How to choose a size for a gift

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Size is the only real risk with clothing as a gift. There are three simple ways to remove it, and all three take less than five minutes: look in what the recipient already wears, choose something with a wide size range and make sure the gift can be exchanged.

Why size is the hard part

Colour and style can be guessed by looking at what the recipient wears. Size is harder, because you cannot see it from the outside. Two people of the same height can wear different sizes, and the same person can wear different sizes in different types of clothing. That is why it helps to have a plan before you buy.

Look in what she already wears

The most accurate method is to look in something the recipient wears often. The size is usually printed in the waistband of underwear or at the neck of a T-shirt. Choose a piece she likes and wears a lot, so you know the fit suits her. Take a photo of the label. See bamboo underwear for women.

Compare with the same type of clothing

Sizes can vary between types of clothing. The size of a close-fitting top does not always say much about the size of a loose T-shirt. So it is best to look in a piece similar to the one you want to give. If you are buying underwear, check her underwear. If you are buying a T-shirt, check a T-shirt she wears a lot.

Choose something with a wide size range

Socks and soft tops cover more sizes than close-fitting clothes. One sock size usually fits several shoe sizes, and a soft T-shirt with a relaxed fit forgives a wrong guess better than a tight style. If you are unsure, this is the safest place to start. See bamboo socks.

If you are between two sizes

If you are torn between two sizes, the larger one is often the better choice, especially for tops and loungewear. A slightly large T-shirt can still be worn and feels relaxed, while one that is too small rarely gets used. Underwear is different, because the fit matters more. There it is worth finding the exact size.

Ask discreetly

If you cannot look in the wardrobe, ask someone who knows the recipient well, such as a partner, a sister or a close friend. You can also bring up sizes in an ordinary conversation about clothes without giving anything away. Many people happily mention the size they usually wear when the subject comes up naturally.

Sort out the exchange before you wrap

Include a gift receipt so that a wrong guess is easy to fix. It takes the pressure off both you and the recipient. She can exchange for another size without having to explain, and the gift does not become a problem. Feel free to add a short note. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

Three steps in under five minutes

All in all, the recipe is simple. First, look in something the recipient wears often and note the size. Next, if you are unsure, choose a type of clothing with a wide size range and a relaxed fit. Finally, include a gift receipt. With these three steps, the risk of clothing as a gift becomes very small.