What centimetres in a guide mean

Short answer: A size guide can show two very different things. Either the measurements of your body or the measurements of the garment itself. The difference matters, because the two numbers are never the same.

Body or garment measurements

Body measurements are yours, garment measurements belong to the piece. The two numbers are never the same, and that is the key thing to understand before using a guide. A body measurement tells you your size around the chest or hips. A garment measurement tells you the size of the clothing. Mixing them up can lead to the wrong size.

Garment measurements include room

A garment measurement is larger than the body measurement, because there has to be room to move. This extra space is called ease, and it depends on the cut. A relaxed cut has more room than a close one. That applies to bamboo joggers for women, where you want room to walk, sit and stretch.

Read the table heading

The heading usually says what kind of measurements the table shows. Look for words such as body measurements or garment measurements. If nothing is stated, read the text around the table or look for a small drawing of where the measuring was done. It decides whether you measure yourself or a garment.

How to take body measurements

If the guide shows body measurements, measure yourself. Use a soft tape and measure in light clothing or underwear. The chest is measured at its widest point, the waist at its narrowest and the hips at their widest. Keep the tape level all the way round and do not pull it so tight that it presses in.

How to use garment measurements

If the guide shows garment measurements, it is easiest to measure a piece you already like. Lay it flat, measure the width and double it. That gives you a number you can compare directly with the guide. It works for tops as well as bamboo underwear for women, as long as you compare similar pieces.

When nothing is stated

If the table does not say what it shows, you can usually work it out. Compare the numbers with your own body measurements. If the figures for your usual size are clearly larger than you, they are garment measurements. If they are close to your own, they are probably body measurements.

Stretch changes the picture

A fabric with stretch can sit closer to the body and still feel comfortable. So a stretchy garment can have measurements close to the body without being too small. Read the fabric content and think about whether the material gives before you judge the numbers. A fabric without stretch needs more room.

Between two sizes

If you fall between two sizes, think about how you want the piece to sit. For a relaxed fit, choose the larger. For a closer fit, choose the smaller. It can also help to look at the most popular styles for women, where the fit is often described.

Frequently asked questions

What does a size guide show

Either your body measurements or the measurements of the garment itself. The table heading usually tells you which, so read it first.

Why is the garment larger than the body measurement

Because there has to be room to move. The difference is called ease and is typically four to ten centimetres, depending on the cut.

What if the table does not say what it shows

Then you can work it out. If the numbers are larger than normal body measurements for that size, they are garment measurements.