Summary: if you click here, you can read the official AliExpress guide on sizes.
It is important to pay close attention when choosing the size because returns for wrong size on AliExpress are tricky. If the size description was correct and the mistake is yours, you will not be able to ask for a refund.
But don’t worry, you will get it right for sure because below you have the most complete guide to know your size on AliExpress for clothes, shoes (for men, women and children), rings, glasses and other accessories; gloves…
Shoes
The standard size format in AliExpress for shoes is the American one (the one that is 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 …), however, you will get some sellers using the Chineses and European system. These two can be difficult to identify at a single glance, as the most common shoes sizes in both systems range around 39 to 46.
This can lead to some confusion as they use very similar numbering, so be ware.
Here you can see the conversion table:
How does it work? Very easy, you just have to locate your country in the table. If your country does not appear or you do not know your equivalence in the European size, go to method 2.
For example, let’s say you live in Europe or you know what size you wear in the European system and you want to know what size you are in Chinese shoes. Let’s say you are a 40 in Europe. Now you just have to follow the Europe line until you find the size 40.
As we know that AliExpress sellers almost always use the American size, you will go down the column until you find the U.S & Canada row. You will see that there are two rows, one with an M (men) and one with a W (women). So if I you’re a woman, your shoe size on AliExpress would be a 9 and if you’re a man it would be a 7.5.
Recommended method: measure your foot
However, finding out what size format the seller uses and then converting it to your countries size is NOT a good idea for various reasons: its hard work, you should never trust the size the seller indicates, and because it is difficult to win a dispute arguing that the seller’s sizing is not correct.
Instead what you have to do is:
- Take a look at the product sheet and find the shoe sizes in centimeters (CM).
- Measure your feet.
This fool proof method almost never fails and you will be completely covered if you needed to open a dispute.
You would only have to send a photo measuring the shoe that has arrived. If these measurements do not match those advertised on the sellers page, AliExpress will have no option but to refund you.
Below we explain how to measures your foot correctly in centimeters.
Where can you find the conversion table in centimeters
In recent years AliExpress has improved greatly when it comes to helping consumers determine their size. Now, in most products, centimeters appear as a column in the size section.
In the app, you have to click on the product image and then on each size.
On the web version, hover your mouse over each size:
This is true for most products, but it may happen that the seller has not uploaded the size information, in which case you have to go to the product description, where the seller will have uploaded an image with the necessary conversions.
Remember that in the app you can get to the description by clicking on “Item Description” and on the web you just have to scroll down. You can’t miss it!
How to measure your foot
If you are doing it alone it can be a bit tricky, but the good news is that if you’re an adult, you only have to do it once time.
Put your foot on top and mark the length between heel and toe. This is the famous measurement in centimeters that all retailers show.
You can also lean your heel against the wall and make just one mark. Now you can go to the seller’s table and choose your size. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Clothing
Am I an “XS”, “S”, “M”, “L”, “XL”…? What do these sizes correspond to…?
When buying clothes on AliExpress, sizing becomes more complicated: there is a great variety of sizes. Many sellers use American sizes (sizes from 0 to 18 for the top or from 26 to 38 for the bottom), some use European sizes (from 32 to 48) and others use standard or Asian sizes (S / M / L / XL).
In this table you can see the equivalence between sizes:
As with shoes, knowing the seller’s size format and converting it to our usual size is not the best option: sometimes it is difficult to interpret what size the seller uses, it may be that the pattern of their sizes is different from your usual size and in case there’s any issues with your disputes it will be difficult to get proof that the seller has made a mistake, because what matters are the measurements.
That is why it is much better to follow these steps:
- Look for the table of measures in the product sheet, with the equivalence in centimeters.
- Compare with our measurements to choose the one that suits us the most.
With these two simple steps you will find your ideal size (with a minimal error margin). And if the garment you receive is very different in terms of dimensions, it will be easier for you to get your money back.
Even if the garment arrives with the correct label, we can provide photos of the different dimensions of the garment. By attaching the seller’s measurement table, you will be able to prove that they do not match and AliExpress will refund your money.
Below we explain how to measure yourself correctly and which are the most common measurements.
How to know how much the clothes measure in centimeters / inches
As is the case with shoes, AliExpress will show you the equivalence in centimeters of each size just by hovering your mouse over it. Considering you have to check several measurements, we recommend you to click on “Size Information” to see the difference between different sizes.
From the app it works the same way.
Not all sellers have this system available but don’t worry, if you scroll down you will get to the description of the garment where you will also find the table with all the measurements in centimeters.
Others include a table in which they recommend a size according to your weight and height, but we still recommend you to confirm with the measurements in centimeters.
You will have to be careful not to get confused with the measurements in centimeters (cm) and inches (in) as they are two totally different measurement systems. Therefore, before measuring yourself, make sure that the table is available with the information in your measurement system.
How to measure your body
Our recommendation for choosing clothes reliably is to use the tape measure to get your measurements. In order not to forget them, it is a good idea to write down all the measurements on a piece of paper and look at the notes to choose properly. These are the most common measurements.
- Shoulder: Size of the circumference of the shoulders, with the arms closed.
