If you’re an apparel brand sourcing from Vietnam, one of your biggest challenges is ensuring the clothes you manufacture fit your American customers. The conversion of Vietnamese clothing size to US standards is notoriously tricky, and getting it wrong leads to high return rates, wasted inventory, and a damaged brand reputation. This guide provides the charts, technical knowledge, and expert insights you need to navigate apparel sizing in Vietnam successfully.
Key Takeaways
- Rule of Thumb: Vietnamese sizes are generally 1 to 2 sizes smaller than US sizes. A Vietnamese “Large” often fits like a US “Medium” or even “Small.”
- Measurements Over Labels: Never rely on S-M-L labels. Always provide a detailed measurement chart in a Technical Package (Tech Pack). This is the single most important document for ensuring accurate sizing.
- Sampling is Mandatory: You must approve physical samples (fit, pre-production) to verify the sizing and fit on a model representing your target US customer before authorizing bulk production.
- Fabric Matters: Clearly specify fabric type, required pre-washing to account for shrinkage, and a measurement tolerance (e.g., +/- 1 cm) to prevent inconsistencies.
Table of Contents
- The Core Problem: Understanding Vietnamese vs. US Sizing
- Why Do Vietnamese and US Clothing Sizes Differ So Much?
- How to Convert Vietnamese Clothing Size to US: The Charts
- Beyond Charts: The Professional’s Approach to Accurate Sizing
- Common Sizing Mistakes When Manufacturing in Vietnam
- How to Ensure Perfect Sizing with a Sourcing Partner
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Core Problem: Understanding Vietnamese vs. US Sizing
Vietnam is a top destination for garment manufacturing due to its skilled workforce and quality production. However, brands new to sourcing here often face a critical hurdle: sizing. The disconnect between a Vietnamese clothing size to US fit is the most common and costly mistake a brand can make. A “Medium” shirt produced for the local Vietnamese market might fit like an “Extra Small” in the United States, creating a disaster for your inventory and customer satisfaction.
convert Vietnam size to US
This guide directly solves that problem. We’ll show you how to master the Vietnamese to American size conversion for clothing, moving beyond simple charts to the technical specifications required for a successful production run.
Why Do Vietnamese and US Clothing Sizes Differ So Much?
The size difference isn’t arbitrary; it’s based on anthropometric data (the study of human body measurements). Sizing standards reflect the average body type of the local population.
On average, Vietnamese people have a smaller and more slender physique than Americans. This means that base patterns for clothing are drafted with smaller chest, waist, and hip measurements, and often shorter torso and sleeve lengths.
Key factors include:
- Different Base Measurements: A Vietnamese size “S” is built for a fundamentally smaller body frame than a US size “S”.
- Varying Proportions: It’s not just about being smaller overall. Torso length, shoulder width, and limb length proportions can also differ, impacting the garment’s drape and fit.
- No Universal Standard: Many Vietnamese factories have their own proprietary size charts, often based on other Asian markets (like Japan or Korea). You cannot assume they have a “standard US” sizing chart ready to go. You must provide your own.
How to Convert Vietnamese Clothing Size to US: The Charts
While a detailed tech pack is the ultimate goal, these conversion charts serve as an excellent starting point for initial conversations with Vietnamese suppliers. They help you understand the general offset you need to account for.
The General Rule: Sizing Up by 1-2 Sizes
The quickest way to estimate your needs is to go up one to two full sizes from the US size.
- For a US Medium, you should request samples in a Vietnamese Large (L) or Extra Large (XL).
- For a US women’s size 6, you might start by looking at Vietnamese suppliers’ size 10 or 12 patterns.
Warning: This is an estimation only. Do not place a bulk order based on this rule. The actual conversion depends on the factory, the garment’s intended fit (e.g., slim vs. relaxed), and the fabric.
