The Complete Guide to Japanese Clothing and Shoe Sizes

Shopping for clothes in Japan can be a delightful experience, but sizing differences often leave international shoppers puzzled. Japanese sizing systems differ significantly from Western standards, and understanding these differences is crucial for finding the perfect fit.

Understanding Japanese Sizing Philosophy

Japanese sizing tends to run smaller than Western sizes due to several factors:

1. Different body proportions: Japanese sizing is designed for generally smaller frames
2. Tighter fit preference: Japanese fashion often favors a more fitted silhouette
3. Precise measurements: Japanese sizes are often more specific and detailed

Women's Clothing Sizes

Size Conversion Chart

| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Japanese Size | |---------|---------|---------|---------------| | 0-2 | 4-6 | 32-34 | 5-7 | | 4 | 8 | 36 | 9 | | 6 | 10 | 38 | 11 | | 8 | 12 | 40 | 13 | | 10 | 14 | 42 | 15 | | 12 | 16 | 44 | 17 |

Japanese Women's Size Labels

Japanese women's clothing often uses these labels:

• S (Small): 7-9
• M (Medium): 9-11
• L (Large): 11-13
• LL/XL: 13-15
• 3L/XXL: 15-17

Key Measurements (in cm)

Size 9 (M):

• Bust: 80-83
• Waist: 61-64
• Hips: 87-90

Size 11 (L):

• Bust: 83-86
• Waist: 64-67
• Hips: 90-93

Men's Clothing Sizes

Size Conversion Chart

| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Japanese Size | |---------|---------|---------|---------------| | XS | XS | 44 | S | | S | S | 46-48 | M | | M | M | 50 | L | | L | L | 52 | LL/XL | | XL | XL | 54 | 3L/XXL | | XXL | XXL | 56 | 4L |

Japanese Men's Size Labels

Common Japanese labels and their measurements:

• S: Chest 85-88cm, suitable for slim builds
• M: Chest 88-91cm, most common size
• L: Chest 91-95cm
• LL/XL: Chest 95-99cm
• 3L/XXL: Chest 99-103cm

Shoe Sizes: The Centimeter System

Japan uses centimeters for shoe sizes, making conversion relatively straightforward.

Women's Shoe Size Conversion

| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Japanese Size (cm) | |---------|---------|---------|-------------------| | 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 22.0 | | 6 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.5 | | 7 | 4.5 | 37 | 23.0 | | 8 | 5.5 | 38 | 24.0 | | 9 | 6.5 | 39 | 25.0 | | 10 | 7.5 | 40 | 25.5 |

Men's Shoe Size Conversion

| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Japanese Size (cm) | |---------|---------|---------|-------------------| | 7 | 6 | 40 | 25.0 | | 8 | 7 | 41 | 26.0 | | 9 | 8 | 42 | 27.0 | | 10 | 9 | 43 | 28.0 | | 11 | 10 | 44 | 29.0 | | 12 | 11 | 45 | 30.0 |

Shoe Width Indicators

Japanese shoes often include width measurements:

• E: Narrow
• EE: Standard
• EEE: Wide
• EEEE: Extra wide

Special Sizing Categories

Petite Sizes (小さいサイズ)

• Available in department stores
• Sizes 3-7 for women
• Designed for heights under 155cm

Plus Sizes (大きいサイズ)

• Sizes 17+ for women, 4L+ for men
• Specialized stores like Nissen and ForeverMine
• Online shopping often has better selection

Tall Sizes (高身長)

• For women over 170cm
• Longer sleeve and torso lengths
• Available at select brands

Shopping Tips for Foreigners

1. Always Try Before Buying

• Japanese stores are very accommodating with fitting rooms
• Don't hesitate to ask for different sizes
• Staff will often help with measurements

2. Know Your Measurements

Essential measurements to know:

• Bust/Chest (バスト/胸囲)
• Waist (ウエスト)
• Hips (ヒップ)
• Shoulder width (肩幅)
• Sleeve length (袖丈)
• Inseam (股下)

3. Brand-Specific Sizing

International brands in Japan:

• May use different sizing than their home countries
• Often adjusted for Japanese market
• Check size charts carefully

Japanese brands:

• UNIQLO: Tends to run true to Japanese sizing
• GU: Similar to UNIQLO but sometimes smaller
• MUJI: Relaxed fit, sometimes larger than average

4. Online Shopping Strategies

• Use size charts (サイズ表) religiously
• Read reviews for fit comments
• Check return policies (返品ポリシー)
• Look for "true to size" notes (ジャストサイズ)

Common Sizing Pitfalls

1. Assuming Universal Sizing

Even within Japan, sizes vary between brands. A Medium at UNIQLO might be a Large at another store.

2. Ignoring Length Differences

Japanese clothing often has:

• Shorter sleeve lengths
• Shorter torso lengths
• Shorter inseams

3. Overlooking Stretch

Japanese clothing often uses stretchy materials. Consider this when choosing between sizes.

Useful Japanese Shopping Phrases

• このサイズはありますか？ (Kono saizu wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have this size?
• もっと大きいサイズ (Motto ookii saizu) - Bigger size
• もっと小さいサイズ (Motto chiisai saizu) - Smaller size
• 試着してもいいですか？ (Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?) - May I try this on?
• サイズが合いません (Saizu ga aimasen) - The size doesn't fit

Size Conversion Tools

Use our convenient size converters:

• General Size Converter
• Men's Clothing Size Converter
• Women's Clothing Size Converter
• Shoe Size Chart
• Ring Size Converter

Special Considerations

Kimono and Yukata Sizing

Traditional clothing uses different measurements:

• Length (身丈): From shoulder to hem
• Sleeve length (裄丈): Center back to wrist
• Sizes often listed as S/M/L with specific measurements

Children's Clothing

• Uses age-based sizing (80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130cm)
• Number represents child's height in centimeters
• More standardized than adult sizing

Conclusion

Shopping for clothes in Japan doesn't have to be daunting. With this guide and our conversion tools, you can confidently navigate Japanese sizing systems. Remember that trying items on is always the best way to ensure a good fit, and don't hesitate to ask store staff for assistance—they're usually very helpful and accommodating.

Whether you're shopping in the trendy districts of Tokyo, browsing online stores, or looking for traditional wear, understanding Japanese sizes will enhance your shopping experience and help you find clothes that fit perfectly.

Happy shopping! ショッピングを楽しんで！