Size Guide

Find Your Perfect Fit
Last Updated: July 2026

1 Finding Your Size

Hanfu sizing is different from modern Western clothing. Traditional Hanfu uses flat-lay measurements — meaning the garment is measured while laid flat, and the actual garment circumference is typically twice the flat-lay measurement (e.g., a flat-lay bust of 50cm = 100cm garment circumference).[reference:0]

Because Hanfu is made by traditional handcrafts, please allow a 1–3 cm tolerance between the actual product and the size information stated.[reference:1]

⚠️ Golden Rule: Never rely solely on S/M/L labels! Always check the exact centimeter measurements on each product page.[reference:2] Hanfu sizing varies significantly between different styles and brands.

2 How to Measure Yourself

Grab a soft measuring tape and wear your regular undergarments (not heavy outerwear). For best results, ask a friend to help. All measurements should be taken in centimeters (cm).

📏

Height

Stand straight against a wall, measure from top of head to floor

📐

Bust

Around the fullest part of your chest — breathe normally, do not puff out

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Waist

Around the narrowest part (usually above the belly button)

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Hips

Around the fullest part of your hips[reference:5]

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Skirt Length

From waist to where you want the hem to fall (ankle/floor)

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Inseam / Leg Length

From crotch to ankle — important for trousers and long skirts

3 Understanding "Ease" (Fàng Liàng)

In Hanfu, "ease" (放量) refers to the extra room added to your body measurements for comfort and movement. Different styles require different amounts of ease:

Fit Type Ease Added Best For
Snug / Fitted +4–6 cm Song Dynasty undergarments, fitted styles[reference:7]
Regular / Comfortable +8–10 cm Song Dynasty beizi, everyday wear[reference:8]
Loose / Relaxed +10–15 cm Ming Dynasty robes, outer layers[reference:9]
Flowing / Dramatic +15–25 cm Large-sleeved robes, ceremonial wear
💡 Pro Tip: If your measurements fall between two sizes, always choose the larger size. Hanfu is flat-cut and can often be adjusted with belts and ties — a slightly larger garment can be cinched, but a smaller one cannot be stretched.

4 Ming Dynasty Hanfu

Ming Dynasty Hanfu features structured silhouettes, standing collars, and more formal tailoring. Pay special attention to bust and shoulder measurements.

Key Measurements for Ming Styles:

  • Bust (胸围): Your bust measurement + 10–15 cm ease for comfort
  • Shoulder / Cross-shoulder: Measure from shoulder point to shoulder point across the back
  • Sleeve Length (通袖长): Your height + 10–15 cm — this gives a graceful drape
  • Garment Length (衣长): From shoulder to desired hem — typically hip-length or longer

Ming Dynasty Size Reference (Approximate)

Size Bust (cm) Garment Length (cm) Recommended Height (cm)
XS 85–90 58–60 150–158
S 90–95 60–63 155–163
M 95–100 63–66 160–168
L 100–105 66–69 165–173
XL 105–110 69–72 170–178
* Approximate reference only. Always check individual product size charts. [reference:14]

5 Song Dynasty Hanfu

Song Dynasty Hanfu emphasizes minimalist, flowing silhouettes and softer tailoring. Styles like beizi (褙子) and feijixiu (飞机袖) are more form-fitting and require closer attention to bust and arm measurements.

Key Measurements for Song Styles:

  • Bust (胸围): Your bust measurement + 8–10 cm ease for a comfortable fit[reference:15]
  • Garment Length (衣长): From shoulder to desired hem — cropped styles are common
  • Sleeve Length (通袖长): Your height + 5–10 cm for a natural look
  • Underbust (for fitted styles): Measure directly under the bust

Song Dynasty Size Reference (Approximate)

Size Bust (cm) Garment Length (cm) Recommended Height (cm)
XS 80–85 52–56 148–155
S 85–90 56–60 153–160
M 90–95 60–64 158–165
L 95–100 64–68 163–170
XL 100–105 68–72 168–175
* Approximate reference only. Always check individual product size charts. [reference:16]