- Bust: Pass the tape under the armpits and measure the circumference at the widest part of the chest.
- Length: Refers to the length of the garment vertically, whether it is a T-shirt, dress, pants… It is used to compare with a similar garment.
- Sleeve: In this case it is the measurement of the sleeve, important if it is long sleeve. It is worth looking at a similar garment.
- Waist: Measure around the height where you normally wear pants, do not tighten the tape too much, it is advisable to put a finger between the tape measure and your body.
- Hip: Measure around the widest part of the hip.
- Thigh: Measure around the widest part of the thigh.
Rings
The cool and very cheap jewelry on AliExpress uses U.S. sizing:
If you don’t know your ring size, just measure the circumference of your finger and use this chart to choose your American size.
Children
Shoes for children and babies
In the case of children’s and babies’ shoes, the system is the same as in the adult shoes explained above: the sizing can be in American, European or Chinese format.
This table will be useful if the shoes are for a gift, but if you are buying for your children and you have the possibility to measure their feet, this option is much more recommendable.
Clothing for children and babies
The same happens with the clothing sizes, whose equivalence you have in this table:
But even here, we do not recommend you to buy a garment relying only on the equivalences. In the product description you will find instructions from the seller to measure your child and make sure you get the right size.
Other sizes
Finally, let’s review how to find your size for less common products such as hats, gloves, underpants, bras, panties, socks…
Underwear (briefs, bras, panties, socks)
Let’s start with the easy part. To find panties and briefs you simply use the same system we showed you in the clothing sizing section. It’s pretty simple, just measure yourself with a tape measure around where you usually wear your underpants / briefs. Then you go to the conversion chart and see what size you are.
For bras, you can also use the tape measure if the cup measurement system is not the one you use in your country. This is how you have to measure (the bust at 45 degrees to determine cup size and the bottom of the breasts to determine band size):
For socks, simply use the steps we taught you in the shoes section. Sock sizes work the same as shoe sizes. The only difference is that they go in ranges, such as European size 39 to 42 is size M (if my foot size falls in this range then I would buy size M socks).
Gloves
If you want to buy gloves on AliExpress (whether they are dress gloves, motorcycle gloves, bike gloves…), the glove sizing process is very similar.
With the help of a tape measure get the measurement of the circumference of your wrist, then measure the distance between your wrist to your middle finger, as in the photo.
Sunglasses
Here are several photos that show you how to know the measurements and dimensions of other types of products. For example, to make sure you don’t get sunglasses that are too big for you, sometimes it’s worth taking a look at the dimensions of the product.
Handbags
The same applies to bags and briefcases. It is convenient to know more or less the dimensions it has so that it fits perfectly to your needs. For example, in the case of a briefcase, you should check if it is big enough to carry your laptop.
Watches
Finally, when choosing a watch it is also important to look at the size of the watch as it will not look the same on different wrists. That’s why we recommend you look at the diameter of the watch case to see if it’s too big for your wrist, although you may like it that way.
In many watches there are versions for men and women with different case diameters and strap lengths.
Frequently asked questions and tips
Chinese sizing is smaller than Western sizing
The Chinese / Asian sizing is characterized by being smaller than the European or American because the Asians are physically different.
If you have always been a M in Europe, do not trust and think that the M shirt you have seen on AliExpress will fit you like a glove.
Sizes vary depending on the seller
Do not make the mistake of thinking “last time I bought a M on AliExpress it was fine, so I will always be a size M in China”.
As there is no uniform sizing system on AliExpress, you should always make sure that the size is going to fit you (and here’s how to do it).
Sizing is not always in Chinese format
On AliExpress most sellers are from China, but they don’t always use Asian sizes. There are stores that use European or American sizing, as they are focused on the international market.
For example, shoe sizes are almost always in American format.
Look at the product data sheet
It is in the seller’s interest that you get the size right the first time to avoid problems with returns, so they will make it easy for you to choose the right size.
That’s why on most products you can find size charts with very detailed information. In this article we have explained you where to find them, both in the app and web.
They look like this:
Contact the seller
If you still have doubts about sizing on AliExpress, it is best to contact the seller directly. We also recommend you to look at consumer reviews as they will usually give an indication if the sizes are actually a little bigger or smaller than what it says on the charts (this also applies to clothing sizes).
Can I change the size of my garment?
If the measurements of the garment match the seller’s description but it doesn’t fit, the only way to get our money back is to return the product.
But if we have bought from a warehouse in China, the shipping may be more expensive than the garment itself, so we recommend you to look at AliExpress resale groups that you can find on social media.
For some time now, however, you can find sellers that offer free returns on AliExpress for their products. Check if this is your case, because if so you can return your purchase for free.
The size does not correspond to the description
A very different case is that we have done our part and the measurements of the garment that we receive are very different from those advertised by the seller.
In this case, the problem is with the seller, so we recommend you to open a dispute on AliExpress. If the seller offers a free return, we can send it to them, but if not, ask for a full refund without shipping claiming that shipping is very expensive and it is not your fault.
Add photos measuring the garment to your dispute and a screenshot of the seller’s measurement chart.