Quick answer: This Korean clothing size guide explains why there is no single conversion that works for every brand. Numbers such as 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110 and 115 identify positions within a brand’s size range, but the matching letter and actual garment measurements can change by gender, product category and fit. The safest method is to measure a similar item you own and compare it with the exact Korean product page.
Independent guide. Korean Brand Guide is not affiliated with any brand or retailer mentioned here. Size information was checked in September 2026 and may change by style, season and market. Always use the chart for the exact product code.
If you are trying to understand the Korean words printed beside a size, style code, color or retail price, read our guide to Korean clothing labels.
Contents
- Why there is no universal Korean conversion
- Common Korean number patterns
- Real brand examples
- How to measure correctly
- Korean measurement terms
- Tops, bottoms, shoes and kids’ sizes
- Oversized, unisex and cropped fits
- Online shopping checklist
- Frequently asked questions
Why There Is No Universal Korean Clothing Size Conversion
Korean fashion listings commonly combine a number with a letter, for example 095 (M) or 110 (XXL). It is tempting to treat the number as a fixed international size or a literal body measurement. In practice, neither assumption is reliable.
The same number can mean different things in different product systems. On many men’s or unisex tops, 95 is labeled M. On many women’s tops, 95 may be labeled L. In some pants ranges, 95 can appear at the large end of the sequence. The finished chest measurement can also be much larger than 95 cm because the label is not necessarily the garment circumference.
Fit intent creates another difference. A regular T-shirt, oversized sweatshirt, cropped women’s top and insulated jacket can all carry the same letter while having very different width and length. This is why a brand-level conversion chart should be treated as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Common Korean Clothing Size Number Patterns
The patterns below are frequently seen in Korean fashion, but they are examples rather than universal rules.
| Product range | Common sequence | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s or unisex tops | 90, 95, 100, 105, 110 | Often paired with S–XXL, but not identically across brands |
| Women’s tops | 85, 90, 95, 100 | The same number may map to a different letter than a men’s item |
| Extended adult ranges | 80–115 | Check whether the chart is Korean, regional or international |
| Women’s denim | 25, 26, 27, 28 and above | Compare the flat waist, hip and rise measurements |
| Adult shoes | 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 mm | Measure foot length and check the brand’s fit note |
| Kids’ clothing | 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 | Often related to height ranges, but age alone is unreliable |
A useful rule is to record the complete label, not just one part of it. “100 (L), men’s regular fit” is much more informative than simply “100.” Also record the product code because a new season or a women-specific version can use a different chart.
Real Examples From Korean Brand Size Charts and Tags
The North Face Korea
The North Face Korea shows why one number cannot be converted in isolation. Many men’s or unisex tops use 090 (S), 095 (M), 100 (L), 105 (XL) and 110 (XXL). Many women’s tops instead use 085 (S), 090 (M), 095 (L), 100 (XL) and 105 (XXL). Some pants use another sequence again.
See our detailed The North Face Korea size guide for product-specific examples covering clothing, pants, shoes and kids’ sizing.
National Geographic Korea
An original Korean-market National Geographic tag examined by Korean Brand Guide shows style N265UTS020 in XXL (110), with an available range of 90, 95, 100, 105, 110 and 115. The official regional category chart pairs Korea 90 with S, 95 with M, 100 with L, 105 with XL, 110 with XXL and 115 with XXXL. Its US/Australia reference is generally one letter smaller, demonstrating why the market column matters.
Read the full National Geographic Korea size guide for the original tag photographs, the 80–115 chart and fit guidance.
Marithé François Girbaud Korea
Marithé Korea often uses familiar letters such as XS, S, M, L and XL, but the official Korean store publishes flat garment measurements for each product. A regular unisex T-shirt, women’s classic T-shirt and oversized sweatshirt can all be size S while having substantially different chest widths and lengths. Denim uses waist-style numbers, but the measured waist and hip still take priority.
Use our Marithé Korea size guide to compare T-shirts, sweatshirts and denim using the official flat measurements.
How to Measure for Korean Clothing
The most reliable comparison is garment to garment. Choose an item you already own that fits the way you want, lay it flat without stretching it and measure the same points shown on the Korean listing.
- Choose the same product type: compare a sweatshirt with a sweatshirt, not with a fitted shirt.
- Button or zip the garment and smooth it naturally on a flat surface.
- Measure chest width from armpit to armpit.
- Measure total length from the highest shoulder point to the hem.
- Measure shoulder width between the shoulder seams.
- Measure sleeve length using the same starting point shown by the brand.
- For pants, compare waist, hip, rise, thigh and inseam.
- Compare your numbers with the exact style’s chart and allow for the intended fit and layering.
