The first time I tried buying clothes from Taobao, I thought picking a size would be easy. I usually wear M, sometimes L, so I didn’t think much about it.
Then the package arrived.
Technically, the hoodie fit. But the sleeves were shorter than I liked, and the proportions just felt a bit strange. That was when I started to realize that Taobao sizing follows a different logic.
A lot of people run into the same confusion — strange units, unclear numbers, and charts that don’t match what they’re used to. If that sounds familiar, this guide will help you make sense of it and avoid picking the wrong size.
Why Taobao Size Charts Feel So Confusing
Before getting into translations, it helps to understand why things feel inconsistent.
Taobao isn’t like a single brand store. It’s more like a marketplace where thousands of independent sellers list products. That means:
- Each store sets its own sizing standard
- “M” in one shop can be very different from “M” in another
- Some use centimeters, others mix in traditional Chinese units
So instead of relying on labels like S/M/L, the real key is learning how to read the actual measurements.
Understanding Chinese Measurement Units
Centimeters (cm) – The Most Important One
Most Taobao listings use centimeters. This is your best friend.
Instead of thinking:
“I wear size M”
You should start thinking:
“My chest is around 100 cm, and I need something slightly loose”
The “Chi” (尺) Unit
Sometimes you’ll see sizes like:
- 腰围：2.3 尺
This confuses a lot of people.
Here’s the simple conversion:
- 1 尺 ≈ 33.3 cm
So:
- 2.3 尺 ≈ 76–77 cm waist
You don’t need to memorize it—just recognize that it’s usually used for pants waist sizing.
Weight Recommendations (kg)
Some sellers include suggestions like:
- 建议体重：60–70kg
These are rough guidelines, not exact sizing rules. Treat them as a reference, not a decision-maker.
How to Read a Taobao Size Chart (Clothing)
Tops (T-shirts, Hoodies, Jackets)
Typical fields you’ll see:
- 衣长 (Length) → total length of the garment
- 胸围 (Chest) → width × 2 (important!)
- 肩宽 (Shoulder width)
- 袖长 (Sleeve length)
What actually matters?
From experience, two numbers matter most:
- Chest (胸围)
- Length (衣长)
If chest fits, everything else is usually workable.
Pants (Jeans, Trousers)
Common terms:
- 腰围 (Waist)
- 臀围 (Hip)
- 裤长 (Length)
- 大腿围 (Thigh)
Important detail
Some listings show waist as:
- 平铺腰围 (flat waist)
That means you need to double the number.
Shoes (Very Different from Western Systems
This is where many people get it wrong.
Chinese shoe sizing is based on:
Foot length in centimeters
Example:
- 25 cm ≈ EU 40 ≈ US 7
Best approach
Ignore US/EU conversions on the page.
Measure your foot and match the cm value directly.
The Most Reliable Way to Get the Right Size
After a few bad purchases, I stopped guessing and started doing this instead:
Method: Measure Your Own Clothes
- Pick a shirt or pants that fit you well
- Lay it flat
- Measure:
- Chest (armpit to armpit × 2)
- Length
- Waist (for pants)
- Compare those numbers to the Taobao chart
This works much better than measuring your body directly.
Common Taobao Size Chart Mistakes (Avoid These)
Assuming “One Size” Fits Everyone
“均码” (one size) is rarely universal.
In reality, it often fits:
- M or L body types only
Ignoring Measurement Errors
Many listings include a note like:
手工测量误差 1–3cm
That means there can be small differences.
If you’re between sizes, give yourself a bit of extra room.
Trusting Model Photos Too Much
Photos can be misleading.
- Clothes may be pinned or styled
- Lighting and angles distort fit
Always rely on numbers, not visuals.
Using the Same Size Across Different Stores
This is one of the biggest mistakes.
Even if you bought an “L” before:
- The next store’s L might be completely different
Always check the chart again.
Practical Tips I Now Use Every Time
After ordering from Taobao multiple times, a few habits made a big difference:
- I check buyer reviews with photos
- I look for comments mentioning:
- height + weight
- I search keywords like:
- “oversize”
- “slim fit”
These clues often tell you more than the official chart.
What If You’re Still Not Sure About Size?
This is where using abuying agentactually helps.
When I order through Sugargoo, I usually:
- Paste the Taobao link directly
- Add a note with my height and weight
- Ask them to double-check sizing if needed
When the item reaches the warehouse:
- They provide inspection photos
- I can see the product before shipping
- If something looks off, I can fix it early
Another thing I often do is combine multiple items into one shipment. It’s not just cheaper—it also gives me time to review everything before sending it out.
For international buyers, this setup makes Taobao much less risky.
FAQ: Taobao Size Charts Explained
Is Taobao sizing the same as US sizing?
No. There’s no fixed conversion. Always use measurements in cm instead of relying on S/M/L labels.
How do I convert Chinese sizes to US sizes?
You don’t do a direct conversion.
Instead:
- Measure your clothes
- Match the numbers on the size chart
Why does the same size look different in different shops?
Because each seller uses their own sizing standard. There’s no universal system across Taobao.
What does “2.2 尺 waist” mean?
It’s a traditional unit.
2.2 尺 ≈ 73 cm waist.
What’s the safest way to choose a size?
Compare the size chart with clothes you already own. That’s the most reliable method.
Final Thoughts
Taobao size charts aren’t actually complicated—they’re just different.
Once you stop relying on S/M/L and start focusing on actual measurements, everything becomes much clearer.
It took me a couple of wrong orders to figure that out. But after switching to measuring my own clothes and comparing numbers, sizing issues almost disappeared.
If you’re buying from Taobao for the first time, take a few extra minutes to check the chart properly. It makes a huge difference once your package finally arrives.
