Oct 7, 2025
When "Asia fit" doesn't fit
How easy do you find shopping for clothes here? At around 5'4", I'm lucky since most "Asia fit" clothes work okay on my frame, but I've seen the struggle among taller or broader expat friends who can't find anything that isn't too short, too tight, or too cropped for daily life.
"Asia fit" sizing is designed with different body proportions in mind, with narrower shoulders, shorter sleeves and leg lengths, and smaller frames overall. I know quite a few expat friends who end up relying on Uniqlo's international lines, browsing Zara and H&M for their European fit options, or shopping for items they need when they take trips back home. Shoes can be even harder to find once you reach a certain size.
I suppose that there is an element of fun in the challenge, but I wonder how the "Asia fit" ranges will change as Japan's demographics do. I'm hoping for a bit more inclusivity!
1 Comment
TonetoEdo
20 hours ago
I'm about the same height as you, lean, and I struggle with clothing fits, too. Appealing Japanese-branded clothing sometimes has darts and pleats that land in the wrong places. Some button-down shirts gape not because I'm busty, but because I have a deep ribcage. I mix and match imported and domestic fashion.