Many Korean stores provide flat measurements in centimeters. A flat chest width of 50 cm is approximately 100 cm around the garment when doubled, but construction, lining and stretch can affect usable room. To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54.
Useful Korean Size-Chart Terms
| Korean | English | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| 사이즈 | Size | The labeled size or available size range |
| 총장 / 총길이 | Total length | Top of garment to bottom hem |
| 어깨 / 어깨너비 | Shoulder width | Across the shoulder seam points |
| 가슴 / 가슴너비 | Chest width | Usually armpit to armpit while laid flat |
| 소매길이 | Sleeve length | Check the diagram for the starting point |
| 허리 / 허리너비 | Waist width | Across the waistband while laid flat |
| 엉덩이 / 엉덩이너비 | Hip width | Across the widest hip area |
| 밑위 / 밑위길이 | Rise | Crotch seam to top of waistband |
| 밑단 | Hem width | Across the garment’s lower opening |
| 실측 | Actual measurement | Garment measurements rather than a conversion |
Sizing by Product Category
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Jackets
Prioritize chest width and total length. Shoulder width helps identify dropped-shoulder or fitted construction. For winter outerwear, compare with a jacket that already leaves enough room for your usual layers.
Pants and Denim
Do not rely only on the printed waist number. Compare the flat waist, hip, front rise, thigh width and inseam. Elastic waists and stretch denim may include both relaxed and stretched measurements.
Shoes
Korean adult shoes usually display millimeters. A label of 250 mm refers to the size system, but width, toe shape, lining and intended use still affect fit. Measure both feet while standing, use the larger measurement and follow any model-specific recommendation.
Kids’ Clothing
Kids’ labels such as 120 or 140 often relate broadly to height, but children of the same height can have different builds. Check height, chest, waist and garment length instead of choosing by age alone, especially for school jackets and padded outerwear.
Oversized, Unisex, Women’s and Cropped Fits
- Oversized: intentionally adds chest width and often dropped shoulders. Sizing down changes both width and length.
- Unisex: does not mean one universal fit. Compare measurements and the model’s listed size.
- Women-specific: may be narrower, shorter or more shaped than a unisex item with the same number.
- Cropped: chest width can look generous while total length is much shorter.
- Layering fit: outerwear needs enough room for the clothing you expect to wear underneath.
If you are between sizes, decide which measurement matters most. For a sweatshirt, you may prioritize chest room; for trousers, the waist, hip and rise may be more important. Compare the larger size too, because extra width may come with unwanted sleeve or body length.
Checklist Before Buying Korean Clothing Online
- Confirm the full brand name, product name and style code.
- Identify whether the item is men’s, women’s, kids’ or unisex.
- Read the letter and number together.
- Check whether measurements are body measurements or flat garment measurements.
- Compare with the same type of garment you already own.
- Read the fit description: regular, slim, semi-overfit, oversized or cropped.
- Allow for the store’s stated measurement tolerance.
- Check fabric stretch, lining and intended layers.
- Review the return policy before ordering internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean size 95 in US sizing?
There is no single conversion. It is often M in a men’s or unisex top, but it may be L in a women’s range or something different in pants. Check the gender category, letter mapping and measurements for the exact product.
Is Korean size 100 a large?
It is commonly labeled L in many men’s or unisex tops, but that does not guarantee the same fit as an international large. The finished garment dimensions and fit description are more reliable.
Do Korean clothes run small?
Some Korean ranges are narrower or use a different letter conversion, but “Korean clothes run small” is too broad to be a dependable rule. Oversized Korean styles can be very roomy. Compare actual measurements.
Should I size up when buying from Korea?
Not automatically. Size up only when the measurements, fit description or your layering preference support that choice. An oversized item may already provide enough room.
Are Korean product measurements taken flat?
Many Korean fashion stores publish flat garment measurements, but always read the chart note. A flat width is normally one side of the garment and may need to be doubled to estimate circumference.
What does ONE or FREE mean?
It means the item is sold in one listed size, not that it will fit everyone. Check the product’s actual dimensions, strap adjustment or stretch range.
How accurate are Korean size charts?
They are most useful when they belong to the exact style and explain how measurements were taken. Small manufacturing or measuring differences are normal, so respect the brand’s stated tolerance.
What information should I send a Korean seller?
Send the complete style code, color, labeled size and the specific measurement you need. A message asking only whether an item is “true to size” gives the seller too little context.
Final Advice
Treat Korean size numbers as labels within a product system, not as universal conversions. Start with the exact product code, confirm the category and intended fit, then compare flat garment measurements with an item you already own. That method is slower than choosing from a generic S–XL chart, but it is far more reliable for international orders.