Understanding the sizing system of a foreign country can be challenging, especially when it comes to buying clothes. This is particularly true when buying Japanese shirts, as the sizing system used in Japan can be quite different from that used in the US. Therefore, it is important to understand Japanese shirt sizes and how they compare to US sizes, especially if you are interested in purchasing shirts from Japan.
In this guide, I will explore the history of the Japanese sizing system and why it’s important to understand it.
Japanese Shirt Size Chart
To help you determine your Japanese shirt size, here is a sample chart:
| Japanese Size | Neck (cm) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Sleeve Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36 | 86 | 74 | 81 |
| M | 38 | 92 | 80 | 83 |
| L | 40 | 98 | 86 | 85 |
| XL | 42 | 104 | 92 | 87 |
| XXL | 44 | 110 | 98 | 89 |
As you can see, the Japanese sizing system is based on specific measurements, including neck, chest, waist, and sleeve length. It’s important to measure yourself carefully and compare your measurements to the chart to ensure a good fit.
US Shirt Size Chart
Here is a sample US shirt size chart to help you determine your size:
| US Size | Neck (inches) | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Sleeve Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 13-13.5 | 30-32 | 26-28 | 31-32 |
| S | 14-14.5 | 34-36 | 28-30 | 32-33 |
| M | 15-15.5 | 38-40 | 32-34 | 33-34 |
| L | 16-16.5 | 42-44 | 36-38 | 34-35 |
| XL | 17-17.5 | 46-48 | 40-42 | 35-36 |
| XXL | 18-18.5 | 50-52 | 44-46 | 36-37 |
Japanese Shirt to US Shirt Size Chart
Converting Japanese shirt sizes to US sizes can be challenging, as the two systems are based on different measurements and fit styles. Here are two tables, one for men and one for women, to help you find your US size based on your Japanese size.
Men’s Japanese Shirt to US Shirt Size Chart
| Japanese Size | US Size |
|---|---|
| S | XS |
| M | S |
| L | M |
| XL | L |
| XXL | XL |
Women’s Japanese Shirt to US Shirt Size Chart
| Japanese Size | US Size |
|---|---|
| S | XS |
| M | S |
| L | M |
| XL | L |
| XXL | XL |
It’s important to note that these conversions are just estimates and that sizing may vary between brands and manufacturers.
Related: US Dress Size Chart & How To Measure
Japanese vs. US Size Charts
Beyond just shirts, clothing sizes between Japan and the US can differ significantly. Let’s look at the clothing sizes of Japan vs. the US.
Women’s Pants
| US | Japanese |
| 28 in. | 70 cm |
| 29 in. | 74 cm |
| 30 in. | 76 cm |
| 31 in, | 78 cm |
| 32 in. | 81 cm |
| 33 in. | 83 cm |
If you’re planning to buy pants in Japan, keep in mind that they are usually sized in centimeters rather than inches. This means that to convert a Japanese pant size to a US size, you’ll need to know the corresponding inch measurements. If you encounter a pant size that isn’t on the conversion chart, such as 71 centimeters, you can round it off to the nearest inch size, which would be 28 inches.
Women’s Dresses
| US | Japanese |
| 9 | 4 |
| 10 | 5 |
| 11 | 6 |
| 12 | 7 |
| 13 | 8 |
| 14 | 9 |
| 15 | 10 |
| 16 | 11 |
| 17 | 12 |
To determine the US dress size equivalent to the Japanese dress size, all you need to do is add 5 to the Japanese size.
Women’s Bras
| US | Japanese |
| AA | A |
| A | B |
| B | C |
| C | D |
| D | E |
| DD | F |
| DDD | G |
| G | H |
| H | I |
| I | J |
| J | K |
Men’s Pants
| US | Japanese |
| 61 to 65 in. | 155 to 165 cm |
| 65 to 69 in. | 165 to 175 cm |
| 69 to 73 in. | 175 to 185 cm |
| 73 to 76 in. | 185 to 195 cm |
Men’s Suits
| US | Japanese |
| 34 to 36 | S |
| 38 to 40 | M |
| 42 to 44 | L |
| 44 to 46 | XL |
A key consideration to keep in mind when purchasing Japanese suits is that they typically feature slightly shorter leg lengths compared to their American-made counterparts.
How to Measure a Japanese Shirt?
To measure a Japanese shirt, you’ll need a measuring tape and the following steps:
- Collar: Start by measuring the collar. Lay the shirt flat on a surface and measure the inside of the collar from the center of the button to the center of the buttonhole.
- Chest: Measure the chest by wrapping the tape around the fullest part of the chest, making sure to keep the tape parallel to the ground.
- Sleeve length: Measure the sleeve length by placing the tape at the center of the back of the shirt, just below the collar, and measuring down to the sleeve’s end.
- Shoulder width: Measure the shoulder width by placing the tape at the edge of one shoulder and measuring across to the edge of the other shoulder.
- Length: Measure the length of the shirt by placing the tape at the center of the back of the collar and measuring down to the hem.
If you’re looking to buy a form-fitting Japanese shirt, there are additional measurements you may want to take into account, including the following:
- Waist: Measure the waist by wrapping the tape around the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: Measure the hips by wrapping the tape around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks.
- Armhole: Measure the armhole by placing the tape at the top of the shoulder and measuring down to the bottom of the armhole.
- Bicep: Measure the bicep by wrapping the tape around the widest part of the upper arm.
FAQs
What size is US XL in Japan?
A US XL shirt is roughly equivalent to a Japanese size XXL. However, it’s important to refer to the specific size chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best fit.
What is 42 shirt size in the US?
A 42 shirt size is typically equivalent to a US size XL or XXL, depending on the brand and fit style.
What are Japanese top sizes?
Japanese top sizes typically range from S to XXL, with variations depending on the brand and fit style. It’s important to refer to the specific size chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best fit.
What is a size F in Japan?
In Japanese sizing, size F is typically equivalent to medium or large size, depending on the brand and fit style. However, it’s important to refer to the specific size chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best fit.