The Ultimate AliExpress Sizing Guide: How to Find the Perfect Fit

The Ultimate AliExpress Sizing Guide: How to Find the Perfect Fit

March 07, 2025 aliexpress , online shopping 0 Comments

 Have you ordered something online only to find it’s too small? If you’ve used AliExpress, this issue is highly likely. You could find that perfect shirt and when you get it, it only fits a doll. They have very enticing clothes, alas, the sizing is extremely offensive.

But worry not, I am here to help. This guide will help you avoid that heart-wrenching letdown of appropriation fit, while simultaneously helping you navigate the baffling world that is AliExpress.

Why AliExpress Sizing is So Tricky

To sum up the majority of bafoons, AliExpress claims to be a global platform, which it is, but most of their merchants seem to be located in China. The problem is that westerners have a larger clothing size than people from China, meaning merchants have their own size charts. So, there isn't too much of a default “normal” or structurally accepted - for all of the western world - sizing.

This indeed causes a minor headache for consumers. A perfect example would be a customer who purchases a size “M” and gets disappointed when they receive it, since many people do not realize size “M” from AliExpress bears a more unique meaning. Unfortunately, this is one of the prime reasons refund requests are circulated.

Shoppers often make the mistake of thinking that any store would treat their size labels “Small,” “Medium,” or “Large” in a uniform manner, which is not the case. We all want to fit into our clothes, so these assumptions can lead to disappointment. As one user explained on Reddit, “Stick with the chart. AliExpress follows Asian sizing which is smaller than European.” Reddit · r/Aliexpress, 2022.

In a world with such a wide variety of shoppers, sellers have to consider a tailor-fit market with little alterations to Asian sizing, which in general is much smaller than dress sizes in the west. It is even more confusing when certain listings do not provide adequate size conversions and vague identifiers are the only tooltip shoppers are provided with.

Chinese Sizing: Pay Attention to The Measurements

Now throw traditional size labels like S, M, or L away for a moment. What really matters on AliExpress is centimeters (cm). It’s a no-brainer that Chinese clothing sizes are usually adjusted to a person’s height and body proportions.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• Men’s Clothing: Sizes like 160, 170, 180 are the height in centimeters. Don't forget about the chest and waist measurement.

• Women’s Clothing: Similar height-based sizing, but bust and hip measurements are crucial.

• Kids’ Clothing: Generally, these garments are sized in relation to their height. For example, 100 cm would fit a child aged approximately 3 to 4 years.

• Shoes: These usually follow European (EU) sizes, but the best way to know is by measuring your foot length in centimeters.

As AliHelper explains, “Different brands may have differences in sizing.”  AliHelper, 2024.

So, in order to get the correct size, it's important to have accurate measurements of your body or feet. Measure your chest, waist, hips and feet with a soft measuring tape. I recommend you ask a friend to help you to get the best results.

Golden Rule: Always Trust the Size Chart

The the size label for clothes is not to be trusted, the size chart on the other hand must be trusted. Each retailer has their own chart and these tend to differ greatly at time.

How to Check Sizes Accurately:

• Locate Seller Size Chart: It can typically be found in the product details.

• Get Measurements: Bust, waist, hips, shoulder and foot length along with foot length can all be measured with a soft measuring tape.

• Check Measurement: Match the numbers provided by the seller to your own.

Pro Tip: Measure your best-fitting clothes for reference. For example, if you're buying a new T-shirt, compare the dimensions to one of your previous orders. When in doubt, size up especially for non-stretch fabrics.

“Carefully read the sizing information to help you find the right fit,” emphasizes The Slow Label in their guide How to Find Your Size When Shopping Online The Slow Label, 2024.

Keep in mind that sellers often include a margin of error (e.g., ±2 cm) in their measurements. This margin accounts for manual measuring methods and highlights the importance of allowing for slight variations when finalizing your decision.

