Unified Global Size Chart — Does It Exist?
ISO 8559 (clothing) and ISO 9407 (shoe / Mondopoint) are international attempts at unified sizing. Adoption is uneven. Most brands still default to regional systems for marketing reasons.
The Chart
| Standard | Scope | Adoption Status |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 8559-1 | Body measurements taxonomy | Reference standard, not consumer-facing |
| ISO 8559-3 | Numeric body codes for adults | Used by some EU brands |
| ISO 9407 (Mondopoint) | Shoe sizing in mm | Adopted in Japan, Korea, military, ski boots |
| EN 13402-3 (EU) | Pictogram size labels | Required on EU labels but rarely used as primary |
| GB/T 1335 (China) | Height/chest+letter | Standard in China, foreign brands selling in China adopt it |
| JIS L 4006/4001 (Japan) | Numbered with letter modifier | Standard in Japan |
Notes
The fashion industry resists unified global sizing because: (1) regional sizes carry brand identity (US 8 feels different from EU 38 even at same body), (2) vanity sizing differs by market, (3) re-labeling all product is expensive. Most brands compromise: list multiple regional sizes on one tag (US 6 / UK 10 / EU 36 / IT 40 / JP 9). Mondopoint for shoes is the closest to unified adoption.
FAQs
Will there ever be a single global size?
Body measurements (cm/inch) are the universal language. Brands increasingly include cm/inch on size tags alongside regional letters. Eventually consumers shopping across borders may rely on cm primarily — which is the closest to unified.
What should I use to shop globally?
Always check the brand's size chart for body measurements (bust/waist/hip in cm or inch). Don't trust the size letter alone. A US 8 in one brand and EU 38 in another may both fit — or neither — depending on actual cut.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.