Which size should I choose

Short answer: Measure your bust, waist and hips, look the numbers up in the shop's own size guide, and choose by the largest of your measurements. The fabric decides which way you round. It takes a few minutes and often saves an exchange.

The shop's own guide is the answer

Sizes are not the same from shop to shop. A medium from one brand can be a small or a large from another. That is why you always go by the shop's own size guide, not the size you usually buy. Check the guide every time, even when you know the brand. See bamboo hoodies for women.

How to measure correctly

Use a soft tape measure and measure directly on the body or over thin clothing. Measure the bust at its widest point, the waist at its narrowest and the hips at the widest point around the seat. Keep the tape level and snug without pulling. Write the numbers down for next time.

Choose by the largest measurement

If your bust and waist fall in different sizes, follow the larger one. A little extra room in one place is easier to live with than a garment that is tight in another. Clothes that pull across the bust or hips rarely get worn, while a little extra room at the waist is barely noticed. See all women's clothing.

Which measurements count for which clothes

For tops such as hoodies and T-shirts, the bust measurement matters most. For trousers and skirts it is the hips and waist. For dresses and jumpsuits, all three need to fit. Look at the measurement that matches the garment you want, rather than one size for everything.

The fabric decides the rounding

Fabric with stretch gives room to round down. When a fabric has at least five percent elastane, it gives and follows the body, so you can choose the smaller of two sizes. Without stretch, always round up instead, because the fabric does not give. See most popular for women.

How the garment should fit

Think about how you want the garment to sit. Something meant to fit close, like a top or a bra, should follow your measurements closely. Something meant to sit loose, like a hoodie, can be a size up if you prefer. The product text often says whether a style is close fitting or relaxed.

Read the product description

The product description often tells you more than the guide alone. It lists the fabric and whether the style is long, short, close fitting or loose. Some shops also say what size the model in the photo is wearing. Use that together with your own measurements.

When you are unsure

If you sit right between two sizes, look at the fabric and the fit. If the fabric stretches and the garment should sit close, you can round down. If there is no stretch, or you want more room, round up. If you are still unsure, contact the shop and ask.

Frequently asked questions

How do you choose the right size

Measure your bust, waist and hips, look the numbers up in the shop's own guide, and choose by the largest of your measurements so nothing is tight.

What if your measurements point to different sizes

Choose the larger one. A little extra room in one place is easier to live with than a garment that is tight in another.

When can you round down

When the fabric has at least five percent elastane. Without stretch in the fabric, always round up instead, because it does not give.