Japanese sewing patterns

Japanese Clothing Size Conversion Chart to Western Size

24 Aug 2015

Clothing sizes in Japan for women uses a number system (from 5 to 11) or a letter system (S,M,L, etc.). In general, the clothing is made for smaller frames and heights than what we are used to in the West.

You need to consider your height when it comes to Japanese sizes. Even if your measurements fit within the size guidelines, if you are taller than 160cm (5’3”), you may need to go up an extra size or else the sleeves of the garment may be far too short!

At 165cm (5’5”), I find I need to go up at least one whole size in Japan. Take Uniqlo clothing for example, in the US I fit into XS or S. When shopping at Uniqlo in Japan, I need to buy a size M.

When sewing Japanese patterns, you can add extra seam allowance to the hemline to give your garment extra length.

The size conversion chart below shows you the measurement guidelines for Japanese sizes.

		S	M	L	LL	3L
Bust	cm	72~80	79~87	86~94	93~101	100~108
	in	28~32	31~34	34~37	37~40	39~43
Waist	cm	58~64	64~70	69~77	77~85	85~93
	in	23~25	25~28	27~30	30~34	34~37
Hips	cm	82~90	87~95	92~100	97~105	102~110
	in	32~35	34~37	36~39	38~41	40~43
Height	cm	152~158	157~163	162~168	167~173	172~178
	in	4’11~5’2	5’1~5’4	5’3~5’6	5’5~5’8	5’6~5’10

For additional Japanese clothing size conversion charts, including women’s number system as well as men’s, children and babies’ clothing, download a free sample of my eBook, How to Sew Japanese Sewing Patterns below.

Author: Rin Gomura-Elkan

Rin is a sewing lover living in laid-back Australia. Born in Japan, she has a passion for making Japanese crafts accessible to a worldwide audience. She helps women live a more creative and meaningful life on her blog, sewinlove.com.au