Hanfu Size Guide - How to Choose the Right Size

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).

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Height

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

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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