Sizes from China: how to pick the right one
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Do not pick by the letter (S, M, L): Chinese sizes often run smaller. Compare the centimetres in the seller's chart with a garment that fits you well, or use the size tool. For shoes, most models are your usual size.
- 1
Measure a garment that fits you well
Lay it flat and measure it in centimetres: chest from armpit to armpit and length from the shoulder to the hem.
- 2
Find the seller's chart
It is in the listing or in the Yupoo album. Check whether the measurements are of the garment laid flat (half the circumference) or full circumferences.
- 3
Compare the measurements
Pick the size whose measurements are closest to your garment, depending on whether you want it tighter or looser.
- 4
Check the size on the QC photos
When the item reaches the warehouse, check the size on the photos before the return timer runs out.
Why Chinese sizes are smaller
The letters S, M and L are not the same everywhere. A Chinese L often fits like an M elsewhere, and on slim-fit models the difference can be two sizes. So look at the centimetres in the chart, not the letter.
The Chinese words in charts
- 尺码: size
- 胸围: chest
- 衣长: length of the garment
- 肩宽: shoulders
- 袖长: sleeve
- 腰围: waist
- 臀围: hips
- 裤长: length of trousers
- 大腿围: thigh
- 下摆: hem
Numbers like 170 or 175 next to the size are usually height in centimetres, not a measurement of the garment.
Half or full circumference
Some charts give the measurement of the garment laid flat (for example chest from armpit to armpit), others give the full circumference. If the chest number is about 50–60 cm, it is almost certainly half the circumference. The size tool asks about this and shows both options when it is not clear.
A quick way
My tip: take a photo of the chart and give it to an AI together with your height, weight and how you want the garment to fit. The size tool does the same: it reads the chart from a photo and compares the sizes with a garment that fits you well, or with your height and weight.
Shoes
Most models are your usual size. Some Balenciaga models run larger, just like the originals, and for those you take one size smaller.
If the seller gives the foot length in millimetres, measure your foot: stand on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and the longest toe and measure. Measure the longer foot, ideally in the evening.
Check on the QC photos
When the item reaches the warehouse, check the size on the QC photos. If it is not the right one, press Return while the timer (about 5 days) runs. More in QC photos and returns.
