Chinese Size Label Decoder: Read 175/92A, Convert EU Shoe Sizes

Decode a Chinese size label

Typical Western equivalents are approximate and assume a regular cut. Oversized streetwear is often cut larger; the listing's chart in centimetres always overrides this.

How Chinese size labels work

Chinese garment labels follow a national sizing standard with three parts. The first number is the wearer's height in centimetres. The second is chest girth for tops or waist girth for bottoms, also in centimetres. The letter is body type — Y for slim, A for regular, B and C for fuller builds, where the chest-to-waist difference is smaller.

Typical fits from the height/chest standard; Western brands vary.

That's why "size up one" is common advice: a Chinese L for a 175 cm, 92 cm-chest wearer sits where most Western brands put M. The exception is streetwear cut deliberately oversized, which many Weidian listings are — there your usual size is often right. The label tells you who the garment is designed for; only the chart tells you how big it actually is.

Verdict: Use the label to find your starting size, and the chart in centimetres to confirm it.

Convert an EU shoe size or foot length

A widely used sneaker chart. Brands differ by half a size or more; use the listing's own chart when it has one.

Many Chinese listings skip EU sizes and give foot length in millimetres — "255" means a 25.5 cm foot. Measure your foot standing, heel to longest toe, late in the day when feet are largest, and match that number. For models known to run narrow or long, the note on the card usually says so.

The five-minute measuring method

1. Pick a garment you own that fits the way you like, of the same type — a hoodie for a hoodie.
2. Lay it flat and measure chest width armpit to armpit, length from shoulder seam to hem, and sleeve length, in centimetres.
3. Check whether the listing's chart is flat or full-round. A full chest figure is roughly double the flat width.
4. Pick the size whose numbers are closest, allowing 1–2 cm for measuring differences.
5. Ask your agent for a tape-measure photo at QC if you're between sizes; exchanging before shipping is far easier than after.

For trousers, Chinese charts usually give the garment's relaxed waist, not your body measurement. Measure a pair you own across the waistband and double it, then compare.