The Tall Person’s Survival Guide to Shopping in China

If you're tall, have large feet, or a broad build, shopping in China can be a frustrating experience. You'll quickly discover that a Western "Large" is often an "XXL" here, and finding shoes above a US size 10 can feel like a mythical quest.

But don't despair! While the challenge is real, solutions exist. This guide will show you where to look and how to find clothes, shoes, and even bedding that actually fits.

Part 1: The Reality of Chinese Sizing

First, reset your expectations. Chinese clothing sizes are generally 1-2 sizes smaller than their US or European counterparts.

• The "L" is not your "L": An "XL" shirt in a local Chinese brand might fit like a US Medium.
• Beware "One Size": You will see racks of clothing labeled "均码" (jūn mǎ), which means "one size fits all." This is a trap. It almost universally means "one size fits small."

Part 2: Clothes Shopping for the Tall & Broad

Forget browsing small local boutiques. Your strategy needs to be targeted.

Option 1: International Brands

Your first and easiest stop should be global fast-fashion and sports brands.

• Go-To Stores: Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, and Decathlon are your best friends. They cater to a global market and their sizing is more consistent with Western standards.
• Uniqlo is particularly good for offering longer inseams on trousers (often up to 34").
• Decathlon, a sporting goods store, is excellent for larger sizes in activewear and basics.

Option 2: Online is King (Taobao)

Taobao is the ultimate solution for almost any sizing problem in China. It's a massive online marketplace with specialty stores for everything.

• Specialty Stores: You can find hundreds of stores that cater specifically to "大码" (dà mǎ - big size) or "外贸" (wàimào - foreign trade) clothing. These "foreign trade" shops often sell surplus inventory that was originally manufactured for export to Western countries, meaning they have Western sizes.
• Helpful Taobao Search Terms:
  • Big Size Men's/Women's Clothing: 大码男装 / 大码女装 (dà mǎ nánzhuāng / nǚzhuāng)
  • Extra Long: 加长 (jiācháng)
  • For specific items, combine terms: e.g., "加长牛仔裤" (jiācháng niúzǎikù - extra long jeans).

Option 3: Get it Custom Made

China is famous for its affordable and skilled tailors. If you need a suit, dress shirt, or a specific item that fits perfectly, getting it custom-made is often cheaper and better than buying off the rack. You can find tailor markets or individual shops in any major city.

Part 3: The Quest for Large-Size Shoes

This is arguably the biggest challenge for tall travelers.

The Problem

In physical stores, it is nearly impossible to find shoes for men larger than a US size 10 (EU 44). For women, the cutoff is often around a US size 8 (EU 39).

Your Best Bets

• Decathlon: This is one of the only physical chain stores in China where you can regularly find men's shoes up to a US size 12 or 13 (EU 46-47), especially for sneakers and hiking shoes.
• Taobao (Again): The internet saves the day. There are many reputable online stores specializing in larger shoe sizes. This is your most reliable option.
• Helpful Taobao Search Terms:
  • Big Size Men's/Women's Shoes: 大码男鞋 / 大码女鞋 (dà mǎ nánxié / nǚxié)
  • Follow it with your European size for better results: e.g., "大码男鞋 47".

Keywords to note: extra long bedsheets China buy, size 15 shoes Shanghai, tall person clothes China.

Part 4: Home Goods - Bedsheets & More

If you're staying in China long-term, you'll encounter the same issue with bedding.

• The Problem: Chinese beds are often shorter and narrower than their Western counterparts. A "King" size bed from a local furniture store might feel more like a Queen.
• The Ultimate Solution: IKEA: The Swedish furniture giant is your savior. IKEA sells beds, mattresses, and bedding in standard European sizes, which are larger and more accommodating for tall people. Their stores are in every major city, and they deliver.
• Online Customization: On Taobao, you can find vendors who will custom-make bedsheets to your exact mattress dimensions for a very reasonable price.

Conclusion

Surviving as a tall person in China is a game of knowing where to look.

• For Clothes: Stick to international brands, go online to "big size" Taobao stores, or get items custom-tailored.
• For Shoes: Head straight to Decathlon or, more realistically, search for your EU size on Taobao.
• For Bedding: Make a beeline for IKEA.

While it requires a little extra effort, finding things that fit is entirely possible, thanks largely to the power of online shopping.