Sizing causes more disappointment than any other part of buying from China. Labels differ, charts use centimetres, and most garments run smaller than US or EU sizes. This guide explains how to size usfans Spreadsheet Sneakers, usfans Spreadsheet Hoodies, usfans Spreadsheet T-Shirts, usfans Spreadsheet Jackets, usfans Spreadsheet Pants and usfans Spreadsheet Jerseys from Taobao, 1688, Weidian and Pinduoduo.
For the ordering process itself, see the usfans Spreadsheet buying guide.
The golden rule: measure, don’t guess
Ignore the letter on the label. Take a garment you already own that fits the way you like, lay it flat, and measure it. Then compare those numbers with the size chart in centimetres. This one habit prevents most sizing mistakes.
Understanding Chinese size labels
Many Chinese garments carry labels such as 170/88A or 175/92A. These follow the Chinese national sizing system:
- The first number is the body height in centimetres the garment is designed for.
- The second number is the chest (for tops) or waist (for bottoms) of the body in centimetres.
- The letter describes body shape, from slimmer (Y) through average (A) to fuller (B, C).
These numbers describe the body, not the garment. The flat measurements in the size chart describe the garment itself, and those are what you should compare.
How to measure a garment flat
| Measurement | How to take it |
|---|---|
| Chest width | Across the garment, armpit to armpit |
| Body length | From the highest point of the shoulder to the hem |
| Shoulder | Seam to seam across the back |
| Sleeve | Shoulder seam to cuff |
| Waist | Across the waistband, then double it |
| Inseam | Crotch seam to hem along the inside leg |
Some charts list chest as a full circumference rather than a flat width. If the chest number looks roughly double what you expect, it is a circumference — halve it before comparing.
Sneakers
Chinese shoe sizes are usually close to EU sizes, but many listings also give a length in millimetres, such as 250 or 265. That number refers to the foot or insole length and is the most reliable figure. Measure the insole of a pair that fits you well, or measure your foot from heel to longest toe, then compare. Allow a few millimetres for socks and comfort.
Shape matters too. Skate shoes and runners fit differently even at the same length. If you have wide feet, look for buyer comments about width, and consider half a size up.
Hoodies and sweaters
Many hoodies are cut deliberately oversized, with dropped shoulders and a boxy body. Compare chest width and body length with a hoodie you like rather than relying on fit descriptions. Heavy cotton can shrink slightly after washing, so if you are between sizes, choose the larger one.
T-shirts
Tees follow the same logic: chest width and length are the key numbers. 1688 blanks often list fabric weight, which affects how the tee hangs. A thicker tee holds a boxier shape; a thinner one drapes closer to the body. If you want an oversized look, size up rather than buying a garment labelled oversized in your usual size.
Jackets
For jackets, measure a jacket you own — not a tee — because you need room for layers. Pay attention to sleeve length and shoulder width; these are hard to adjust. Denim jackets usually have little stretch, so match the measurements closely. Padded jackets add bulk inside, so the inner fit is smaller than the outer measurements suggest.
Pants and shorts
Waist and inseam decide everything. Measure a pair you own across the waistband and double it, then compare. Chinese bottoms often run small in the waist and short in the leg. Denim relaxes slightly with wear, so a snug fit at first is normal. For shorts, also check the leg opening and inseam to get the length you want.
Jerseys
Jerseys follow sportswear patterns: often longer in the body and designed to be worn loose. Compare chest and length with an athletic top you own. For a relaxed look, size up one. If the jersey is customised with a name or number, check the spelling in QC photos.
Keep a personal size card
Write down your key measurements once and keep them on your phone: chest width and length for a tee and a hoodie you love, shoulder and sleeve for a jacket, waist and inseam for your favourite jeans, and insole length for your best-fitting shoes. Every time you look at a size chart, compare it with this card. After each parcel arrives, add a note about which sellers ran large or small. Within a few orders your card becomes more accurate than any size conversion table.
Platform-specific tips
- Taobao listings usually have detailed charts and buyer comments about fit.
- 1688 factories may use one generic chart; confirm with QC measurements.
- Weidian sellers often measure their own stock carefully — read the description.
- Pinduoduo charts can be rough; rely on buyer photos and QC.
Whatever the platform, the same rule applies: if the numbers in the chart do not clearly match your size card, do not order until they do.
Summary
Measure what you own, read charts in centimetres, understand that labels like 170/88A describe bodies rather than garments, and use QC to confirm. With these habits, sizing stops being a gamble. Next, check items carefully with the finds and QC guide and plan your parcel with the budget hauls guide.