The numbers on Korean clothes
Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:Q:
Unless I shop in Itaewon or duty-free stores where merchants know about American or European sizes, it is very difficult for non-Koreans like myself to buy clothes in Korea, mainly because Koreans use different sizes.
What are the basics I need to know in buying clothes for men and women?
A:
For most women’s garments, four numbers ― 44, 55, 66 and 77 ―are used to signify extra small, small, medium and large. They are equivalent to America’s 0-2, 4, 6 and 8-10, France’s 34, 36, 38 and 40 and Italy’s 38, 40, 42 and 44. Trousers are sold by waist size in inches, starting from 25 and going up to 32.
Sizes for men’s garments also differ from American and international sizes. Korea’s 95 is extra small, equivalent to America’s 36/38 or 40 international; 100 is small, 40 American or 42 international; 105 is medium, 42/44 American or 44 international; and 110 is large, 46/48 American or 46 international.
Trousers for men go by the waist size, starting from 30 inches.
Keep in mind that domestically made clothes in Korea tend to run smaller, and that extra large in Korea often is not large enough for foreigners.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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