How AliExpress Sizing Compares to Other Chinese E-Commerce Sites

If you shop on multiple Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, Banggood, or Gearbest, you might notice that their sizing also tends to run small-but there are key differences to be aware of:

Platform	Sizing System	Key Considerations
AliExpress	Varies by seller (mostly CM-based)	Always check individual seller size charts. Sizes are inconsistent.
Shein	CM-based (with US/EU equivalents)	Sizes are slightly more standardized but still run small. Size up if unsure.
Temu	Similar to Aliexpress (CM-based)	Most items follow Chinese sizing. Pay attention to buyer reviews for accuracy.
Banggood	Chinese sizing + some EU/US labels	More technical products (e.g., electronics) may use global sizing. Clothing generally runs 1-2 sizes small.
Gearbest	Chinese sizing + international equivalents	Mostly caters to tech and gadgets. For clothing, always measure yourself and compare with the chart.
YesStyle	Asian (Korean/Chinese) sizes	Similar to AliExpress-check charts carefully. Many Korean brands run extra small.

Common Sizing Patterns Across Chinese Platforms:

• Smaller Than Western Sizes: Expect clothing to run 1-2 sizes smaller than US/UK standards.

• Measure in Centimeters: Most platforms use CM for precise sizing.

• Fabric Matters: Stretchy fabrics (e.g., polyester blends) are more forgiving.

• Always Read Reviews: Buyer feedback often reveals if items run true to size or not.

Pro Tip: If you know your AliExpress size, you'll likely wear the same size on Shein or Temu, but it's still best to check every chart since slight variations exist.

“Check the conversion charts; they are essential for comparing Chinese sizes,” advises the article Understanding Chinese Sizes on AliExpress: A Practical Guide que-dalle.com, 2024.

Clothing dimensions for men, women, and those above regular sizes: A basic guide.

Familiarity with clothing divisions will help your shopping expeditions to AliExpress and the like immensely easier:

• Men's Clothing: Attend to shoulder width and sleeve length complications since these are usually the most troublesome areas.

• Women's Clothing: Make the bust and hip area the measuring focus. This part is more flexible due to stretchy materials. (It’s easier when blended with polyester.)

• Plus Sizes: Beware that Chinese plus sizes are usually some sizes smaller. Check out the seller's detailed charts and read their reviews to confirm further. Stretchy fabrics are more forgiving.

Advice: In general, Chinese sizes are considered to be about one to two sizes smaller than US/Europe sizes.

As Fashion Chingu notes, “If you have difficulties with Asian size, see the conversion table we provided.” Fashion Chingu, 2024.

Shoe Sizing: Getting the Right Fit for Your Feet

To properly size shoes on AliExpress (or any other Chinese platform), it all revolves around foot length.

Here are the steps you can use:

• Outline Your Foot: With your foot placed on a paper, trace out the shape and then later measure it in centimeters.

• Measure For Matching: Calculate your foot length against the sellers chart. Never depend on your usual size as the definitive measuring method.

• Foot width and shoe design matter: a narrow pointed toe often requires sizing up.

• Shoe Insole Length: If there is an insole, check its measurement and match it with measurements of a shoe you own.

“Be careful when choosing a size, because it is not easy to make a return for the wrong size,” advises AliTools in their article AliExpress Shoes & Clothes Size Chart AliTools, 2022.

Avoid These Mistakes:

• Saying that Chinese Sizing Standards are the Same as Western Sizing Standards.

• Not measuring foot length.

• Ignoring brand specific measurement guides.

• Disregarding measuring both feet.

Helpful Shopping Advice: How To Prevent Size Problems

Are you looking to spend less while shopping on AliExpress or other Chinese platforms? Use these tips:

• Check Out Reviews: Notice feedback regarding size or fit.

• Reach Out to the Seller: Feel free to contact sellers if you need clarification.

• Look At Ratings: Make use of sellers with high ratings and reviews.

• Don’t Rely On Returns: Returns can sometimes be complicated and expensive, so check everything very thoroughly before making a purchase.

• Participate in Communities: Online communities such as Decodeni Help share accurate size tips and real user experiences. Follow the Decodeni Pinterest account for size guides and feel free to ask questions if you have any issues with sizing.

“Sizing problems plague e-commerce merchants in several ways,” explains Kiwi Sizing in their article Why Sizing Is a Problem for Online Shopping, and How to Prevent Losses Kiwi Sizing, 2022.

