Streetwear sizing guide: EU, US, UK, and JP conversions

I have ordered hundreds of pairs over the years. The thing that catches almost everyone is that streetwear cuts are often deliberately oversized. So even if you nail the size conversion from your home country, the fit can still be different from what you expect.

Sneaker sizing

Sneaker sizes use different scales in each region. Most international stores list multiple systems on the product page, but here is a clean conversion if you only have one.

Men's adult sneakers

Women's adult sneakers

Women's sizing in the US runs about 1.5 sizes higher than men's for the same physical shoe. EU sizes are unisex.

Where conversions break

These charts are accurate to about half a size. The variation comes from how each manufacturer interprets the conversion. A specific brand may run half a size large in EU but true to size in US. The fix is to check user reviews on the product page for the silhouette you are buying.

Apparel sizing

Apparel is messier than sneakers because tops and bottoms have separate scales, and oversized fits can shift the whole chart.

T-shirts (men's)

Japanese sizing runs roughly one letter smaller than EU. A Japanese L is closer to a European M for most cuts.

Hoodies and crewnecks

Generally use the same chest measurements as t-shirts. The difference is that streetwear hoodies are often cut boxy, with extra room in the body and shorter length than a basic hoodie. If you are between sizes, this matters.

• If you want a clean classic fit, order your normal size.
• If you want the current oversized streetwear look, size up by one.
• Check the chest measurement on the size chart, not just the letter size.

Pants

Pants come in two systems: lettered (S, M, L) for joggers and sweatpants, and waist-by-inseam (32x32) for jeans and chinos. The waist measurement is in inches almost everywhere except Japan.

Oversized streetwear

A lot of modern streetwear is cut oversized on purpose. The brand might list a piece as a Medium, but the chest measurement matches what would normally be a Large. There is no universal standard. The piece is designed to be worn loose.

Three rules that help:

1. Trust the chest and length measurements on the chart, not the letter on the tag.
2. Look at product photos. If the model is wearing the same size as you would order and it looks oversized on them, your fit will be similar.
3. Read recent reviews. People often comment on whether a piece runs true to size, large, or small.

Sneaker fit beyond size

The size number is only one part of fit. Width, instep height, and toe box shape all matter.

• Wide foot: skate cuts and chunky sneakers tend to be roomier than runners.
• Narrow foot: low-tops with locking laces work better than slip-ons.
• High instep: high-tops can pinch. Try half a size up if reviews mention a tight collar.
• Half sizes only exist in US and UK. EU sizes are mostly whole numbers, so converting to EU sometimes forces you to round.

What to do if you are between sizes

For sneakers, size up half a size if the upper is leather (it stretches less). Size down if the upper is knit (it stretches more). For apparel, size up if you want oversized, size down if you want fitted. The cut of the specific piece usually matters more than which way you round.

Related guides

The silhouette guide explains how each shoe shape fits differently, the international shipping guide covers returns if you size wrong, and the streetwear glossary defines all the cut and fit terminology.