Home › Guides › Hanfu Size Guide
Hanfu Size Guide: How to Find Your Right Fit
The good news: Hanfu's sash-and-tie construction makes it far more forgiving of size differences than Western tailored clothing. The practical news? You still need accurate measurements — and Chinese sizes are smaller than you're used to.
The Key Measurements
Measure with a flexible measuring tape, over minimal clothing, and record in actual centimeters (these sellers publish cm-size charts)
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bust (chest) | Around the fullest part of the chest, level across the back | Determines robe/chest fit |
| Waist | Around your natural waistline (above the belly button) | May be adjustable with ties |
| Hips | Around the fullest part of the hips | Matters for wrap skirts |
| Height | Stand against the wall, from crown of head to floor | Determines skirt length choices |
| Shoulders | Across the back, from one shoulder top to the other | Fixed for some tops — check |
Chinese vs western Sizing
Chinese size labelling (S/M/L/XL) runs one to two sizes smaller than US/UK labels. A US size 8-10 often requires a Chinese XL or 2XL. Do not rely on S/M/L letters — check the numeric centimeters on each seller's size chart and compare against your own measurements.
What's Adjustable and What's Not
- Adjustable: waist (ties/sash), skirt length (can be hemmed by the seller), neckline-cross wrap (forgiving up to certain sizes).
- Not adjustable: shoulder width, bust at the fixed point, sleeve length — these must fit you reasonably from the start.
- Rule of thumb: buy for your shoulder + bust first; if waist/hips differ, the tie system compensates.
A Note on "Free Size" Pieces
Cheaper Hanfu sometimes lists "one size fits most" — that means up to roughly 96-100 cm bust at best. If you're outside the "most," order from a seller who provides chest/height options. Good Taobao and international sellers ship premade in multiple sizes.
Custom Fit
Premium and custom-made Hanfu (see Authentic Hanfu) is made to your specific measurements. Expect production to take 2-6 weeks for domestic orders, 2-6 months for premium custom silk pieces — plan ahead for weddings and shoots.
Hanfu Size Guide: Western to Chinese Size Converter
Chinese sizing runs 1 to 2 sizes smaller than US/UK. Enter your measurements below to find your Hanfu size instantly.
Enter your measurements and click "Find My Hanfu Size" to see your Chinese size match.
Quick Reference: Western to Chinese Hanfu Sizes
| US/UK | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Height (cm) | Chinese Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 0-2 | 78-82 | 60-64 | 84-88 | 155-160 | S | Often labeled as M in China |
| S / 4-6 | 82-86 | 64-68 | 88-92 | 160-165 | M | Most common rental size |
| M / 8-10 | 86-92 | 68-74 | 92-98 | 165-170 | L | Go up one for fitted styles |
| L / 12-14 | 92-100 | 74-82 | 98-106 | 170-175 | XL | Check sleeve length |
| XL / 16-18 | 100-108 | 82-90 | 106-114 | 175-180 | 2XL | Custom sizing recommended |
Hanfu uses sash-and-tie closures, so waist and bust have some flexibility. Shoulder and sleeve measurements are fixed — always check the seller is chart.