EU to Korea Plus Size Converter 🇪🇺🇰🇷
Bridge European and Korean sizing! The complete EU to Korea plus size conversion chart, interactive calculator, and fit guide for K-fashion retailers.
K-fashion has taken the world by storm — but Korean sizing operates on a completely different numerical system that can baffle European shoppers. Korean sizes use a 44-55-66-77 scale based on the KS K 0051 national standard, where each number represents a centimeter measurement range. An EU 48 translates to approximately Korean 77-88. But the conversion isn't a simple formula — Korean garments are cut with narrower shoulders, shorter sleeves, and a different overall silhouette than European equivalents. This comprehensive guide decodes the entire Korean sizing system for EU plus size shoppers.
Select your EU size to see the Korean equivalent using the KS K 0051 44-55-66-77 system. Also displays UK, US, and AU sizes for complete international clarity.
EU to Korea Plus Size Conversion Chart
Below is the complete EU to Korea plus size conversion chart covering EU sizes 44 through 62. Korean sizing uses the KS K 0051 44-55-66-77 national standard. The highlighted row marks the EU 48 / Korean 77-88 crossover — the entry point where Korean plus size ranges typically begin.
| 🇪🇺 EU Size | 🇰🇷 Korea Size | KR Letter | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) | UK/AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 66-77 | M-L | 91-99 | 71-79 | 96-104 | 18 |
| 46 | 77 | L-XL | 100-104 | 80-84 | 105-109 | 20 |
| 48 | 77-88 | XL | 105-109 | 85-89 | 110-114 | 20-22 |
| 50 | 88 | XL-2XL | 110-115 | 90-95 | 115-120 | 22-24 |
| 52 | 88-99 | 2XL | 116-121 | 96-101 | 121-126 | 24-26 |
| 54 | 99 | 2XL-3XL | 122-127 | 102-107 | 127-132 | 26-28 |
| 56 | 99-110 | 3XL | 128-133 | 108-113 | 133-138 | 28-30 |
| 58 | 110 | 3XL-4XL | 134-139 | 114-119 | 139-144 | 30-32 |
| 60 | 110-120 | 4XL | 140-145 | 120-125 | 145-150 | 32-34 |
| 62 | 120 | 4XL-5XL | 146-151 | 126-131 | 151-156 | 34-36 |
Korean sizing is not fully standardized even within the KS K 0051 system. A Korean "88" at one brand may fit differently than an "88" at another. Always use the centimeter measurements on the brand's specific size chart as your primary reference. Korean plus size brands (77+) tend to be more consistent than mainstream Korean fashion brands.
Korean clothing sizes follow the KS K 0051 national standard, which uses a two-digit numerical scale completely different from the European system. Understanding this scale is the foundation of successful K-fashion shopping.
- 1 Korean 44: Smallest standard adult size. Approximately EU 34-36. Bust 82-85cm.
- 2 Korean 55: Medium baseline. Approximately EU 36-38. Bust 86-89cm. Most common size in mainstream Korean fashion.
- 3 Korean 66: Large standard. Approximately EU 40-42. Bust 90-94cm. Most mainstream brands stop here.
- 4 Korean 77: Plus size entry point. Approximately EU 44-46. Bust 95-104cm. Dedicated Korean plus size brands start here and extend to 120+.
"Korean sizing looks foreign with its 44-55-66-77 numbers, but it's actually a logical centimeter-based system. As an EU shopper, you already think in centimeters — Korean sizing is just speaking your language with different numbers."
Korean clothing is cut for the Korean body type — narrower shoulders, shorter sleeves, a straighter hip silhouette, and a smaller overall frame. Even when centimeter measurements match, a Korean garment will fit differently than its EU equivalent. Here's what EU shoppers should expect from different types of Korean retailers.
Pro tip: Korean plus size specialists (77-120+) are the only reliable option for EU shoppers above EU 46. Mainstream Korean fashion stops at 66-77, which maxes out around EU 42-44. The Korean plus size market has grown significantly since 2020. For detailed recommendations, explore our plus size brand reviews.
The good news for EU shoppers: Korean size charts use centimeters — the same system you already use. There's no inch conversion needed. But Korean brands emphasize different measurements than European brands, and the proportions differ even when the centimeter numbers match.
