How to compare two size guides

Short answer: First check whether the chart shows body measurements or garment measurements. The two types cannot be compared directly, and mixing them up is the most common reason for buying the wrong size.

Body measurements versus garment measurements

A chart with body measurements tells you what to measure on your own body. A chart with garment measurements tells you what the item itself measures when laid flat. The numbers look similar but mean something quite different. Always check the heading of the table, also when choosing bamboo underwear for women.

The measuring points must match

Two charts can measure the chest in different places on the garment. One measures just below the armhole, the other a little further down. The numbers are then not directly comparable, even though both call it chest width. Check exactly where the measurement is taken for socks for women and other items.

Use your own garment as a bridge

The easiest route is to take an item you already like and measure it flat. Then compare that number with both charts. You will know which size matches something familiar, and you do not have to guess. This also works well when choosing a bamboo sweatshirt for women.

How to measure a garment flat

Lay the item on a table without stretching it. Smooth the fabric with your hand and measure from side to side at the point the chart gives. The number is half the circumference, so double it if the chart shows the full circumference. Measure twice rather than once, and write the result down.

Allow for ease

A body measurement and a garment measurement are rarely the same number. The garment is usually a little larger than the body, so there is room to move. This extra is called ease, and it is larger on a loose sweatshirt than on close fitting underwear. Once you know the ease, you can convert between the chart types.

Fit changes the numbers

A close fitting item has little ease, while a relaxed style has more. That is why two charts from the same brand can show different numbers for the same size. Read the fit description before comparing. If it says close fitting, expect a garment measurement near your body measurement. If it says relaxed, the number should be clearly higher.

Stretch in the fabric matters

Fabrics with elastane give, which makes garment measurements less exact. A stretchy top can measure smaller than your body and still fit well. So do not reject a size just because the garment measurement is slightly below your body measurement. Look instead at whether the fabric is described as stretchy and how close the item is meant to sit.

Keep a note of your own measurements

Once you have measured yourself and a favourite item, save the numbers somewhere you can find them again. Chest, waist, hip and length cover most things. With the numbers at hand, checking a new chart takes only a moment, and you avoid ordering several sizes just to be safe.

Frequently asked questions

How do you tell which type of chart it is

Body measurements refer to the body and ask you to measure yourself, while garment measurements name the item or talk about flat measurements.

Can you convert between the two types

Yes, by adding the ease to the body measurement. That gives you a number you can compare with the garment measurement in the other chart.

How large is the ease usually

Four to ten centimetres depending on fit. Close fitting items sit at the low end, while loose and relaxed styles sit at the high end of the range.