What S and M actually cover

Short answer: The letters S and M are not standardised, so they cover different measurements at different brands. An S can, for example, mean a chest measurement between eighty eight and ninety six centimetres, so always check the size table.

The range is wide

Each letter typically covers a range of four to eight centimetres in chest measurement. That does not sound like much, but it can separate a close fit from a loose one. That is why a bamboo tank top for men in S can fit differently from brand to brand.

The brand decides

There is no shared standard that everyone follows, and each brand sets its own scale. Some build it around a certain body type, others around a certain cut. So you cannot carry your letter straight from one brand to another. See the specific guide for socks for men and other items.

Measurements are the only fixed point

Centimetres mean the same everywhere, so a size table always beats a letter. When you know your own measurements, you can quickly see which letter fits at the brand you shop with. The same applies to bamboo sweatwear, where a loose fit can hide that the size is actually too big.

Within a brand things are steady

Even though letters vary between brands, they are usually consistent within the same range. Once you have found your size at one brand, you can often reuse it for other items in that range. Still check the measurements when you buy a new type of item, as tops and bottoms may be measured differently.

How to find your measurements

Take a soft tape and stand relaxed. Measure your chest at its widest with the tape level around your body. Measure the waist at its narrowest and the hips at their widest. Do not pull the tape tight, just let it rest lightly. Write the figures down so they are ready whenever you choose a size.

Compare with something you own

A top that fits well is a good reference. Lay it flat on a table, smooth it out and measure the width across the chest two centimetres below the armhole. Double it to get the circumference. Compare with the brand's table and choose the letter closest to the item you already like.

Fabric and cut play a part

Two items in the same letter can feel different because fabric and cut differ. Soft fabric with a little stretch gives more than firm fabric, and a loose style has more room than a close one. Always read the fit description and think about how you like your clothes to sit day to day.

When you are between two letters

If your measurements sit on the line between S and M, your preference decides. For a close fit choose the smaller letter, and for more room choose the larger. For relaxing at home many want a little extra room, while a tank top or underwear often sits closer to the body.

Frequently asked questions

How wide is a letter

Typically four to eight centimetres in chest measurement, so two people wearing the same letter can have quite different measurements.

Is there a standard

There are proposals for standards, but not every brand follows them, so always check the specific size table.

Can you trust letters within one brand

Yes, within the same range they are usually consistent, but check the measurements for a new type of item.