- ✓ Bust (cm): The primary measurement. Korean garments are cut closer through the bust than EU equivalents. Add 6-10cm of ease for woven fabrics — slightly more than you'd add for EU brands.
- ✓ Shoulder Width (cm): Critical for Korean clothing. Korean garments have narrower shoulders than EU equivalents. If the listed shoulder measurement is less than your body measurement, the garment will pull across your upper back.
- ✓ Sleeve Length (cm): Korean sleeves are shorter. If you're above 165cm or have longer arms, always check sleeve measurements against a garment you already own.
- ✓ Waist (cm): Korean brands cut with less waist definition than European brands. High-waisted styles are prevalent — measure at both your natural waist and where trousers typically sit.
As an EU shopper, centimeters are your native measurement language — use this advantage. Create a "K-Fashion Shopping Card" with all your measurements in cm: bust, waist, hip, shoulder width, arm length, and preferred inseam. Korean size charts frequently list shoulder and sleeve measurements that European brands don't include — having these ready prevents the most common K-fashion ordering mistake.
Korea's plus size fashion market has experienced significant growth since 2020, driven by domestic demand and international interest in K-fashion. For EU shoppers accustomed to a wide size range, the Korean market has a lower ceiling that's important to understand.
Key categories for EU shoppers include Korean online-only plus size boutiques (the best option, with sizes through 110-120 / approximately EU 58-60), Korean streetwear brands (oversized aesthetics work for larger sizes), and Korean plus size sub-lines from mainstream brands. Above EU 54 (Korean 99-110), options become limited even at dedicated plus size brands. For a regularly updated list of size-inclusive Korean retailers, visit our plus size brand reviews.
Korean plus size fashion currently has a lower ceiling than European markets. Above EU 54 (Korean 99+), options are limited even at dedicated Korean plus size brands. The market is expanding, but it has not yet reached European levels of size inclusivity. Always verify the maximum Korean size available before investing time in browsing a brand's collection.
Korean online shopping is increasingly accessible to European customers, but there are specific traps that can derail your K-fashion experience.
- ⚠ Confusing Korean 66 with EU 66 or UK 6. Korean 66 has nothing to do with European numerical sizes. Korean 66 is approximately EU 40-42. The numbers represent centimeter ranges in the KS K 0051 system, not an international conversion.
- ⚠ Assuming Korean "free size" works for EU plus size. Korean free size typically fits Korean 55-66 frames — approximately EU 36-42 in standard cuts. It will not fit above EU 44 unless the style is intentionally oversized.
- ⚠ Ignoring shoulder and arm measurements. This is the #1 reason K-fashion returns happen for EU shoppers. Korean garments are cut with narrower shoulders and shorter sleeves than European equivalents at the same centimeter measurements.
- ⚠ Not verifying international shipping. Many Korean plus size brands sell through domestic platforms (Naver Shopping, Zigzag) that don't ship internationally. You may need a Korean forwarding service, which adds cost and complexity.
Returning items to Korean retailers from the EU requires planning. Korean consumer protection laws are strong domestically, but international returns are governed by each retailer's individual policy.
Korean brands with international shipping: Brands that actively target international customers generally offer return windows of 14-30 days. Return shipping from the EU to Korea typically costs €25-45 and takes 2-4 weeks. Some Korean plus size specialists provide prepaid return labels — look for this before purchasing.
Korean domestic platforms: If you used a forwarding service, returns become significantly more complex. You'll need to ship back to your forwarder's Korean warehouse, who then handles the domestic return — doubling cost and timeline. Before ordering through a forwarder, confirm the platform's domestic return policy. For detailed guidance, visit our international returns guide.
Scenario 1: The Korean Plus Size Blazer. You're an EU 50 and want a structured blazer from a Korean plus size specialist. According to the chart, EU 50 = Korean 88. The size chart shows Korean 88: bust 112cm, shoulder 43cm, sleeve 59cm. Your bust is 110cm (good), but your shoulder width is 45cm and your preferred sleeve length is 63cm. The shoulder is too narrow and the sleeves too short. Look for raglan sleeves or dropped shoulder styles to bypass the shoulder width issue — these are common in Korean oversized blazer designs.
