KakoBuy Size Chart Guide: How to Measure and Convert
Sizing is the #1 reason buyers are unhappy. Learn how to measure yourself, read size charts, and convert Asian sizes to US sizes accurately.
KakoBuy Size Chart Guide: How to Measure and Convert Like a Pro
Sizing is the single most common reason for buyer dissatisfaction in the KakoBuy spreadsheet. An item that looks perfect in the photos can become unwearable if it is the wrong size. The problem is not the quality. The problem is that most buyers do not know how to read size charts, convert Asian measurements to US sizes, or measure their own bodies correctly. This guide fixes that. By the end, you will have a reliable process for getting the right fit on every order.
Why Asian Sizing Is Different
Asian sizing runs smaller than US sizing. This is not a mistake or a scam. It is a standard difference in measurement systems. A US medium is typically an Asian large or extra-large. If you order a US medium without checking the chart, you will receive an item that is too small. This is the most avoidable mistake in the entire buying process, yet it happens every day.
The difference is not just in the labels. The proportions are also different. Asian cuts are often shorter in the torso and sleeves, narrower in the shoulders, and tighter in the chest. Even if you order the correct size label, the fit might be different from what you expect. This is why measuring your own body and comparing it to the chart is more reliable than size label conversion.
How to Measure Yourself Correctly
Before you look at any size chart, you need accurate measurements of your own body. Here is the exact process:
Chest / Bust
Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight. Breathe normally. Record the number in centimeters.
Shoulder Width
Measure from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other. This is the distance across your upper back. Do not measure around the curve. Measure straight across.
Length (Torso)
For tops, measure from the highest point of the shoulder down to where you want the hem to end. For hoodies, this is usually at the hip. For t-shirts, it is usually at the upper hip.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the shoulder seam to the wrist. Bend your arm slightly. This gives a more realistic measurement than a straight arm. Record the number in centimeters.
Waist (For Pants)
Measure around your natural waistline, where you normally wear your pants. Keep the tape snug but not tight. Record in centimeters. For joggers, measure at the hip if that is where the waistband sits.
Inseam (For Pants)
Measure from the crotch seam down to the ankle. This is the most important measurement for pants. Do not guess based on your usual jean size. Measure every time.
How to Read a KakoBuy Size Chart
Size charts in the spreadsheet are usually in centimeters. Here is how to interpret them:
| Size Label | Chest (cm) | Length (cm) | Shoulder (cm) | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | 108 | 68 | 48 | US S |
| L | 114 | 70 | 50 | US M |
| XL | 120 | 72 | 52 | US L |
| XXL | 126 | 74 | 54 | US XL |
This is a sample chart. Always check the actual chart in the listing. Every seller and item may have different measurements.
Shoe Size Conversion
Shoe sizing is the most complex because it involves multiple systems: US, UK, EU, and CM. Here is the conversion table for men's shoes:
| US Men | EU | CM (Foot Length) | Asian Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 40 | 25 | 40 |
| 8 | 41 | 26 | 41 |
| 9 | 42.5 | 27 | 42.5 |
| 10 | 44 | 28 | 44 |
| 11 | 45 | 29 | 45 |
| 12 | 46 | 30 | 46 |
Always measure your foot length in centimeters. Place your foot on a piece of paper, mark the longest point, and measure. Compare this to the CM column. This is more accurate than converting from US size because different brands have different fits.
Category-Specific Sizing Tips
Every category has its own sizing quirks. Here is what experienced buyers know:
Hoodies and Sweaters: Size up at least once. If you want an oversized fit, size up twice. Check the shoulder width. Asian shoulder widths are often narrower than US cuts. If you are broad-shouldered, this is the measurement that will make or break the fit.
T-Shirts: For a fitted look, size up once. For an oversized or boxy fit, size up twice. Check the length measurement. Asian t-shirts are often shorter than US ones. If you are tall, the length may be the deciding factor, not the chest.
Jackets: Jackets are the trickiest category. The chest measurement might look fine, but the sleeve length could be too short. Always check both measurements. For puffers, remember that the fill adds bulk. The garment will look smaller on the chart than it wears on the body.
Pants and Shorts: Measure your waist and inseam. Do not rely on your jean size. Asian pants often have shorter inseams. If you are tall, check the length measurement carefully. Joggers with drawstrings are more forgiving than fitted pants.
Shoes: Different silhouettes fit differently. Runners are usually true to size. High-tops and boots may run slightly small. Check the spreadsheet notes for specific fit advice. If you have wide feet, look for notes about width or consider sizing up half a size.
When to Size Up and When to Size Down
Size Up When
- You want an oversized or relaxed fit
- You are between sizes on the chart
- The item is a jacket or hoodie with thick material
- You are tall and the length is borderline
- The notes say "runs small"
- You have broad shoulders or wide feet
Size Down When
- You want a fitted or slim look
- The item is made of stretchy material
- The notes say "runs large" or "oversized fit"
- You are short and the length is borderline
- The item is a t-shirt with a boxy cut
- You are narrow-shouldered or have slim feet
Building a Personal Size Reference
Over time, you will learn what sizes work for you across different sellers and categories. Keep a note on your phone with the following information:
- Your body measurements in centimeters (chest, shoulder, waist, inseam, foot length)
- The size you ordered for each category and whether it fit
- The seller name and item type for future reference
- Any notes about fit ("size up twice for this seller," "true to size for this brand")
This personal reference becomes your shortcut for future orders. Instead of measuring every time, you can look at your notes and know what size to order. This is how experienced buyers place orders quickly and confidently.
Final Advice: Measure Twice, Order Once
The old carpentry saying applies perfectly to sizing. Spend five minutes measuring your body before you order. Compare those measurements to the chart. Add a small buffer if you prefer a relaxed fit. Read the notes. Then place your order. The five minutes of preparation saves you weeks of waiting for an exchange. The buyers who never have sizing problems are the ones who never skip the measurement step. Be one of them.
KakoBuy Editorial Team
Published on 2026-05-08
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