Taille asiatique : comment choisir ta taille de merch K-pop

Asian Sizing: How to Choose Your K-pop Merch Size

Asian sizes usually run 1 to 2 sizes smaller than US or European sizes. In practice, an Asian L is roughly a US or EU S, and an Asian XL is closer to an M. So the letter on the tag isn't enough: to pick the right size for your K-pop merch, compare the chest measurement in centimeters on the size guide with a piece you already own, and if you're between two sizes, size up.

Below you'll find an Asian size chart, the measuring method that actually works, and what to look out for depending on whether you're buying a jersey, a tee or a hoodie.

Why Asian sizes run small

A lot of K-pop merch, official and fanmade alike, is made in Asia using patterns built for slimmer frames than US or European standards. An M from an Asian factory is narrower and shorter than an M from a Western brand.

The other thing to know: there's no international standard for letter sizes. Two manufacturers can make two very different "L" shirts. That's why good product pages list measurements in centimeters. Those numbers are what count, not the tag.

Asian size chart vs US and EU

This chart is an approximate conversion that works for most unisex clothing. It can shift by one size depending on the cut, so always double-check the centimeters afterwards.

Asian sizeUS / UK equivalentEU equivalent
SXSXS
MXS to SXS to S
LSS
XLMM
2XLLL
3XLXLXL
4XLXXLXXL

The rule of thumb matters more than the chart: your usual size + 1 in most cases, + 2 if you like a roomy fit or the piece is cut close to the body. US letter sizes often run a bit bigger than European ones, so if you mostly wear American brands, the gap with Asian sizing can feel even wider.

How to measure so you get it right

The most reliable method: a piece you love

Grab a tee or sweatshirt whose fit you like. Lay it flat without stretching it. Measure from armpit to armpit, then multiply by two: that's the garment's chest measurement. Measure the length too, from the top of the shoulder next to the collar down to the hem.

Compare those two numbers with the "CHEST" and "LENGTH" columns in the size guide on the product page. Whichever size is closest to your favorite piece is your size.

If you'd rather measure your body

Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, level and not too tight. Size guides list garment measurements, not body measurements, so you need to add some ease. As a rough guide, add about 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in) to your chest for a regular fit, and 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) for a properly oversized look.

Small differences are normal

A 1 to 2 cm variation from one piece to the next is standard. If you land right on the line between two sizes, don't overthink it: size up.

Asian sizing for jerseys: oversized or fitted?

Not every jersey has the same cut, and that's where most sizing mistakes happen. Some are oversized on purpose, like the Stray Kids dominATE basketball jersey or ENHYPEN's boxy BLOOD SAGA jersey. Others have a more regular cut, like the KATSEYE Cat jersey. The fit is always listed on the product page.

To give you a feel for it, here's the garment chest measurement in size M for a few pieces in the shop at the time of writing (the product page always has the final say):

Piece (size M)FitGarment chest
dominATE basketball jersey (Stray Kids)Oversized108 cm (42.5 in)
Cat jersey (KATSEYE)Regular102 cm (40.2 in)
RUN IT jersey (Stray Kids)Relaxed100 cm (39.4 in)
ATEEZ zip-up hoodieRoomy105 cm (41.3 in)

See the gap? Same letter, 8 cm apart between two jerseys. Here's how we'd play it:

  • You want the baggy look of an oversized cut: take your converted size from the chart above.
  • You want it closer to the body: pick the size whose chest measurement matches your go-to tee.
  • You'll wear it over a tee at a concert: leave some room and size up.

Still deciding on the jersey itself? Our guide to the custom K-pop jersey compares the football, basketball and themed cuts, and every style lives in the jerseys collection.

Tees, crop tops and hoodies: what changes

Tees

K-pop tees follow Asian sizing too, with a straight cut. For a regular fit, go one size above your usual. For the oversized look you see all over concert lines, go up one more. A tee that's too big can be tucked or knotted; one that's too small can't be saved.

Crop tops

A crop top is short by design. Go by the chest measurement: the shorter length is intentional, not a sizing issue.

Hoodies

You'll often wear a hoodie over other layers, in winter or in a long queue outside a venue. Between two sizes, size up, no question. If you have long arms, check the "SLEEVE" column too: it's the measurement people forget and regret.

Quick recap: how to choose your size

  • Never trust the letter alone: compare centimeters.
  • Use the size guide on each product page: every piece has its own, with exact measurements.
  • Between two sizes, size up.
  • Buying a gift? Quietly measure a tee they wear a lot. If in doubt, go one size up: a roomy jersey gets worn, a tight one stays in the closet.
  • Still unsure? Message us with your measurements before ordering and we'll help you decide.

Getting it right matters even more because every piece is made to order. Two minutes with the size guide beats waiting for something that doesn't fit the way you pictured.

FAQ

What is Asian sizing?

It's the size system used by Asian manufacturers. It usually runs 1 to 2 sizes smaller than US, UK or European sizes.

What US size is an Asian L?

Roughly a US S, sometimes an S/M depending on the cut. Always check the chest measurement in centimeters on the product page.

Should I size up for an Asian-sized jersey?

Yes, if you're between two sizes. For a jersey that's already cut oversized, compare the centimeters with a tee you like to choose how roomy you want it.

Are size guide measurements for the body or the garment?

The garment. To compare with your own chest measurement, add some ease: about 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in) for a regular fit.

What if my size isn't in the chart?

Send us your measurements through the contact page before ordering. We'll tell you which size to pick for the piece you like.

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