Sizing is the #1 thing that trips people up when shopping Mekora. Not because our clothes are badly made — quite the opposite. It's because Vietnamese sizing follows different conventions to what most Australians are used to. Read this guide before you order. It'll save you a return.
Why Vietnamese Sizing Runs Smaller
Every piece on Mekora is designed and made in Vietnam by independent Vietnamese designers. They pattern and grade their clothes using Asian sizing conventions — which are cut slimmer and smaller than Australian or US sizing standards.
What this means in practice: a label that says “M” in a Vietnamese brand is closer to an Australian small. A Vietnamese “L” fits more like an Australian medium. The proportions are also cut differently — slimmer through the waist and hips, and often shorter in the torso and sleeve.
This isn't a flaw. It's just a different standard. Once you know how to navigate it, you'll nail your size every time.
The Golden Rule: Go Up One Size
Go up one size from your usual Australian size.
So if you normally wear an Australian size 10, start with a Vietnamese size 12. If you're a size 14, try a 16.
This is a starting point — not gospel. Some cuts run truer to size, some run even smaller. The only way to be sure is to measure yourself and check the product size guide.
How to Measure Yourself (Takes 2 Minutes)
Grab a soft tape measure (the kind used for sewing — not a rigid builder's tape). Measure in centimetres, standing in your normal posture, wearing light clothing or underwear.
Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it horizontal and snug but not tight. Breathe normally.
Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist — usually about 2–3 cm above your belly button. Don't suck in.
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, typically about 20 cm below your natural waist.
Write these three numbers down. They're your foundation for every purchase on Mekora.
How to Use the Size Guide on Each Product Page
Every product on Mekora has its own size guide — you'll find it on the product page, usually beneath the size selector. The guide shows measurements (in centimetres) for each available size. Compare your measurements to the guide, not to the size label. If your measurements fall between two sizes in the guide, go with the larger one — Vietnamese cuts have less ease built in, so the bigger size will feel more comfortable.
What If I'm Between Sizes?
Go up. Vietnamese sizing is cut slimmer than what most Australians are used to, with less stretch and ease. If you're on the boundary, the larger size will fit better and feel more comfortable — especially for fitted silhouettes.
Not sure? Lodge a support ticket in your account or visit mekora.com/help with your measurements (bust, waist, hips in cm) and the specific item you're looking at. We'll check the designer's sizing charts and tell you exactly what to order.
Important: Sizing Varies by Designer
Sizing isn't consistent across all designers on Mekora. Each independent brand has their own patterns, cuts, and fit philosophy. A size M from one designer may fit differently to a size M from another. That's part of what makes independent fashion interesting — but it does mean you should check the size guide on each product page individually, rather than assuming your size will carry across.
Quick Reference
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| First time buying from a Vietnamese brand | Go up one size from your usual AU size |
| You have your measurements | Check the size guide on the product page and match to the chart |
| You're between two sizes | Go with the larger size |
| Buying from a new designer on Mekora | Check that designer's size guide — don't assume it matches a previous purchase |
| Still unsure | Lodge a ticket at mekora.com/help with your measurements |
What If Something Still Doesn't Fit?
If the fit isn't right, you can return it within 14 days of delivery for store credit (change-of-mind returns). The item needs to be unworn, unwashed, with original tags attached. We'll issue store credit so you can reorder in the right size.
We don't offer direct size exchanges — it's a return for credit and a fresh order. Check out our Returns & Refunds Policy for the full process.
Still need help?
Reach out to us at support@mekora.com — we respond within 24 hours on business days.