International Shopping
Japanese Sizes Explained
2 min read · Updated July 1, 2026
Japan uses the most literal sizing system in the world: shoes are labeled in the number of millimeters your foot is, and clothes are labeled with the actual body measurement in centimeters. Once you know your numbers, buying from Japan is easier than buying domestically.
Shoes: Mondopoint in centimeters
A Japanese size 27 means the shoe fits a 27 cm foot. Not the shoe length — the foot length. Measure your longer foot in cm, round to the nearest 0.5, and that's your JP size.
| JP (cm) | US Men's | US Women's | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23.0 | 5 | 6.5 | 36 |
| 24.0 | 6 | 7.5 | 38 |
| 25.0 | 7 | 8.5 | 40 |
| 26.0 | 8 | 9.5 | 41 |
| 27.0 | 9 | 10.5 | 43 |
| 28.0 | 10 | 11.5 | 44 |
Clothing: cm-based numeric + S/M/L
Japanese apparel typically shows two numbers: a size label (S, M, L, LL) and a body measurement in cm (bust 88, waist 72). The letter is a coarse guide; the cm is what matters. Japanese sizes run one to two letters smaller than US letters — a Japanese L is roughly a US M.
Why Japanese sizing feels smaller
The base population fit model in Japan is smaller than the US model. A Japanese M is designed for a 168 cm/64 kg body; a US M for a 178 cm/80 kg body. If you are US-average, expect to size up one letter for Japanese brands.
Calculator
Japan size hub
Frequently asked questions
- Is Japanese sizing the same as Korean?
- Very close — both use Mondopoint (cm) for shoes. Korean clothing sizes run slightly larger than Japanese.
- How do I know my Mondopoint size?
- Measure your foot in cm. That number is your JP shoe size.
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Reviewed by the SizeAtlas editorial team · Last updated July 1, 2026