How to use the size converter
- For shoes, enter the Korean size in mm or your measured foot length and choose brand labeling to get US men and women, UK, EU and Japan sizes.
- Enter bust for women's tops, chest for men's tops or waist for pants in cm to see each country's label.
- Results are reference values, so always compare them with the measurement chart of the item you are buying before deciding.
Why size systems differ between countries
Korea and Japan label shoes by length in millimeters or centimeters, while the US and UK use numbers based on an old unit called the barleycorn, and Europe sizes by a unit called the Paris point. The same foot is therefore called Korean 270, US men 9, UK 8 or EU 42.5. For the same length, a US women's size runs about 1.5 higher than a men's size.
Clothing is more complicated. Korea's 55, 66 and 77 are an older women's labeling, the US uses even numbers such as 0, 2 and 4, and Europe uses numbers such as 34, 36 and 38. For menswear Korea uses numbers close to chest circumference such as 95, 100 and 105, while the US and UK often use the chest circumference in inches as the size.
Measuring for a no-regret overseas purchase
For shoes, measure in the evening when your feet are swollen by standing on a sheet of paper and measuring the straight distance between your longest toe and the heel. Measure both feet and use the larger one, and measure the width too to compare with the brand's width codes. Even within a brand, running shoes may run half a size large and canvas shoes half a size small, so reading reviews helps.
For clothes, the most reliable method is to lay your best-fitting garment flat and measure shoulder width, chest width, length and sleeve length, then compare with the product page chart. Measure the waist with the tape level around the navel, and check the rise and thigh width for pants. Stretch fabric and oversized cuts can shift the size by one step.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Check which country the size chart on the product page uses.
- Read the brand's official size guide together with buyer reviews.
- Check return costs and delivery times in advance.
- If you have wide feet, choose a model offered in wide widths.
- Check customs duty and duty-free limits separately.
FAQ
What US size is a Korean 270 mm?
Following Nike labeling, a Korean 270 mm is US men 9, US women 10.5, UK 8, EU 42.5 and Japan 27 cm. It can differ by about half a size between brands and models.
Is foot length the same as shoe size?
No. Shoe size is based on the inner length of the shoe, so it is the foot length plus about 5 to 10 mm of room. This tool adds 7 mm to the measured foot length and rounds to the nearest 5 mm.
Why are clothes converted from body measurements?
The same 55 or M can mean very different garment dimensions by brand, so swapping numbers directly is error-prone. Converting from body measurements is more consistent, and the safest final step is comparing with the measurement chart on the product page.
Notes & limitations
These results are approximations from general conversion charts. Actual size differs by brand, model, fabric and fit, so check the product measurement chart before buying.