, purchase history, and internal reviews to automatically recommend the right size.

Choosing Chinese clothing can be difficult, but with these simple rules, you can place orders with greater confidence. The main thing is not to rely on your usual size, but to always check the specific measurements in the table on the product page. Don't be lazy about taking your own measurements with a tape measure — this is the most reliable way.

Keep in mind that sizes can vary slightly even within the same brand, so reviews from other buyers are your best guide. It is especially helpful to look at photos in reviews and comments about fit.

In the end, paying a little attention to detail will save you time, nerves, and money. Happy shopping, and may every item in your order fit you perfectly!