Spotlight Capsule K-Drama Sizing Guide Style Quiz About

Never Order the Wrong Size Again

Korean Sizing
Decoded

Korean fashion sizing is different from US sizing. This guide breaks down every category so you can shop K-fashion brands with confidence.

Tops & Blouses

Tops & Blouses

Korean tops run 1-2 sizes smaller than US. If you're a US Medium, start with Korean L or XL. Oversized fits (common in K-fashion) may only need one size up.

Korean US Bust (in) Bust (cm) Shoulder (in)
44 (S)XS (0-2)30-3276-8213.5
55 (S/M)S (2-4)32-3482-8614
66 (M)M (6-8)34-3686-9214.5
77 (L)L (10-12)36-3892-9715
88 (XL)XL (14-16)38-4097-10215.5

Pants & Skirts

Pants & Skirts

Korean bottoms use waist measurements in inches. A Korean 28 is a US size 6. K-fashion jeans tend to run slim, so size up for comfort.

Korean US Waist (in) Waist (cm) Hip (in)
25 (S)0-22563-6534
26 (S)2-42665-6835
27 (M)4-62768-7036
28 (M)6-82870-7337
29 (L)8-102973-7538
30 (L)10-123075-7839
31 (XL)12-143178-8040
32 (XL)14-163280-8341

Dresses & One-pieces

Dresses & One-pieces

Korean dresses combine top and bottom sizing. "Free size" (one-size) fits Korean S-M, which is roughly US XS-S. If you're above US size 6, look for numbered sizes.

Korean US Bust (in) Waist (in) Length (in)
Free SizeXS-S (0-4)32-3425-2733-35
55 (S)S (2-4)33-3526-2834-36
66 (M)M (6-8)35-3728-3035-37
77 (L)L (10-12)37-3930-3236-38
88 (XL)XL (14-16)39-4132-3437-39

Footwear

Shoes & Sneakers

Korean shoes use millimeters (mm). A US Women's 7 is 240mm in Korean sizing. Korean shoes tend to run narrow, so go up 5mm if you have wider feet.

Korean (mm) US Women's EU Foot Length (cm)
22053522.0
2255.53622.5
230636.523.0
2356.53723.5
240737.524.0
2457.53824.5
25083925.0
2558.539.525.5
26094026.0
2659.54126.5
2701041.527.0

Lingerie

Bras & Lingerie

Korean bra sizing uses centimeters for the band and letters for the cup. Korean cups are the same as US cups (A, B, C, D), but bands are in cm.

Korean Band US Band Underbust (in) Cup Sizing
653026-27Cup letters (A, B, C, D) are the same between Korean and US sizing. A Korean 75B = US 34B.
703228-29
753430-31
803632-33
853834-35
904036-37

Get It Right

How to Measure

Accurate measurements are the key to getting K-fashion right on the first try. Use a soft measuring tape, wear thin clothing, and stand naturally.

1

Bust

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight.

2

Waist

Measure at the narrowest point of your natural waist, typically just above the belly button.

3

Hip

Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping feet together and tape parallel to the floor.

Need a Measuring Tape?

A soft body measuring tape is essential for accurate sizing. Get one on Amazon for under $5.

Shop Measuring Tapes

Brand Sizing Notes

Popular K-Fashion Brands

Each Korean brand fits differently. Here's how popular brands compare to standard Korean sizing.

MUSINSA

True to Korean size

Korea's largest fashion platform. Sizes vary by brand within the site. Check each seller's size chart.

W Concept

Slightly small

Designer brands tend to run slimmer. Size up 1 from your Korean size. Great quality, modern cuts.

8seconds

Relaxed fit

Samsung's fashion brand. More relaxed cuts than typical K-fashion. True to Korean size or slightly generous.

Stylenanda

Runs small

Trendy, younger demographic. Runs noticeably small. Size up 1-2 sizes from US. "Free size" fits XS-S only.

ZARA KR

Standard EU sizing

Uses European sizing even in Korea. Consistent with global Zara. No Korean size conversion needed.

Chuu

Very small

Known for "-5kg jeans." Runs very small and slim. Size up 2+ sizes from US. Best for petite frames.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Tips

📏

Free Size = Small

"Free size" in Korean fashion usually fits US XS-S (Korean 44-55). If you're above US size 4, skip free size items and look for numbered sizes.

👗

Check Flat Measurements

Korean sellers often provide "flat measurements" (laying the garment flat). Double the width measurement for your actual body size. This is the most accurate way to compare.

🧵

Fabric Matters

Korean fashion uses a lot of stretch fabric. If the item has spandex/elastane, you can usually stay true to size. For non-stretch (100% cotton, linen), size up.

🌏

Buy from US Stockists

Amazon, YesStyle, and W Concept US often have easier return policies than ordering directly from Korea. Worth the slight markup for sizing peace of mind.