How to find your size in bamboo clothing

Short answer: Measure your bust or chest, waist and hips, and compare them with the size guide. If you fall between two sizes, the stretch in the fabric decides which way to go. Take your time the first time, and you will have your measurements ready for next time.

Measure instead of guessing

Three measurements go a long way: chest under the arms, waist at the narrowest point and hips at the widest. Write them down so you have them to hand next time you shop. A letter like M or L says little on its own, but your own measurements compare directly with the guide. Use them when choosing a bamboo hoodie for women.

How to take your measurements

Use a soft tape measure and measure over your underwear or a thin top. Keep the tape level all the way round and let it rest without pulling. Stand relaxed and breathe normally. If you are on your own, a mirror helps you check that the tape is straight at the back. Measure twice to be sure.

Read the size guide properly

A size guide usually shows body measurements, not garment measurements. Compare your own figures with the columns and find the size where they fit best. If garment measurements are also listed, such as length or width, you can lay a top you like flat and compare. That gives a good picture of the fit.

Stretch decides the direction

If the fabric contains elastane, you can size down when you are between sizes, because the fabric gives and shapes to your body. If there is no stretch, size up so nothing feels tight. The composition is on the product page and the care label. Check the compositions in men's most popular before you choose.

Think about how it should fit

The same measurements can lead to different choices depending on how you want the garment to sit. Underwear and tops need to sit close to work well, while a hoodie or sweatshirt can be looser. Choose the size that matches your measurements, and only go up one size if you deliberately want a looser fit.

Try one before you buy more

Buy one piece of a style first, and wear it for a few days and through a wash. You will then know how it fits and whether it keeps its shape. If it fits, you can add more in the same size with confidence. This matters most for close fitting items like a bamboo bra, where fit counts for a lot.

Wash before judging the length

Clothes that are not preshrunk can shrink a little in the first wash, mostly in length. Wash at 40 degrees and air dry from the start. Then judge whether the length is right. If a piece is borderline in length before washing, it can be wise to choose the longer option.

Keep a note of your measurements

Once you have found a size that fits, write it down together with your measurements and the name of the style. Bodies change over time, so measure yourself again now and then, especially if your clothes start to fit differently. That way you do not rely on an old size that no longer fits.

Frequently asked questions

Are sizes the same across brands

No. Always measure against the guide instead of going by the letter. The same size can fit differently from one brand to another.

Do clothes shrink after the first wash

A little, if they are not preshrunk. Wash at 40 degrees from the start and air dry to keep shrinkage to a minimum.

Which measurement matters most

The largest of the three. If your hips are widest, they decide the size, even if the other measurements point to a smaller one.