6 Mamian Skirts (Horse-Face Skirts)

The Mamian skirt is one of the most iconic and versatile pieces of Hanfu. However, it requires the most precise sizing — especially for the waist. Unlike elastic-waist skirts, Mamian skirts have a structured waistband with no stretch.[reference:17]

📌 Mamian Skirt Golden Rule: If your skirt length and waist don't both fit perfectly, prioritize skirt length over waist. A slightly larger waist can be adjusted with folding or belts; a skirt that's too short cannot be fixed.[reference:18]

How to Read a Mamian Skirt Size Chart

A typical Mamian skirt size chart includes three key numbers:

  • Skirt Length (裙长): The total length from waist to hem
  • Waistband Length (裙腰长): The full length of the waistband
  • Skirt Door Width (裙门宽): The width of each front panel

📐 The Mamian Skirt Formula

Your Actual Wearable Waist Size =

Waistband Length − Skirt Door Width

Example: Waistband = 92cm, Skirt Door = 24cm → Your waist = 68cm[reference:19]

  • If your waist is 2–3 cm larger than the calculated size, the skirt may fit but the inner door might peek through
  • If your waist is smaller, the outer door will overlap more — this is usually acceptable
  • Ideal range: Your waist should be within 2 cm of the calculated size for the best look

How to Choose Skirt Length

📐 Skirt Length Formula

Skirt Length ≈ Height × 0.6

For example: 160cm × 0.6 = 96cm

  • Short / Everyday: Length = Height × 0.6 − 3–5cm — hits just above the shoe, easier for daily wear[reference:25]
  • Long / Elegant: Length = Height × 0.6 + 3–5cm — covers part of the shoe, more dramatic and traditional[reference:27]
  • For 155cm and under: Recommended skirt length 90–95cm (with thicker shoes)[reference:28]
  • For 165cm and above: Recommended skirt length 100–105cm[reference:29]

Mamian Skirt Size Reference (Approximate)

Size Skirt Length (cm) Waistband Length (cm) Recommended Waist (cm) Recommended Height (cm)
XS 90–95 90–95 60–65 148–155
S 95–100 95–100 65–72 153–160
M 100–105 100–105 72–80 158–168
L 103–108 105–110 80–88 165–173
XL 105–110 110–115 88–95 170–178
* Approximate reference only. Always check individual product size charts. [reference:30]

7 General Size Reference

As a general guideline, here is how Chinese Hanfu sizes roughly correspond to Western sizes. Note: This is only a rough estimate — always check the centimeter measurements on the product page.

Hanfu Size US/UK Size (Approx.) EU Size (Approx.) Bust (cm) Waist (cm) Hips (cm)
XS 0–2 32–34 80–85 60–65 85–90
S 4–6 36–38 85–90 65–72 90–95
M 8–10 40–42 90–96 72–80 95–100
L 12–14 44–46 96–102 80–88 100–105
XL 16–18 48–50 102–108 88–95 105–110
XXL 20–22 52–54 108–114 95–102 110–116
* Approximate conversion only. Hanfu sizing varies significantly by style and brand.

8 Final Tips for Ordering

  • Always check the product-specific size chart. Every style and brand fits differently — never assume your size carries over from one garment to another.
  • Look for "flat-lay" measurements. Most Hanfu size charts show the garment laid flat — remember to double these numbers for the actual circumference.[reference:32]
  • If in doubt, size up. A slightly larger garment can be adjusted with belts or ties. A too-small garment cannot be fixed.
  • Consider custom sizing. If standard sizes don't work for your body shape, we offer custom measurements. Contact us for details.
  • Factor in a 1–3 cm tolerance. Due to the handmade nature of Hanfu, slight variations are normal and expected.[reference:34]
  • For Mamian skirts, prioritize length over waist. A slightly large waist can be adjusted; a too-short skirt cannot.[reference:35]

9 Still Have Questions?

📩 We're Here to Help

Not sure which size to choose? Send us your measurements and we'll help you find the perfect fit!

Email: sale@hanfu-shop.com

Live Chat: Available on our website

Response Time: We typically respond within 24 hours

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