When you buy clothes online you cannot try them on first, so the size table is your fitting room. With three measurements and two minutes you can pick the right size most of the time. This guide shows you how.
1. Measure yourself in centimetres
Use a soft tape measure over light clothing, standing relaxed. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
- Chest or bust: around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
- Waist: around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips.
- Height and shoulder width: useful for jackets, shirts and oversized pieces.
Write the numbers down once. You will reuse them for every order.
2. Read the size table, not just the letter
A medium in one brand is a large in another, so the letter alone tells you little. Product pages at outfit market include a size guide in centimetres, so compare your numbers with the table.
One detail matters: check whether the table lists body measurements or garment measurements. Garment measurements are taken with the piece laid flat, so a flat chest of 50 cm means about 100 cm around. Double the chest, waist and hip numbers before you compare them with your own.
3. Think about stretch
Fabrics with a little lycra, such as the 95% cotton and 5% lycra used in many ribbed tops and t-shirts, forgive small differences and are meant to sit close to the body. Rigid fabrics such as denim, linen and woven shirts do not stretch, so there is less room for error.
4. Between two sizes?
- If the fabric stretches and you want a fitted look, take the size closer to your measurements.
- If the fabric is rigid, or you want a relaxed look, take the larger size.
- If you are still undecided, take the larger one. A piece that is slightly roomy is easier to live with than one that pulls.
5. Oversized, cropped and sets
- Oversized pieces are cut large on purpose. Look at the shoulder width and length in the table, not only the chest. See our oversized t-shirt guide.
- Cropped tops: check the length measurement against your torso so the hem lands where you want it.
- Sets: the top and the bottom each have their own size table. You may be a different size in each.
6. Kids: use height and chest, not age
Children of the same age vary a lot. Measure height and chest and use the table, and if your child is between sizes, choose the larger size for room to grow. More in our kids' clothing guide.
Still not sure?
Try the size finder for a quick recommendation, or message us before you order. If a piece does not fit, you can exchange it within 14 days of receiving it, as long as it is in its original condition. The details are in our returns policy.
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