Korean Job Discussion Forums

a4athert · Joined: 23 Mar 2011

I need to buy some clothes. When I got here I was a size 40 US, have lost some weight and really need some shorts for school. I am pretty close to Seoul and think that's my best bet, but where to go? Also how do I figure out my Korean Size?

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

Depends on what size you are now.

You can find 36 in pretty much any store in Korea and unless you are over 6 foot 1 or so they will fit fine. All of the big american name brand stores can be found in myeongdong, albeit at a 100% markup.

Anything over 36 I really havent seen outside of Itaewon, and those prices are generally insane.

In all honesty, your best bet it to buy online, ship to a friends home in the states, have them open everything, rip the tags off and send them to you as used clothes. I have been doing this for all my jeans, shoes and workout clothes for years. I can always find my size here, but generally the clothes all fall into two categories: horribly overpriced for good quality, or absolute crap quality that isnt even worth a second look.

The only clothes here that I have found to have a good quality to price ratio are hand made stuff like suits and dress shirts. Everything else, order online.

a4athert · Joined: 23 Mar 2011

Honestly I don't know what size I am now, I know without belts I couldn't wear most of the pants/shorts I came with. Thanks for the info Nate, I'll check Itaewon out and go from there. Cool

FDNY · Joined: 27 Sep 2010

I know of two great places that have larger size clothes. Their selection is also great. Unfortunately one is for Bigger Canadians and the other is for Bigger Brits. Sorry.

No_hite_pls · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:47 pm Post subject:

Dazed and Confused · Joined: 10 Jan 2003

If you've only lost a size or two then head over to a local tailor shop and get your clothes taken in. I did that when I lost weight but still couldn't find Korean sizes pants that actually fit.

a4athert · Joined: 23 Mar 2011

FDNY, not sure about you! Laughing

I will look into that Dazed.

Vox_Populi · Joined: 04 May 2009 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Anything size 40 and above and you're pretty much restricted to Itaewon or Ebay. I actually buy my underwear on Ebay. It's not much more expensive than simply walking into Walmart back home and it's precisely the same product.

Anyway, there are a number of shops in Itaewon that advertise that they carry Big and Tall clothes. That's where you'll want to shop for shirts and jeans. If you're looking for something more formal, there's this little tailor shop called Lab 702 (it's IMMEDIATELY across the street from McDonalds in Itaewon). The staff are very helpful and the prices aren't bad. You can get a whole custom made suit or just a tailored shirt or two or a pair of tailored khakis. Whatever you like!

One more thing, in Itaewon, don't worry about your Korean size (mainly because your Korean size doesn't exist). If you speak in American sizes, everyone will understand and accommodate you.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

There is a good place with American sized clothes at Dongmyoe Station at the top of Exit # 3. Clothes come from USA, Canada and Italy. Some are clothes that did not sell~factory seconds; some are 2nd hand; some are brand new. They have all sizes and the prices are right. In addition, I would recommend THE BEAUTIFUL STORE as well.