Korean and Japanese Sizing: A Guide for European Buyers
Sizing is the most common concern for European buyers approaching Korean and Japanese fashion for the first time. It is also the most manageable, once the logic is understood.
This guide explains how Korean and Japanese sizing systems work, how they relate to EU sizing conventions, and how to find your size accurately in independent labels that may not use standard size labels at all.
Why Korean and Japanese Sizing Is Different
European sizing evolved around a set of body proportion assumptions that do not translate directly to Korean or Japanese conventions. Korean sizing tends to assume a narrower shoulder width and slightly shorter torso relative to EU standards. Japanese sizing varies more by label — some use European-derived sizing, others use numeric systems (36, 38, 40) that correspond to specific garment measurements rather than body measurements.
Independent labels add a further variable: many produce in one-size or two-size ranges (free size, small/large) with exact garment measurements listed rather than any size label. This is not a limitation — it is a more accurate system, once you know how to use it.
Korean Sizing: What the Labels Mean
Korean labels use several sizing systems, sometimes within the same brand.
S / M / L / XL — used by many contemporary labels, but calibrated to Korean body proportions. As a general guide: Korean M corresponds roughly to EU 36–38 in tops, Korean L to EU 38–40. These are approximate. Always check garment measurements.
44 / 55 / 66 / 77 — an older Korean system still used by some labels. 44 corresponds roughly to XS/S in EU terms, 55 to S/M, 66 to M/L.
Free size — one-size pieces, usually with significant ease built in. Garment measurements are listed. These typically fit EU 34–40 comfortably, depending on the piece.
The most reliable approach with any Korean label: ignore the size label, read the garment measurements, compare against a piece you own.
Japanese Sizing: What the Labels Mean
Japanese sizing is somewhat more standardised than Korean, but still diverges from EU conventions.
Numeric sizing (34, 36, 38, 40, 42) — corresponds to the Japanese standard JIS sizing, which aligns loosely with EU sizing but assumes a slightly narrower shoulder and shorter sleeve length.
Free size / One size — common in Japanese minimalist labels. Usually designed with intentional ease and drape; garment measurements are the reliable reference.
S / M / L — used by larger Japanese labels, calibrated similarly to Korean sizing: generally one size smaller than EU equivalent.
Japanese garments are often designed with a specific relationship between length and width that rewards comparing chest, hip, and length measurements rather than focusing on one dimension alone.
How to Measure Yourself Accurately
Use a soft measuring tape. Measure in centimetres.
Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal. Breathe normally — do not hold your breath.
Waist: Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso, usually a few centimetres above your navel.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, keeping the tape horizontal.
Shoulder width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other across your upper back.
Height: Useful for estimating trouser and dress lengths.
Keep these measurements to hand. Comparing them against garment measurements is always more reliable than size labels.
How to Read einHaru Product Pages
Every product page on einHaru includes:
Garment measurements — listed in centimetres, measured flat. To convert to body measurements: chest and hip measurements doubled (a flat chest measurement of 48 cm = 96 cm around), length measurements are direct.
Fit notes — a brief description of how the garment is cut: whether it is relaxed or fitted, where it falls on the body, whether it runs large or small relative to its stated size.
Size recommendation — for pieces with multiple sizes, we note which direction to go if you are between measurements.
If you have a question about a specific piece, email einharu@gmail.com. We answer sizing questions directly.
Common Fit Questions
The chest measurement fits but the shoulders seem narrow — what do I do?
Korean and Japanese labels often cut narrower through the shoulder than EU labels. If the chest fits but shoulder seams fall short, size up and check the chest measurement accommodates the ease. This is a cut characteristic rather than a sizing error.
The length seems shorter than I expected.
Korean and Japanese tops and dresses are frequently cut shorter than EU equivalents at the same size. Check the body length measurement on the product page and compare against a piece you own.
I am between two sizes.
The product page will note the recommended direction. If it does not, and you are ordering a top, we generally recommend sizing up. For trousers with a defined waist, go with the waist measurement.
einHaru Collective — Korean and Japanese minimalist fashion, curated in Berlin, shipped across Europe.