Why Taobao sizes run small
Chinese sizing is based on Chinese body measurements, so the same letter size usually runs about one size smaller than its US or EU equivalent — a Taobao L often fits like a US M. It varies from seller to seller, which is why the measurements on the chart matter more than the letter.
Read the chart in centimetres
Nearly every clothing listing has a size chart, usually as an image in the photos or the description. The columns are in centimetres. These are the words you will see most:
| On the chart | In English | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| 衣长 | Length | From the highest point of the shoulder to the hem. |
| 胸围 | Chest / bust | Around the chest at its widest point (often given flat — see below). |
| 肩宽 | Shoulder width | From one shoulder seam to the other, across the back. |
| 袖长 | Sleeve length | From the shoulder seam to the cuff. |
| 腰围 | Waist | Around the waistband. |
| 臀围 | Hip | Around the widest part of the hips. |
| 裤长 | Trouser length | From the waistband to the hem, along the outside of the leg. |
| 身高 / 体重 | Height / weight | The seller’s suggested wearer. Weight is often in jin (斤). |
Flat measurements. Many charts give measurements taken with the garment laid flat (平铺). For chest and waist that is half the circumference, so multiply by 2 before comparing it with your body — or compare it with a garment of yours laid flat the same way.
Tolerance. Sellers measure by hand and usually note a tolerance of 1–3 cm, so treat a size that is a centimetre or two off as a match.
What labels like 170/88A mean
Clothes made to the Chinese national standard GB/T 1335 carry a size code such as 170/88A: 170 is the wearer’s height in centimetres, 88 the chest (or bust) in centimetres, and the letter is the body type — Y slim, A regular, B a little fuller and C fuller. Trousers use height and waist instead, for example 170/74A.
Weights in jin (斤)
Many charts suggest a size by height and weight, and the weight is often in jin: 1 jin is 0.5 kg. So a chart that says 120 jin means 60 kg — about 132 lb. Halve the jin figure to get kilograms.
Shoes
Most Taobao shoe listings use EU-style numbers such as 40, 41 or 42, and many also give the inner length in millimetres — 250 means a 25.0 cm foot. Measure your foot from the heel to the longest toe and compare it with the seller’s chart rather than converting from a US or UK size. If you only know your US, UK or EU size, ask the assistant at the bottom right of the page.
Kids’ sizes
Children’s clothes are usually sized by height in centimetres — 110, 120, 130 and so on. Measure your child’s height and choose the size at or just above it.
Choosing your size in four steps
- 1Measure a garment that fits you.
Lay it flat and measure chest, length and sleeve in centimetres.
- 2Compare it with the seller’s chart.
Match flat to flat, or double the flat figures before comparing with body measurements.
- 3If you are between sizes, size up.
Chinese cuts are usually slimmer through the shoulders and chest.
- 4Say exactly what you want.
Pick the size and colour on the product page and, if anything is unclear, add a note for our buyer — it is read before we place the order.
If it doesn’t fit
Every item is photographed when it reaches our warehouse (3–7 photos, free), so check the size label in your QC photos before you ship. If the seller sent a different size from the one you ordered, the seller covers the return. If you chose the wrong size yourself, a return costs ¥5 per SKU + ¥10 handling + the seller’s return shipping in China, and must be requested within 5 days of the item being shelved — see the refund policy.
Questions
Are Taobao sizes smaller than US sizes?
Usually, yes — Chinese sizing is based on Chinese body measurements, so the same letter size tends to run about one size smaller than the US or EU equivalent. It varies by seller, so compare the measurements in centimetres rather than the letter.
What does 170/88A mean on a Chinese label?
It is a size code from the Chinese national standard GB/T 1335: 170 is the wearer’s height in centimetres, 88 the chest (or bust) in centimetres, and A the body type — Y is slim, A regular, B a little fuller and C fuller.
How do I convert jin to kg?
Divide by two: 1 jin (斤) is 0.5 kg, so a chart that says 120 jin means 60 kg, about 132 lb.
What if the item arrives in the wrong size?
Check the size label in the QC photos when the item reaches our warehouse. If the seller sent a different size from the one you ordered, the seller covers the return. If you simply chose the wrong size, a return costs ¥5 per SKU plus ¥10 handling plus the seller’s return shipping in China, and must be requested within 5 days of the item being shelved.