Scenario 2: The Korean Oversized Streetwear Piece. You're an EU 54 and find an oversized hoodie from a Korean streetwear brand listed as "Free Size." Garment measurements: bust 140cm, length 72cm, sleeve 60cm. The bust is very generous. The length is cropped by European standards — it will hit at the natural waist on anyone above 165cm. The sleeves will be bracelet-length. This can work as an intentionally cropped look, but you need to know what you're getting — this is not a standard-fit hoodie by European expectations.
Korean 77 is approximately EU 44-46. It represents the entry point for Korean plus size fashion. In the KS K 0051 system, 77 corresponds to a bust measurement of approximately 95-104cm. Korean 77 is generally the largest size available at mainstream Korean fashion brands — for sizes beyond this, you'll need to shop at Korean plus size specialists that carry 88, 99, 110, and 120.
The Korean sizing system (KS K 0051) is based on body measurements in centimeters. Each number corresponds to a specific range: 44 ≈ 82-85cm bust, 55 ≈ 86-89cm, 66 ≈ 90-94cm, and 77 ≈ 95-104cm. The numbers are derived from the measurement ranges — they're not arbitrary like some Western sizing systems. As an EU shopper, you already work in centimeters, so the logic should feel familiar even though the numbers look different.
Yes, but options are limited to Korean plus size specialist brands that carry 99, 110, and 120 sizes (approximately EU 54-60+). Mainstream Korean fashion does not accommodate above Korean 77 (EU 44-46). The Korean plus size market has grown significantly since 2020, and brands carrying through 110-120 are increasing. However, selection above EU 54 remains limited compared to European plus size markets.
No. Korean "free size" is calibrated to the Korean domestic market and typically fits Korean 55-66 frames — approximately EU 36-42 in standard cuts. In oversized or relaxed silhouettes, Korean free size can work up to approximately EU 48-50 depending on garment measurements and your body proportions. Always check the actual garment measurements in centimeters for any Korean free size item before ordering.
It depends on the brand. Korean plus size specialists that target international customers often ship directly to EU countries. However, many Korean plus size brands sell primarily through Korean domestic platforms like Naver Shopping, Zigzag, or W Concept Korea, which may not offer international shipping. For those platforms, you'll need a Korean forwarding service (Korean Buddy, Oh My Zip, Paysable). Forwarding typically adds €15-30 in service fees plus international shipping costs.
Yes — EU customers should expect to pay VAT and potentially customs duties on orders from South Korea. Under the EU's Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system, VAT should be collected at the point of sale for orders under €150. Orders over €150 may be subject to additional customs duties (clothing typically 0-12%) plus handling fees. The EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement has eliminated tariffs on many goods, including most apparel. Some Korean retailers include all duties in the final price — look for "DDP" (Delivered Duty Paid).
Korean plus size fashion offers something genuinely unique — impeccable tailoring, trend-forward K-fashion aesthetics, and quality craftsmanship that rivals European luxury brands. The 44-55-66-77 sizing system looks foreign at first glance, but as an EU shopper who already works in centimeters, the logic is actually familiar: each Korean number represents a centimeter range, just like the EU system you know.
Armed with your centimeter measurements (especially shoulder width!), an understanding of the KS K 0051 system, and awareness of the Korean market's current size ceiling, you're ready to explore one of the most exciting emerging markets in plus size fashion. For more international shopping guides, brand deep-dives, and plus size style inspiration, explore our complete collection of size guides, brand reviews, and international shopping tips.
About the PlusSizePlus Editorial Team
This article was researched, written, and reviewed by the PlusSizePlus Editorial Team. Our team creates educational resources covering plus size fashion, international size conversion, shopping guides, brand comparisons, and body-positive style advice. Every article is written to be clear, practical, and as accurate as possible based on publicly available sizing standards and retailer information. We review our articles periodically to keep them up to date as sizing conventions and brand policies evolve.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Size conversions presented are based on the Korean KS K 0051 national standard and may vary between individual brands, specific garments, and fabric types. Korean sizing is particularly variable across retailers. Always consult the specific retailer's official size chart and return policy before making a purchase. For important limitations, please read our full Disclaimer.
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