Almost every return we see comes down to the same thing: somebody guessed a size. Five minutes with a tape measure removes most of that risk, and the numbers you take today will serve you for every order you place afterwards. Here is how to do it properly.
What you need
A soft tape measure, the kind used for sewing. If you do not have one, use a length of string and then lay it against a steel tape or a ruler. Wear light clothes, or the clothes you would normally wear under the item you are buying.
Keep the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to slide one finger underneath it. Pulling the tape tight gives you a smaller number and a garment that does not fit.
The measurements to take
Chest or bust
Around the fullest part, with the tape level all the way around and under the arms. Breathe normally and do not puff out your chest.
Waist
The narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the navel. If you cannot find it, bend sideways — the crease that forms is your natural waist.
Hip
The fullest part, roughly 20 centimetres below the waist, with your feet together.
Shoulder
From the bone at the edge of one shoulder, straight across the back, to the same point on the other side.
Sleeve length
From the shoulder bone, down the outside of a slightly bent arm, to the wrist bone.
Shirt length
From the top of the shoulder beside the neck, straight down the front, to where you want the hem to sit.
Inseam
From the crotch to the ankle bone, down the inside of the leg. Easier to take from a pair of trousers that already fit you: lay them flat and measure the same line.
Write them down and keep them
Save the numbers in your phone notes with the date. Measure again once a year. Having them to hand means you can check a listing in ten seconds instead of guessing, and you can order for yourself from any shop with confidence.
How to use them on a listing
Compare your measurements to the ones on the listing, not to the letter. S, M and L are not standardised and mean different things from one supplier to the next.
Two rules cover most cases:
- If you are between two sizes, take the larger one. A garment that is slightly loose can be taken in. One that is tight cannot be let out.
- Imported sizing runs small. On winter wear especially, take one size up as a rule and two if you plan to wear a layer underneath.
Measuring a garment instead of a body
Sometimes the easiest check is to measure something you already own that fits well. Lay it flat, measure across the chest from seam to seam, and double it. That gives you a comparable chest measurement to the one on the listing, and it takes the guesswork out entirely.
Children are measured differently
Children's clothes are sized by height rather than by age, because two children of the same age can differ by a hand's width. Stand the child against a wall, mark the top of the head and measure from the floor. If they fall between two heights, take the larger one — layers go underneath in winter, and children grow through a size in a season.
Our kids' winter size chart gives the full height ranges.
Still unsure
Send your measurements and the product link on WhatsApp to 0345 6650894. We will tell you which size to take, and we will tell you if none of them will fit rather than sell you something that is going to come back.