Korean Size Guide
Korean Size Guide
Korean sizes run small. Here's how to get it right the first time — from our team in Seoul.
Read this first: Korean clothing generally runs one to two sizes smaller than US sizing. Sizing also varies a lot between Korean brands, so treat the charts below as a starting point and check the measurements on the product page whenever they are listed. We ship from Seoul and cannot accept returns or exchanges for fit, so it is worth measuring before you order.
Women's clothing
Korean womenswear uses a numeric system created in 1981. The base size 55 was built around a height of 155 cm and a bust of 85 cm — the two 5s are where the name comes from. Each step up adds roughly 5 cm of height and 3 cm of bust.
| Korean | Letter | US (approx.) | Bust | Waist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | XS | 0–2 | ~82 cm / 32" | ~62 cm / 24" |
| 55 | S | 4–6 | ~85 cm / 33" | ~66 cm / 26" |
| 66 | M | 6–8 | ~88 cm / 35" | ~70 cm / 27" |
| 77 | L | 8–10 | ~91 cm / 36" | ~74 cm / 29" |
| 88 | XL | 10–12 | ~94 cm / 37" | ~78 cm / 31" |
US equivalents are approximate and differ by brand. If you are between sizes, size up.
What does FREE size mean?
A lot of Korean brands sell items as FREE or One Size. In practice these are cut to fit roughly the 44–55 range (about US 0–6), often with a relaxed or oversized silhouette. If you normally wear US 8 or above, a FREE size item may fit as a snug or cropped piece rather than as intended.
Men's clothing
Menswear in Korea is usually labelled by chest measurement in centimetres rather than by a numeric code.
| Korean | Letter | US | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | XS | XS | ~90 cm / 35" |
| 95 | S | S | ~95 cm / 37" |
| 100 | M | M | ~100 cm / 39" |
| 105 | L | L | ~105 cm / 41" |
| 110 | XL | XL | ~110 cm / 43" |
Shoes
Korean shoe sizes are given in millimetres — the actual length of your foot.
| Korean (mm) | US Women | US Men |
|---|---|---|
| opening 220 | 5 | — |
| 230 | 6 | — |
| 240 | 7 | 6 |
| 250 | 8 | 7 |
| 260 | 9 | 8 |
| 270 | — | 9 |
| 280 | — | 10 |
How to measure yourself
- Bust / chest — around the fullest part, tape level and not pulled tight.
- Waist — around the narrowest part, usually just above the navel.
- Hip — around the fullest part, feet together.
- Foot — stand on paper, mark heel and longest toe, measure the gap in millimetres.
Compare those numbers to the chart above rather than to the size letter on the label. Korean brands label inconsistently, and the centimetre figure is always the more reliable one.
Common questions
Do Korean clothes run small?
Yes. Korean clothing typically runs one to two sizes smaller than US sizing. A Korean size 66, often labelled Medium, usually fits closer to a US 6–8 than a US Medium.
What size am I in Korean sizing if I wear a US Medium?
Most US Medium wearers land on a Korean 66, sometimes 77 depending on the brand and the cut. If the item is fitted rather than oversized, size up.
Will FREE size fit me?
FREE size items are generally cut for the Korean 44–55 range, roughly US 0–6. Above that they will fit tighter and shorter than the product photos suggest.
What is Korean size 55 in US sizing?
Korean 55 is the base size of the system and corresponds to roughly a US 4–6, with a bust of about 85 cm.
Can I exchange an item if the size is wrong?
No. Every order ships directly from Seoul, and we are not able to accept returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind. Please measure and check the chart before ordering.