Clothing Sizes Explained: Converting US, UK, EU and Asian Sizes
By Global Tools Research · Published August 2, 2026
Clothing sizes are frustratingly inconsistent from one country to the next. A single garment can be labelled a US Small, a UK 10, an EU 38 and a China M all at once. Here is how the main systems line up and why they differ.
Women's Tops — Size Comparison
| US | UK | EU | China | Japan | Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 | 34 | S | 7 | 44 |
| S | 8 | 36 | M | 9 | 55 |
| M | 10 | 38 | L | 11 | 66 |
| L | 12 | 40 | XL | 13 | 77 |
| XL | 14 | 42 | XXL | 15 | 88 |
Why Asian Sizes Run Smaller
A China or Japan size typically runs about one label smaller than the Western equivalent — a China L is closer to a US M. This is because each region built its sizing around the average body measurements of its own population.
Measurements Beat Labels
Because brands also use vanity sizing, the most reliable approach is to match your body measurements to a chart rather than trust a letter. Enter your bust, waist and hip in the Body Measurement Calculator, or convert a known size with the Clothing Size Converter.