Women’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart (Vietnam to US)
Use this chart for general reference. Always prioritize specific measurements in centimeters (cm) over letter or number sizes.
| Vietnam Size | Approx. US Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 0-2 | 78-82 | 62-66 | 86-90 |
| M | 4-6 | 83-87 | 67-71 | 91-95 |
| L | 8-10 | 88-92 | 72-76 | 96-100 |
| XL | 12 | 93-97 | 77-81 | 101-105 |
| XXL | 14 | 98-102 | 82-86 | 106-110 |
Men’s Clothing Size Conversion Chart (Vietnam to US)
For men’s shirts and tops, the chest measurement is the most critical point of measure for a correct fit.
| Vietnam Size | Approx. US Size | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) – Pants |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | XS | 86-91 | 71-76 (28-30″) |
| M | S | 92-97 | 77-82 (30-32″) |
| L | M | 98-103 | 83-88 (33-35″) |
| XL | L | 104-109 | 89-94 (35-37″) |
| XXL | XL | 110-115 | 95-100 (37-39″) |
Children’s Clothing Size Conversion: Vietnam to US
For children’s clothing size conversion Vietnam to US, it’s often more reliable to go by height and weight rather than age, as children’s growth varies significantly.
| Vietnamese Size (Age/Height) | US Equivalent (Approx. Age) | Height (cm/in) | Weight (kg/lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M (Newborn-3 months) | 0-3 months | 50-59 cm (19.7-23.2 in) | 3-5 kg (6.6-11 lbs) |
| 6M (3-6 months) | 3-6 months | 59-66 cm (23.2-26.0 in) | 5-7 kg (11-15.4 lbs) |
| 12M (6-12 months) | 6-12 months | 66-73 cm (26.0-28.7 in) | 7-9 kg (15.4-19.8 lbs) |
| 2Y (1-2 years) | 12-24 months | 73-85 cm (28.7-33.5 in) | 9-12 kg (19.8-26.5 lbs) |
| 4Y (2-4 years) | 2T-4T | 85-105 cm (33.5-41.3 in) | 12-18 kg (26.5-39.7 lbs) |
| 6Y (4-6 years) | 5-6X | 105-120 cm (41.3-47.2 in) | 18-25 kg (39.7-55.1 lbs) |
Beyond Charts: The Professional’s Approach to Accurate Sizing
Successful brands don’t rely on conversion charts. They use a technical, data-driven approach to eliminate guesswork and ensure every garment meets their exact specifications for the US market.
Why a Tech Pack is Non-Negotiable
A Technical Package (Tech Pack) is the blueprint for your garment. It is the single most crucial document for communicating your sizing requirements to a Vietnamese factory. A complete tech pack must include:
- Detailed Garment Spec Sheet: A technical drawing of your product with specific Points of Measure (POMs) for the chest, length, sleeve, waist, etc. All measurements should be in cm or inches for your base size (e.g., US Medium).
- Size Grading Rules: The exact values by which each measurement point should increase or decrease for every other size in your range (S, L, XL, etc.).
- Bill of Materials (BOM): A list of every component, from main fabric and thread to buttons and labels.
- Construction Details: Instructions on stitching, seam types, and finishing techniques.
How to Use Samples to Guarantee a Perfect Fit
Never go from a tech pack straight to bulk production. The sampling process is your physical quality control gate to validate the fit.
- Proto Sample: The first attempt, used to check if the factory correctly interpreted your design.
- Fit Sample: A sample in your base size (e.g., US Medium) that you must try on a fit model. You check all measurements against your spec sheet and provide feedback for corrections.
- Pre-Production Sample (PPS): The final sample made with all correct fabrics and trims. This is what your bulk order will look like. You must approve this before mass production begins.
- Top of Production (TOP) Sample: A random garment pulled from the actual production line to ensure consistency.
Defining Size Grading Rules for Consistency
Grading is the process of creating a full size range from your approved fit sample. You cannot assume the factory’s default grade rules will match US market expectations. For example, a US grade rule might increase the chest by 2 inches (5cm) between sizes, while a factory’s default might be only 1.5 inches (4cm). You must specify your own grade rules in the tech pack to ensure your XL is truly an XL.
