PickGlobeOrdering clothes online is easy; ordering clothes that fit is harder. A "medium" in one shop can be a "small" in the next, and size labels change between countries. The fix is to stop trusting the letter on the label and start reading the size chart properly.
Measure yourself once, use it everywhere
Use a soft tape measure and wear thin clothing or underwear. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and level all the way around.
- Chest or bust: around the fullest part, under the arms.
- Waist: around your natural waist, usually the narrowest point above the belly button. (Jeans and trousers often use where you actually wear the waistband, which can be lower.)
- Hips: around the widest part of your hips and seat.
- Inside leg (inseam): from the crotch to where you want the hem to finish. Measuring a pair of trousers that already fits you well works too.
- Shoulders and sleeve length: useful for shirts, jackets and coats.
Write the numbers down in both inches and centimetres. US size charts usually use inches; UK charts often show both; EU charts use centimetres.
Body measurements vs garment measurements
This is the single most common source of confusion.
- Body measurements tell you which size the brand thinks fits a person of your size. If your chest is within the listed range, that size is the brand's suggestion.
- Garment measurements are the measurements of the item itself, laid flat. They include "ease", the extra room built into the design.
If a chart says "chest 40 in" without saying which kind, check the small print or the product description. A garment that measures 40 in around the chest on someone with a 40 in chest will be skin-tight; the same number as a body measurement means the shirt itself will be bigger.
A useful trick: lay a piece you already own and love flat, measure it (armpit to armpit, then double it for the chest), and compare it to the garment measurements on the page.
US, UK and EU sizes explained
Size systems differ, and conversions are only approximate. Treat any conversion table as a starting point, then check the measurements.
| Item | How sizes typically work |
|---|---|
| Women's dresses and tops | UK and US use numbers, but UK sizes usually run a few numbers higher than US for the same fit. EU sizes use a different, larger number range. |
| Men's shirts | Often sized by collar (neck) measurement in inches in the US and UK, or in centimetres in the EU. Some use S/M/L instead. |
| Men's trousers and jeans | Usually waist and inside leg in inches (for example 32/32). EU sizes use a separate number system. |
| Letter sizes (XS to XXL) | No shared standard. Always check the measurements behind the letters. |
If a product page only lists one system, look for the store's own conversion table rather than a generic one; the store's version reflects how that brand cuts its clothes.
Fit descriptions decoded
| Fit word | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Slim or skinny | Cut close to the body. Less room to move; check stretch content. |
| Regular or classic | A middle-ground cut with some ease. |
| Relaxed | Looser through the body or legs, without looking oversized. |
| Oversized or boxy | Deliberately big. Many people stay in their normal size; sizing down can look odd at the shoulders. |
| Tailored | Shaped at the waist or through the body. Check shoulder width carefully. |
Also check the model notes. Many pages say something like the model's height and which size they're wearing. If the model is much taller or shorter than you, adjust your expectations for length.
Stretch changes everything
Look at the fabric composition. Even a small amount of elastane (called spandex in the US) makes a garment more forgiving.
- Little or no stretch: go by measurements, and size up if you're between sizes.
- Some stretch: your usual size is often fine; tight-fitting items may loosen with wear.
- Knitwear and jersey: usually forgiving, but can grow or shrink after washing. Our guide to understanding fabric labels covers this.
Use reviews and returns wisely
- Reviews that mention fit ("runs small", "size up") are often more useful than the star rating. Read a few, and watch for signs of fake reviews.
- Check the returns policy before you order. Look at the time limit, whether returns are free, and who pays postage. Some shoppers order two sizes and return one; make sure that won't cost you more than it's worth.
- Keep tags on until you're sure. Many stores won't accept items that have been worn or washed.
The short version
Measure yourself once, compare against the chart, and know whether the chart shows body or garment measurements. Treat US/UK/EU conversions as rough, read the fit description and stretch content, and check the returns policy before you click "buy".