women’s clothing/shoes size help?

Hello,

I'll be going on a study abroad, in the Osaka area, for around a year.

I am trying to pack light, since I'm staying with a family and don't want to be an inconvenience.

Basically, I'm bringing jeans, some capri things and skirts (for spring/summer). Then a small amount of tops.

Where I'm stuck is worrying about buying things there... if I end up needing something. I'm 5'8'' and 148 and in between a size 7/8 and 9/10 in jeans. In shoes, I'm size 9. These being US sizes.

I usually run a medium in tops but it depends, sometimes large.

Ugh, also, embarrassing and...awkward but:

Bras? I should probably just buy some more before I go over, since I'd be about a 75E in Japan (34D in US sizing? right?), or will I manage to find something there?

So, my questions:

Is it possible to find the US size 7/8 or 9/10 Japanese equivalent in jeans/pants?

Does an equivalent for a US size 9 women's shoe exist in Japan?

How much smaller are the tops in Japan? Will they fit me?

Also, I've googled and I keep finding conflicting size conversion charts. Some saying subtract 1 number from US sizes to get Japan's... which I rose an eyebrow at but then another one adding three numbers to the US size. Like, US size 9 being Japan size 11.

Thank you so much if you read all of that, also, thank you if you reply. It was rather long.

If I look up sizing charts, I end up with a whole range of numbers - women's clothing size really varies from one manufacturer/designer to another, I guess that is why. Just as a guideline, 8 - 10 US size would be 11 - 13 in Japan, which is slightly on the large side, but there are "tall and large" sizes starting from 13, 15, up to 17 or so.

You are on the tall side, though, so pants here might feel a bit short - so for smart casual type of pants, you might want to bring a few pairs if you have your favorite cut/design.

Size US 9 ladies shoes would be 25.0cm, which is at the largest end in regular sizes available at, for example, at department store's shoes section (the most common size is 23 - 24 cm). You might want to bring a few pairs so that you be comfortable until you are able to freely explore shopping.

For bra size, again it is on the somewhat big side, but you will find something.

I just posted in another similar thread a little while ago, but I'll post here as well. I am 5'6" and 135lbs, and I wear a large or "free size" (one size fits all, normally big breezy dresses). Sometimes I can wear a medium if its one of those breezy dresses. However, also be aware of body differences. I find that my shoulders are much broader and my butt is bigger than the average Japanese woman ("hourglass" I'd like to think, hehe). Therefore, I've tried on shorts in a size L that were just a little too small because my butt and/or thighs were a bit too big. Also, tailored shirts are impossible for me, I look like I'm busting out.

Also, I'm a size 8 US shoes and I wear an 24.5-25cm, and many places have a limited selection in that size. So it can be tough. Sizes larger? Even tougher.

I recommend you check out www.being-a-broad.com, a website with a great forum for expat women living in Japan. It's been really helpful to me and has an entire section devoted to clothing questions.

I take a US size 9 shoe and it is closer to 26 in Japanese sizes than 25. There is only a very limited selection of shoes for women over 24.5- basically Zara, the Marui Model (large sizes) shops and a few expensive specialist shops. I buy most of my shoes overseas.

I am 5'9" and also don't have much choice in where I can buy pants- again, Zara, sometimes Benetton, and...that's about it. I haven't checked whether H&M and Forever 21 have longer-legged pants yet, but I am hopeful.

Gap pants are too short for me, but only just, so you might find they fit you. Arm length is also an issue with winter coats and sweaters etc.

As far as tops, bras etc. I'm small in the upper body so fit Japanese sizes- generally there is not much of a size range though, and I am often an L in Japan whereas I would be S in the US.

I'm 5'7'' but have short legs for my height. I take an inseam of 30'' (the typical inseam for a person 5'5''-5'6''). I have no problems finding that inseam length for my size (US size 6/size 11 in Japan).

If your inseam is 31'' or more (which is likely at your height), then pants will be too short for you.

Thank you all so much for your help, my inseam is probably too long for most pants (yaaaay highwaters, then). I will pack and plan accordingly!

Please stock up before you come!
I am in Japan now and its sooo difficult for me to find stuff that fits.. im a US size 8 in shoes, which might as well be a size 11. I can barely squeeze into a JP size 25.. they are all really small makes.
Bras? dont even get me started.. i wear a US D cup and i am still popping out the sides, over the top of Japanese bras.. and its not an easy thing to get your loved ones to ship to you if you are particular.
I am 5'9 so i dont even bother trying on pants.
I am not based in Tokyo or Osaka so it might be easier for you in the larger cities..
In tokyo, there is a GAP, H and M and Forever 21 so you can get western sizes there!
Good luck and enjoy your experience here!!!
Its unreal!