Factoring in Fabric, Shrinkage, and Tolerance
A garment’s material profoundly affects its fit. A stretchy knit fabric fits differently than a rigid woven one. Natural fibers like cotton will shrink. Your tech pack must specify if measurements are “before wash” or “after wash.” Additionally, define a measurement tolerance (e.g., +/- 1 cm) to create an acceptable quality standard and prevent disputes.
Common Sizing Mistakes When Manufacturing in Vietnam
- The Assumption Mistake: Assuming a supplier’s “US Large” matches your brand’s “Large.” Solution: Provide your own tech pack with exact measurements.
- The Vague Language Mistake: Using subjective feedback like “make it a bit bigger.” Solution: Use objective numbers, e.g., “Increase chest circumference by 2cm.”
- The Sampling Mistake: Skipping fit samples to save a few weeks or dollars. Solution: Treat sampling as a mandatory investment. Its cost is tiny compared to a failed production run.
- The Tolerance Mistake: Failing to specify an acceptable measurement variance. Solution: Include a clear tolerance for every point of measure in your tech pack.
How to Ensure Perfect Sizing with a Sourcing Partner
Successfully managing the Vietnamese clothing size to US conversion requires expertise and meticulous communication. For brands that need to get it right the first time, partnering with an on-the-ground expert is the most effective strategy.
At VALO Vietnam, we de-risk the sourcing process. We connect businesses with trusted suppliers who have a proven track record of meeting international standards. Our team has over 25 years of trade expertise, and we ensure the manufacturers we recommend are fully equipped to handle complex US sizing requirements.
We help brands like yours:
- Build Professional Tech Packs: We can help create or refine your tech packs to ensure they are clear, comprehensive, and perfectly understood by Vietnamese factories.
- Connect with Vetted Suppliers: We match you with the right manufacturers who specialize in production for Western markets.
- Manage the Sampling Process: We oversee sampling to ensure your feedback is implemented correctly, guaranteeing the final product matches your vision.
Unlock Vietnam’s manufacturing potential without the common pitfalls. Contact VALO Vietnam today to streamline your apparel sourcing.
- Call us 24/7: +84 79 928 7929
- Email: alo@valovietnam.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between Vietnamese and US sizes?
The main difference is that Vietnamese clothing sizes are typically one to two sizes smaller than their US counterparts. This is due to the different average body measurements of the respective populations. A US “Medium” is designed for a larger frame than a Vietnamese “Medium.”
If I wear a US Medium, what size should I get in Vietnam?
As a general rule, you should start by trying a Vietnamese size Large (L) or Extra Large (XL). However, this can vary significantly by brand and garment type. The most reliable method is to check the brand’s specific measurement chart (in cm or inches) for the chest, waist, and length, rather than relying on the letter size.
How do I create a reliable clothing size chart for my brand?
To create a reliable size chart, start by researching the measurements of your target US demographic. Measure competitor garments that fit well. Create a base size (e.g., Medium) with precise measurements for all key points (chest, length, sleeves). From there, define your “grade rules”—the exact amount each measurement will increase or decrease for other sizes. This becomes a core part of your tech pack.
Are shoe sizes different in Vietnam too?
Yes, shoe sizes also differ. Vietnam typically uses European (EU) shoe sizing. For example, a US women’s size 8 is roughly an EU 38-39, and a US men’s size 10 is approximately an EU 43-44. As with clothing, always refer to a specific brand’s conversion chart or measure your foot in centimeters for the most accurate fit.
Why is a tech pack so important for clothing manufacturing in Vietnam?
A tech pack is the universal language of apparel manufacturing. It eliminates ambiguity and ensures you and the factory have the exact same expectations. It provides all necessary details, from a vietnamese clothing size to US measurement spec sheet to material and construction instructions—preventing costly errors and misunderstandings. Without a tech pack, you are leaving the interpretation of your garment’s fit entirely up to the factory, which is a major business risk.