 AliExpress Clothing Size Conversion (Estimate Only)

Note: This table is based on body measurements in centimeters (cm), which is the standard used by most AliExpress sellers. Always refer to the seller’s size chart for the most accurate fit.

AliExpress Size (CN) (Measured in cm)	US Size (Women)	UK Size (Women)	EU Size (Women)	US Size (Men)	UK Size (Men)	EU Size (Men)
XS (150/76A) Height: 150 cm, Bust: 76 cm	0-2	4-6	32-34	34	34	44
S (155/80A) Height: 155 cm, Bust: 80 cm	4	8	36	36	36	46
M (160/84A) Height: 160 cm, Bust: 84 cm	6	10	38	38	38	48
L (165/88A) Height: 165 cm, Bust: 88 cm	8-10	12-14	40-42	40	40	50
XL (170/92A) Height: 170 cm, Bust: 92 cm	12	16	44	42	42	52
XXL (175/96A) Height: 175 cm, Bust: 96 cm	14-16	18-20	46-48	44	44	54
XXXL (180/100A) Height: 180 cm, Bust: 100 cm	18-20	22-24	50-52	46	46	56

Reminder: These conversions are estimates. Chinese sizes are generally 1-2 sizes smaller than Western sizes, so always check the specific seller’s size chart.

AliExpress Shoe Size Conversion (Estimate Only)

This is a rough conversion chart outlining how AliExpress shoes sizes translates to US, UK, and EU sizes. Make sure to check with the seller's size chart for exact fitting.

AliExpress (CN Size)	US Size (Women)	US Size (Men)	UK Size	EU Size	Foot Length (CM)
34	4	2	2	34	21.5-22 cm
35	5	3	3	35	22-22.5 cm
36	6	4	4	36	22.5-23 cm
37	6.5-7	5	5	37	23-23.5 cm
38	7.5-8	6	6	38	24 cm
39	8.5-9	7	7	39	24.5 cm
40	9.5-10	8	7.5	40	25 cm
41	10.5	8.5	8	41	25.5 cm
42	11-11.5	9	8.5	42	26 cm

Disclaimer:

Please note that these charts should only be treated as estimates. There are many factor that influence these conversions such as different sellers and their platforms. Always:

• Refer to the seller's size chart for every item.

• Self measure (bust, waist, hips, foot length etc)

• Check customer reviews to gauge how accurate sizes are.

FAQ: Your AliExpress Sizing Questions Answered

Are AliExpress sizes smaller?

Yes, they typically run 1 - 2 sizes smaller in comparison to the West.

Is AliExpress sizing the same as Shein or Temu?

They are the same, but not always. Make sure to check size charts for any discrepancies.

How do I measure for clothes on AliExpress?

Grab a measuring tape and get your bust, waist, hips, and shoulder width. Then cross check with the seller's measurement chart

What shoe size does AliExpress use?

Usually they use European (EU) sizes, but the chart will provide clear direction.

What are Chinese sizes in clothes?

Primarily based on height and body measurements in cm.

A Guiding Hand!

Purchasing on AliExpress, or on any Chinese-based e-commerce site for that matter, doesn’t have to be a catastrophic sizing debacle. With these pointers, you’ll become a sizing expert in no time.I have shopped on AliExpress for more than six years, and frankly, problem with size is an rarity, provided you know what to look for. After making a few blunders, I established a very straightforward routine that has spared me time and frustration.

When I order new clothes, I always measure the size I want to order against my previous successful orders. If I’m ordering a T-shirt, I check the chest and length dimensions against a shirt I already bought. This simple measurement helps me to buy without doubting the size.

Over time, I’ve noticed that dependable sellers usually have consistent sizing. Once you discover your best fit in a particular store, it becomes incredibly easy to make purchases. It’s a minor trick, but it truly works and I seldom worry about returns.

Do you have problems with sizing according to AliExpress, Shein, or even Temu? Feel free to leave your comments down below! And if you think this guide was useful to you, don’t be shy to share it with other online shoppers.