Japanese clothing and shoe sizes explained

The short version

For tops and outerwear, a Japanese size runs roughly one step smaller than the US equivalent. If you normally wear a US medium, expect to want a Japanese large. Brands aimed at a younger market often run smaller again.

Treat the tables below as a starting point rather than a guarantee, because Japanese brands vary between themselves as much as brands anywhere else do.

Always use the centimetre measurements

Almost every Japanese listing includes the garment measured flat in centimetres — chest width (身幅), length (着丈), shoulder (肩幅), sleeve (袖丈). These are the numbers to trust, because they describe the actual garment rather than a label.

The reliable method is to measure something you already own and compare centimetre to centimetre. It takes a minute and it removes almost all of the risk.

Shoes are simpler

Japanese shoe sizes are simply the foot length in centimetres, which makes them the easiest conversion of all: measure your foot and buy that number. Widths run narrow by Western standards, and a wide fitting is often marked 3E or 4E.