AllChinaBuy Size Guide: How to Measure for Every Category

AllChinaBuy Size Guide: How to Measure for Every Category

Sizing is the number one cause of buyer disappointment on AllChinaBuy. The spreadsheet provides size charts, but reading them correctly requires a different approach than shopping at retail stores. This guide covers measurement techniques for every category, how to compare your measurements to spreadsheet charts, and how to account for batch-specific fit variations.

The Golden Rule: Measure, Don't Guess

Never order your usual size without checking the spreadsheet entry. Factory sizing is inconsistent. A "Large" from one batch may be a "Medium" from another. The only reliable method is to measure a garment you already own and compare it to the size chart.

What You Need to Measure

You need two flexible measuring tapes: one body tape and one garment tape. A standard tape measure is fine for both. You also need a flat surface for laying garments and a notepad to record your numbers.

How to Measure Your Body

**Chest**: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not tight.

**Shoulder**: Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, across the upper back.

**Sleeve**: Measure from the shoulder edge to your wrist bone, with your arm slightly bent.

**Waist**: Measure around your natural waistline — the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button.

**Hip**: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.

**Inseam**: Measure from the crotch to your ankle bone along the inside of your leg.

**Outseam**: Measure from the top of your waistband to your ankle along the outside of your leg.

**Head circumference**: Measure around the widest part of your head, just above the eyebrows and ears.

How to Measure a Garment You Already Own

For the most accurate comparison, measure a similar garment that fits you well.

**Lay the garment flat on a table.** Smooth it out without stretching. Measure the following dimensions:

• **Chest**: Measure across the chest from armpit to armpit, then double the number
• **Shoulder**: Measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back
• **Length**: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem
• **Sleeve**: Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve
• **Waist**: Measure across the waistband and double the number
• **Inseam**: Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg
• **Thigh**: Measure across the thigh at the widest point, double the number
• **Hem**: Measure the bottom opening and double the number

Reading the Spreadsheet Size Charts

Every entry in the AllChinaBuy spreadsheet should link to a size chart. These charts are not always formatted the same way. Here is how to read the most common formats:

**Body measurement charts**: These list the body dimensions the garment is designed for. Compare your body measurements to these numbers.

**Garment measurement charts**: These list the actual dimensions of the garment. Compare your measured garment to these numbers.

**Combined charts**: Some charts show both body and garment measurements. Pay attention to which column you are reading.

Category-Specific Sizing Tips

**Shoes**

• Most shoe batches run 0.5 size small
• Measure your foot length in centimeters and compare to the batch's size chart
• If you have wide feet, size up a full size for narrow silhouettes
• Check if the batch runs "true to size" or "size up" in the QC notes

**Hoodies and Sweaters**

• Oversized fits are the default in most batches
• If you want a true-to-size fit, order one size down
• Check the garment length — oversized hoodies may be 5-10cm longer than standard
• Sleeve length is the most common fit issue on hoodies

**T-Shirts**

• Most graphic tees run oversized
• Check the chest measurement and the length measurement separately
• A tee may fit your chest but be too long if you are shorter
• Cropped fits vary significantly — check the length measurement specifically

**Jackets**

• Jackets are the trickiest category for sizing
• Measure the garment, not your body, for the best comparison
• Add 2-4cm to your chest measurement for winter layering
• Check the sleeve length — oversized jackets often have longer sleeves

**Pants and Shorts**

• Always measure a pair that fits you well
• Pay attention to the thigh measurement — this is where most fit issues occur
• Rise measurement determines whether the pants sit at your waist or hips
• Inseam determines whether the pants are full-length, cropped, or stacked

**Headwear**

• Most caps are adjustable but check the strap type
• Snapback fits most heads
• Strap-back offers finer adjustment
• Beanies are usually one-size but check if the batch runs shallow or deep

**Underwear**

• Underwear sizing is usually true-to-size but check the waist measurement
• If between sizes, size up for comfort
• Longer-leg boxer briefs may fit tighter on the thigh

Batch-Specific Fit Variations

Even within the same category, different batches fit differently. The spreadsheet notes these variations where they are known:

• **"TTS"** — True to size. Order your normal size.
• **"Runs small"** — Size up one from your normal size.
• **"Runs large"** — Size down one from your normal size.
• **"Oversized"** — The garment is intentionally large. Size down if you want a standard fit.
• **"Cropped"** — The garment is shorter than standard. Check the length measurement.
• **"Boxy"** — Wide body with shorter length. Check the chest-to-length ratio.

The Most Common Sizing Mistakes

1. **Ordering your retail size without checking** — Factory sizing is not consistent with retail brands.

2. **Ignoring garment measurements** — Body measurements are less accurate than garment measurements.

3. **Not accounting for shrinkage** — Cotton items may shrink after washing. The spreadsheet notes shrinkage percentages when known.

4. **Forgetting about layering** — Jackets and hoodies need extra room for layers underneath.

5. **Measuring while wearing clothes** — Body measurements should be taken over thin undergarments, not over jeans and hoodies.

The Bottom Line

Sizing is the one area where taking an extra 10 minutes saves you weeks of frustration. Measure your best-fitting garment, compare it to the spreadsheet chart, and account for batch-specific notes. Do this every time, and your fit accuracy will improve dramatically.