How to Convert American Clothing Size to Japanese

A traditional Japanese kimono

Clothing sizes vary in different parts of the world, the most well known being U.S., U.K., and European sizes. A European size 34 is the equivalent of a U.S. size 4; the disparity in these numbers can be confusing. Clothing size conversion charts are useful to consumers who shop overseas or purchase ethnic/traditional clothing. But when a chart isn't available, simple conversion formulas allow you to translate American sizes to Japanese sizes.

Instructions

Women's Sizes

1. Add 3 to a U.S. Misses size to get the corresponding Japanese size. For example, U.S. size 4 is Japanese size 7; size 8 is size 11.

2. Subtract 1 from a U.S. Junior size to get the corresponding Japanese size. For example, U.S. Junior size 3 is Japanese size 2; size 5 becomes size 4.

3. Add 16 to a U.S. shoe size to get the corresponding Japanese size. For example, U.S. shoe size 8 is Japanese size 24; size 8 1/2 is size 24 1/2.

Men's Sizes

1. Multiply a U.S. shirt collar size (inches) by 2.54 and round up or down to the nearest whole number--this will give you the Japanese equivalent. For example, a U.S. 15-inch collar, multiplied by 2.54 is 38.1, or a Japanese size 38 when rounded to the nearest whole number. A 16 1/2-inch shirt collar is a Japanese size 42.

2. Multiply pants waist and inseam measurements (inches) by 2.54 and round to the nearest whole number to get the corresponding Japanese size. For example, a 30-inch waist size is a Japanese size 76.

3. Add 19 to a U.S. shoe size to get the corresponding Japanese size. For example, U.S. shoe size 9 is Japanese size 28; U.S. size 10 1/2 is Japanese size 29 1/2.

Tips & Warnings

• When possible, always try on clothes before you buy them. Conversion charts may be outdated or inaccurate, and sizing can differ from one brand to another.

• Designers and garment retailers do not all follow a consistent sizing pattern and one label's size 6 may be another label's size 8.

References

• USA Tourist: Clothing Size Conversion
• Trinity College: Clothing Size Conversion
• Convertalot: Clothing Measurements Converter
• Chart: US to Japanese Sizes (Image)