How to Read a Size Chart: Converting Asian Sizes to US/EU Standards.

Why Asian Sizes Don't Match US/EU Standards

 

Asian sizing systems are typically developed around different body proportions:
Narrower shoulder width	Shorter torso length	Lower bust apex position	Smaller hip-to-waist ratio
US and EU markets require:
Fuller bust grading	Longer rise (especially for swimwear and underwear)	Wider strap positioning	More tolerance for body diversity

Result: A simple "size L = size M" conversion fails in real production.

 

The Only Reliable Method: Pattern Re-Grading, Not Label Conversion

At factory level, we handle size conversion through three technical steps:

1. Base Size Re-Engineering

We do not start from an Asian base size.

We rebuild the base block using:

US fit models (for North America orders)

EU fit standards (for European brands)

Key control points:

Bust circumference vs underbust tension

Waist shaping vs stretch recovery

Leg opening elasticity (critical for swimwear)

 

2. Grading Rule Adjustment

Standard Asian grading increments are smaller.

Example:

Asian grading: 2 cm increments

US/EU grading: 2.5–4 cm depending on category

We adjust:

Bust / chest grading

Hip grading (larger jump for plus sizes)

Strap length increments

This ensures proportional scaling across sizes-not just width expansion.

 

3. Fabric Behavior Compensation

This is where most suppliers fail.

Different fabrics behave differently after washing and wear:

Nylon/Spandex (swimwear): high recovery, low shrinkage

Cotton blends: higher shrinkage rate (up to 5%)

Ribbed fabrics: stretch variability across direction

We pre-calculate:

Shrinkage rate after 3–5 wash cycles

Elastic recovery loss

GSM impact on fit stability

 

Size Conversion Reference Table (Factory-Level)

Below is a simplified reference. Actual production must follow Tech Pack measurements.

Asian Size	US Size	EU Size	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)	Hip (cm)
S	XS	32–34	78–82	60–64	84–88
M	S	34–36	82-86	64–68	88-92
L	M	38-40	86-92	68–74	92–98
XL	L	40-42	92-98	74–80	98-104

Important:
This table is for reference only. Bulk production must follow graded spec sheets, not generic charts.

 

 

Fabric Impact on Size Stability (Critical for Buyers)

Different fabrics directly affect final garment sizing consistency.

Fabric Type	GSM Range	Shrinkage Rate	Recovery	Cost Index	MOQ
Cotton Jersey	160–200	3–5%	Medium	Low	Low
Nylon/Spandex (Swimwear)	180-220	<2%	High	Medium	Medium
Ribbed Stretch Fabric	200–280	2–4%	Variable	Medium	Medium
Recycled Poly Blend	180–240	<3%	High	High	High

 

Factory Control Measures:

Pre-shrinking fabric before cutting

Lab testing for color fastness and dimensional stability

Bulk fabric batch consistency verification

 

FOB Cost Impact of Size Conversion

Size conversion is not free. It affects:

Pattern development time

Sampling rounds (2–3 iterations typical)

Fabric consumption (larger US/EU sizes = higher yield cost)

Typical impact:

+3% to 8% cost increase depending on complexity

Longer lead time: +5–10 days for development

But this cost is minor compared to:

Returns

Overstock

Brand reputation damage

 

 

How Reely Apparel Controls US/EU Fit Accuracy

At Reely Apparel, we approach size conversion as a technical engineering process, not a labeling task.

Our system includes:

Dedicated US/EU pattern blocks

In-house grading team

Fabric testing lab (shrinkage, color fastness, recovery)

Strict AQL 2.5 inspection protocol

Fit model database aligned with target markets

We don't "adjust sizes."
We build them correctly from the start.

 

Final Takeaway for Buyers

If your supplier says, "We can convert sizes easily," ask one question:

"Are you re-grading patterns or just changing labels?"

That answer determines whether your bulk order fits-or fails.