Same 'size 38', one brand fits, the other squeezes. Sizing feels random, but it follows rules — measure yourself once, learn to read conversion charts, and wrong-size purchases become rare.
Step 1: Measure Foot Length (The Golden Number for Shoes)
- Measure in the evening (feet swell slightly during the day, matching real wear).
- Stand on paper, trace the outline, measure the longest point. Do both feet and size for the larger one.
- Add 0.5-1 cm of room to your foot length before matching the chart; sizing on bare length runs tight.
| Foot (cm) | CN size | EU size | US (women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23.0 | 230 / 36 | 36 | 5.5-6 |
| 24.0 | 240 / 37.5 | 38 | 6.5 |
| 25.0 | 250 / 39 | 39-40 | 7.5 |
| 26.5 | 265 / 41 | 41-42 | 9 |
Step 2: Know Two Girth Numbers (For Clothes)
- Bust: wrap the tape around the fullest part, snug but not tight.
- Shoulder width: distance between shoulder tips — decides whether the garment 'hangs right'.
- Always check the brand's own chart instead of trusting letters — the same 'M' can differ 4-6 cm across brands.
Three Habits That Prevent Wrong Sizes
- Read buyer reviews mentioning height, weight and the size bought — more truthful than charts
- 'Slim fit' runs small, 'oversize' runs large — adjust one size accordingly
- Unsure between two sizes? Order both and return one (mind the return shipping policy)
Recommended Tools
Shoe Size Chart
CN, EU, US and UK shoe size chart by foot length in centimeters.
Clothing Size Chart
S–3XL size chart with height, chest and shoulder measurements for online shopping.
Aspect Ratio Calculator
Get the simplest ratio for any width and height, matched against common ratios.
Free online, images never leave your browser
FAQ
Why do brands differ by half a size or more?
Lasts (shoe molds) and pattern cuts are each brand's secret sauce. Keep a mental note of which of your favorite brands run large or small, and correct for it when trying new ones.
How to pick kids' shoe sizes?
Children's feet grow fast — re-measure every 2-3 months and leave about 1 cm of growing room. Oversized shoes affect gait; 'still fits' is not a strategy.