Understanding Chinese Sizing Conventions
Chinese clothing sizing generally runs 1–2 sizes smaller than Western sizing. A Chinese "XL" is typically equivalent to a US "M" or "L." This is the most important thing to understand before ordering any clothing from KakoBuy.
For shoes, Chinese sizing uses EU sizing as the standard, but the actual fit can vary by seller and shoe type. Some sellers use their own sizing systems, and the SKU selector on the product modal will show the available sizes — always check these against your measurements rather than assuming they match standard EU sizing.
The best approach is to always measure yourself and compare against the seller's specific size chart when available. When in doubt, size up — it's easier to wear a slightly larger item than one that's too small.
Shoe Sizing: Complete Conversion Chart
Use this chart to convert between sizing systems:
| US Men's | US Women's | EU | UK | CM | Chinese |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 38.5 | 5.5 | 24 | 38 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 25 | 40 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 41 | 7.5 | 26 | 41 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 42.5 | 8.5 | 27 | 42 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 44 | 9.5 | 28 | 43 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 45 | 10.5 | 29 | 44 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 46 | 11.5 | 30 | 45 |
| 13 | 14.5 | 47.5 | 12.5 | 31 | 46 |
Clothing Sizing: Men's Conversion
Men's clothing sizing conversion from Chinese to Western:
| Chinese Size | US/EU Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | XS | 34–36 | 28–30 | 165–170 |
| L | S | 36–38 | 30–32 | 170–175 |
| XL | M | 38–40 | 32–34 | 175–180 |
| 2XL | L | 40–42 | 34–36 | 180–185 |
| 3XL | XL | 42–44 | 36–38 | 185–190 |
| 4XL | XXL | 44–46 | 38–40 | 190–195 |
Brand-Specific Sizing Notes
Different brands have different sizing quirks on KakoBuy:
How to Measure Yourself Accurately
Get accurate measurements for perfect sizing:
- 1Chest — Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal. Don't pull tight.
- 2Waist — Measure around your natural waist (narrowest point), usually 1 inch above your belly button.
- 3Hips — Measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually 7–9 inches below your waist.
- 4Inseam — Measure from your crotch to the floor along the inside of your leg.
- 5Shoulder width — Measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across your back.
- 6Foot length — Stand on paper, trace your foot, and measure the longest distance from heel to toe.
- 7Always measure in centimeters for Chinese sizing charts — they use metric measurements.
- 8Measure twice — Sizing mistakes are expensive. Double-check your measurements before ordering.
Sizing Tips from the Community
Advice from experienced buyers:
- When in doubt, size up — It's easier to wear a slightly larger item than one that's too small.
- Check the SKU selector carefully — The product modal shows available sizes. Make sure your size is available before buying.
- Ask in the community — Discord and Telegram members can give brand-specific sizing advice based on their experience.
- Look for seller sizing notes — Some sellers include sizing notes in their product descriptions. Check these carefully.
- Consider the intended fit — Some items are designed to be oversized (Essentials, Balenciaga). Factor this into your size choice.
- For shoes, measure your foot — Don't rely on your usual shoe size. Foot length in cm is the most accurate measurement.
- Check QC photos for scale — If QC photos include a hand or other reference object, you can gauge the actual size of the item.
