For those accustomed to US sizing standards, shopping in Mexico can present some unexpected nuances, particularly when it comes to clothing, shoes, and mattresses. While enjoying your vacation in Mexico, you might not have encountered these differences, but if you’re planning a move or an extended stay, understanding these size variations is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate Mexican sizes, ensuring you find the right fit and avoid any sizing surprises.
Clothing Sizes in Mexico Compared to US
Generally, clothing sizes in Mexico tend to run smaller than their US counterparts. This is a common observation, and it’s important to keep in mind when shopping for apparel.
Tops: Finding Your Fit
When selecting tops in Mexico, you’ll encounter sizes ranging from extra small to extra-large, similar to US sizing. However, the Mexican sizes often correspond to smaller US sizes. For example, a size small in Mexico might fit more like an extra-small in the US, especially in local retail stores. It’s also worth noting that finding extra-large sizes and above can be more challenging in Mexico, suggesting online retailers like Amazon as a better option for larger sizes.
The size tags will be in Spanish, which is helpful to be aware of. Here’s a quick translation guide for top sizes:
| U.S. Size | Mexico Size |
|---|---|
| Extra Small | Extra Chico or XCH |
| Small | Chico or CH |
| Medium | Mediano or M |
| Large | Grande or G |
| Extra Large | Extra Grande or XG |
Pants: Men’s and Women’s Sizing Discrepancies
For men’s pants, the sizing system is thankfully consistent between the US and Mexico. If you wear a size 32 in the US, you’ll generally wear the same size in Mexico. However, similar to tops, be mindful that sizes labeled as small, medium, or large might still run slightly smaller in Mexico, especially in local stores compared to international brands. This could be attributed to differences in average body sizes.
Women’s pants, however, follow a different sizing system in Mexico, more closely aligned with European standards. If you’re used to US pant sizes, you’ll need to convert your size. This is comparable to European pant sizing and may require an adjustment if you primarily purchase jeans in the US.
| Mexican Size | US Size |
|---|---|
| 26 | 2 |
| 28 | 4 |
| 30 | 6 |
| 32 | 8 |
| 34 | 10 |
| 36 | 12 |
| 38 | 14 |
| 40 | 16 |
Children’s Clothing: Girl’s Dresses Sizing
For children’s clothing, particularly girl’s dresses in Mexican department stores, sizing is often based on age. This approach is similar to baby clothing sizes in the US, where age-based sizing is common. In Mexico, it’s assumed that an 8-year-old girl would typically wear a size 8 dress.
Shoe Sizes: Centimeters are Key in Mexico
Shoe sizing in Mexico primarily uses centimeters (CM) as the measurement. This system is consistent for both men’s and women’s shoes. To determine your Mexican shoe size, measure your foot length from the heel to the tip of your longest toe in centimeters and round up to the nearest whole or half centimeter. This measurement directly corresponds to your Mexican shoe size.
While the centimeter system is standard, some Mexican stores might simplify the sizing by dropping the ’20’ prefix, especially for smaller sizes, leading to single-digit shoe sizes. However, this simplification becomes less consistent for larger sizes. Fortunately, retail staff in Mexican shoe stores are usually very helpful and can assist you in measuring your foot to find the correct Mexican shoe size.
| Centimeters | Mexico | US Men | US Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| 22.5 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 23 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| 23.5 | 3.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 24 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| 24.2 | 4.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 24.6 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| 25 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 25.5 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| 25.9 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 26.3 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| 26.7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 27 | 8 | 10 | 11 |
| 27.6 | 8.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 28 | 9 | 11 | 12 |
| 28.4 | 9.5 | 11.5 | 12.5 |
| 28.8 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| 29 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
shoe size comparisons between mexico and the U.S.
Finding larger shoe sizes, especially in smaller boutique shops, can be challenging as Mexicans generally have smaller feet compared to those in the US. For larger sizes, major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, or online retailers, will likely offer a better selection.
Mattress Sizes: Minor Differences to Note
Many rental homes in Mexico come furnished, often with queen-sized mattresses. However, you might find that your US linens don’t fit perfectly. Mattress sizes in Mexico are very close to US sizes but have slight variations.
Here’s a size comparison to illustrate the minor differences:
| Mexican Size | Dimensions (inches) | U.S. Size | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (Single) | 39.37” x 74.80” | Twin | 38” x 74” |
| Matrimonial (Double) | 53.15” x 74.80” | Full/ Double | 54” x 74” |
| Queen | 59.06” x 74.80” | Queen | 60” x 80” |
| King | 74.80” x 78.74” | King | 76” x 80” |
These subtle differences, particularly in length for queen and king sizes, can cause standard US linens to fit slightly off. Therefore, when moving to Mexico, it’s advisable to bring only essential furnishings and consider purchasing new linens in Mexico to ensure a proper fit for your mattress.
Embracing the Differences
Moving to a new country is an adventure filled with learning new customs and adapting to local nuances. Understanding size differences in Mexico is just one aspect of this exciting transition. While it might seem slightly inconvenient initially, embracing these differences and exploring local retailers can be a rewarding part of settling into your new life in Mexico. Navigating these sizing variations is a small step in your journey to experiencing all that Mexico has to offer.
