How Japanese Clothing Sizing Works (JIS)
JIS L 4006 (women) and L 4001 (men) are the Japanese Industrial Standards for clothing sizes. Built around average Japanese body measurements which run smaller than US/EU averages.
The Chart
| JIS Women | Bust | Hip | JIS Men | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 78cm | 85cm | S | 84cm |
| 7 | 80cm | 87cm | M | 88cm |
| 9 | 83cm | 91cm | L | 92cm |
| 11 | 86cm | 95cm | LL | 96cm |
| 13 | 90cm | 99cm | 3L | 100cm |
| 15 | 94cm | 104cm | 4L | 104cm |
| 17 | 99cm | 109cm | 5L | 108cm |
| 19 | 104cm | 114cm | 6L | 112cm |
Notes
JIS sizes layered with letter modifiers: A = standard, AB = slightly fuller, B = full, BB = very full. Most labels show JIS 9AR (size 9, A body type, regular height). 'R' = regular height, 'P' = petite, 'T' = tall.
FAQs
Why is JIS smaller than US?
Built around 1980s average Japanese female adult body (height 158cm, bust 83cm). US averages were larger then and have only grown. So JIS 9 ≈ US 6, not US 9.
Do all Japanese brands use JIS?
Most Japanese brands (Uniqlo Japan, Muji, Beams) use JIS or close variants. Brands selling globally (Uniqlo US, Muji US) often relabel to local sizing for the destination market.
Need this on your store?
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