A hanfu skirt is sized by three numbers. Get these right and the skirt will fit on the first try — get them wrong and no amount of tying will fix it.
Measurement 1: waistband (the one that matters most)
Measure around the narrowest part of your waist — usually just above the belly button — with the tape snug but not tight. Keep the tape level all the way around.
- Where it sits: a horse-face skirt rests on the natural waist, not the hips.
- What to do with the number: compare it with the waistband measurement in the listing, not the “waist” of a pair of jeans.
- If you are between sizes: choose the larger one — the sash can take in 2–3 cm.
Measurement 2: total length
Measure from your natural waist down to where you want the hem. For a floor-length look, measure to 2 cm above the floor in flat shoes.
| Your height | Typical waist-to-floor | Working skirt length |
|---|---|---|
| 155 cm | ~92 cm | 85–90 cm |
| 165 cm | ~98 cm | 92–97 cm |
| 175 cm | ~104 cm | 98–103 cm |
| 183 cm | ~110 cm | 104–109 cm |
These are estimates — your proportions decide the real number. If the listing gives a total length, compare it with your waist-to-hem measurement.
Measurement 3: hip (for pleat volume)
Measure around the fullest part of your hips. The hip does not usually decide which size you buy, but it tells you whether the pleats will open fully or stay compressed. If your hip is much wider than the waistband, expect the pleats to spread — that is correct, not a sizing error.
How to measure without a tape
- Use a piece of non-stretch string.
- Wrap it around your waist, mark the point where it meets.
- Lay the string flat and measure it against a ruler.
Do not use a phone cable or a shoelace — they stretch.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring over thick clothing. Measure over underwear or light leggings.
- Holding your breath. Breathe normally; the tape should not dig in.
- Measuring at the hip and calling it the waist. Waist and hip are different numbers and different sizes.
- Trusting the letter size. Chinese S/M/L runs one to two sizes smaller than US/EU — see should you size up or down.
Before you order
Check that the listing gives the waistband and total length in centimetres. If it only offers S/M/L, ask the seller — and if they cannot provide numbers, do not buy.
For the full measurement guide, see hanfu size guide.
Frequently asked questions
What measurements do I need for a hanfu skirt?
Waist (waistband), total length from waist to hem, and hip for pleat volume. The waistband is the one that decides the size.
Should I measure my waist or my hips for a mamian qun?
Waist. A horse-face skirt is held by the waistband, so the waist measurement decides the fit.
What if I am between sizes?
Size up. The sash can take in a few centimetres; it cannot add any.
Read next: hanfu size guide · how to tie a hanfu skirt · what is a mamian qun