Understanding the Russian Clothing Size System
Shopping for clothes in Vladivostok — whether in local boutiques, department stores, or online Russian retailers — means navigating the Russian sizing system. It differs from European, American, and British standards, and getting it wrong means returns, frustration, and ill-fitting garments. This guide breaks it all down clearly.
Women's Clothing Size Conversion
Russian women's sizes are based on bust measurement in centimeters, then divided by 2. A woman with an 88 cm bust wears a Russian size 44, while a 96 cm bust corresponds to size 48.
| Russian Size | EU Size | UK Size | US Size | Bust (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 36 | 8 | 6 | 84 |
| 44 | 38 | 10 | 8 | 88 |
| 46 | 40 | 12 | 10 | 92 |
| 48 | 42 | 14 | 12 | 96 |
| 50 | 44 | 16 | 14 | 100 |
| 52 | 46 | 18 | 16 | 104 |
Men's Clothing Size Conversion
Men's Russian sizes also follow a chest-based measurement system. The Russian size number equals half the chest circumference in centimeters.
| Russian Size | EU Size | UK/US Size | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 46 | S | 92 |
| 48 | 48 | M | 96 |
| 50 | 50 | L | 100 |
| 52 | 52 | XL | 104 |
| 54 | 54 | XXL | 108 |
How to Measure Yourself Correctly
Before buying anything, take your measurements with a soft tape measure:
- Bust/Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, about 20 cm below the waist.
- Height: Russian sizing often factors in height — note whether you are petite (до 164 cm) or tall (выше 170 cm).
Shoe Size Conversion
Russian shoe sizes follow the European standard, but it's still worth double-checking. Women's Russian size 37 equals a UK 4 and US 6.5. Men's Russian size 42 equals UK 8 and US 8.5.
Tips for Shopping in Vladivostok
- Always try before you buy — cut and fit varies significantly between Russian, Korean, and Chinese brands sold locally.
- Asian imports run small — Vladivostok's proximity to China and Korea means many garments follow Asian sizing, which tends to be 1–2 sizes smaller than Russian standards.
- Check the tag language — a "M" on a Chinese-made garment in a Vladivostok market may correspond to a Russian size 44, not 48.
- Online stores like Wildberries and Ozon usually display a full size chart per item — always check it before ordering.
A Note on Sizing Inconsistency
Unlike standardized Western sizing, Russian garment sizing can vary by manufacturer. A Russian 46 from one brand may fit differently from a 46 from another. When in doubt, size up — it's always easier to tailor down than to exchange an item that's too small.