North Face Sizing
1 | US vs UK Sizing Explained
The North Face is an American brand, and its sizing follows US conventions — which align closely with UK sizing for most garments. In practice, a UK Medium is the same as a US Medium for The North Face, and a UK 12 women's is broadly equivalent to a US Small or XS depending on the garment type.
The key differences to be aware of:
- Labelled sizes match: S, M, L, XL labels are consistent between the US and UK for The North Face. You do not need to size up or down based on country of origin.
- Women's numeric vs letter: US women's sizing uses numbers (2, 4, 6, 8...). UK women's sizing uses larger numbers (6, 8, 10, 12...). On The North Face website and labels, you'll typically see letter sizes (XS, S, M, L) which removes the conversion problem entirely.
- Body measurements matter more than labels: The most accurate way to find your size is to measure your chest, waist, and hips, then compare to The North Face specific chart for the garment you're buying.
Quick US to UK Women's Conversion
- US 0 / UK 4 → XS
- US 2–4 / UK 6–8 → XS–S
- US 6–8 / UK 10–12 → S–M
- US 10–12 / UK 14–16 → M–L
- US 14–16 / UK 18–20 → XL–XXL
2 | How to Measure Yourself Correctly
Accurate measurements take two minutes and save you the hassle of an incorrect fit. Use a soft fabric measuring tape and measure over light clothing (not over a heavy jumper, which will inflate the reading).
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal under your armpits. Keep one finger between the tape and your body — the measurement should be snug but not tight. For jackets, this is the most important single measurement.
Waist
Measure around your natural waist — roughly at the narrowest point of your torso, typically an inch or two above your belly button. Relevant mainly for fitted women's styles and softshells with shaped waists.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, typically 7–9 inches below your natural waist. Relevant for women's sizing and longer-cut jacket styles.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the centre back of your neck, across your shoulder and down to your wrist with your arm slightly bent. Useful for checking technical jacket sleeve length — particularly relevant for layering systems.
Between Sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider your intended use. For outdoor jackets, size up — you want room for a midlayer underneath. For lifestyle pieces like fleeces and casual jackets, go with the smaller size for a cleaner silhouette.
3 | Men's Size Charts
Men's Jackets & Fleeces
| Size Label | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32–34″ | 81–86 cm | XS |
| S | 35–37″ | 89–94 cm | S |
| M | 38–40″ | 97–102 cm | M |
| L | 41–43″ | 104–109 cm | L |
| XL | 44–46″ | 112–117 cm | XL |
| 2XL | 47–49″ | 119–124 cm | 2XL |
| 3XL | 50–52″ | 127–132 cm | 3XL |
Men's Trousers & Bottoms
| Size Label | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 27–29″ | 69–74 cm | 84–89 cm |
| S | 30–32″ | 76–81 cm | 91–97 cm |
| M | 33–35″ | 84–89 cm | 99–104 cm |
| L | 36–38″ | 91–97 cm | 107–112 cm |
| XL | 39–41″ | 99–104 cm | 114–119 cm |
| 2XL | 42–44″ | 107–112 cm | 122–127 cm |
Measurements are approximate and based on The North Face standard size guide. Individual garments may vary. Always check the specific product page for garment-specific sizing notes.
4 | Women's Size Charts
Women's Jackets & Fleeces
| Size Label | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | UK Dress Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 81–84 cm | 61–64 cm | UK 6–8 |
| S | 86–89 cm | 66–69 cm | UK 8–10 |
| M | 91–94 cm | 71–74 cm | UK 12–14 |
| L | 97–102 cm | 76–81 cm | UK 14–16 |
| XL | 107–112 cm | 86–91 cm | UK 18–20 |
| 2XL | 117–122 cm | 97–102 cm | UK 22–24 |
Women's sizing is based on The North Face standard women's size guide. Performance and outdoor pieces may have a slightly different cut to lifestyle pieces — check individual product notes. UK dress size equivalents are approximate.
5 | Regular vs Relaxed Fit
The North Face uses several distinct fit descriptors across its range. Understanding what each means prevents you from buying a jacket that fits your chest but sits too tightly across the shoulders when you lift your arms — which is a particular problem with technical outdoor jackets.
Standard Fit
The most common North Face fit. Sits close to the body without being tight. Chest and shoulders are cut generously enough for movement, but the jacket does not billow. Works well as a standalone piece or over a base layer. The classic Resolve jacket and most casual TNF fleeces use this cut.
Regular Fit
Slightly roomier than Standard — designed with layering in mind. There is deliberate space in the chest and arms to allow a midlayer fleece or insulation piece underneath. This is the fit you want if you plan to layer seriously, particularly for outdoor activities in cold weather.
Athletic Fit (Slim)
Cut closer to the body — particularly through the torso. Designed for people with an athletic build who prefer a more fitted silhouette. Suitable for lifestyle wear and lower-intensity activity. Not ideal for heavy layering. Many women's pieces use a similar shaped construction.
Relaxed Fit
The most generous cut — designed for maximum freedom of movement. Used on climbing-specific pieces and some casual styles. If you buy relaxed fit in your normal size, it will feel deliberately loose. Size down if you prefer a neater appearance.
6 | Layering Allowance for Outdoor Jackets
If you're buying a North Face jacket for hill walking, skiing, or any activity where you'll wear it over other layers, the standard sizing advice changes. You need to account for what will be underneath.
The Three-Layer System and Sizing
The classic three-layer outdoor clothing system works like this:
- Base layer (next to skin) — moisture-wicking, thin
- Midlayer (insulation) — fleece or down, typically 2–4cm of loft
- Shell (outer jacket) — waterproof and windproof
The shell jacket needs to accommodate the base layer and midlayer without restricting movement. The North Face's shell jackets (Dryzzle, Resolve, Venture series) are designed with this in mind — but you still need to make the right size decision.
The Layering Rule for TNF Shells
If you normally wear a Medium in The North Face fleeces or casual jackets, and you plan to layer a fleece underneath your shell, consider sizing up to a Large for the shell. The additional space means you won't feel restricted at the shoulders when wearing a mid-layer, and the shell will zip fully without pulling across the chest.
How Much Layering Room Each Fit Provides
- Standard Fit shell: room for a thin base layer only — size up for a midlayer
- Regular Fit shell: room for a fleece midlayer in your normal size
- Summit / Expedition pieces: engineered for layering — often include sizing notes on the label
7 | Model-Specific Fit Notes
Sizing within The North Face range is not entirely uniform. These are the models we sell at OD's and the specific fit considerations for each.
Nuptse Puffer Jacket
The Nuptse runs true to size. The boxy, cropped cut is intentional — it is part of the design. Do not size up expecting a longer body length: you will simply get a puffier, boxier silhouette. If you want a longer down jacket, look at the Metropolis or the 1996 Retro Nuptse instead, which sit slightly longer in the body.
100 Glacier / 200 Glacier Fleece
The Glacier series runs true to size with a standard fit. It is cut generously enough to layer under a shell in your normal size. The fit is relaxed through the body — if you prefer a more contemporary slim silhouette, size down one.
Resolve 2 Waterproof Jacket
The Resolve runs slightly large. Many customers find their normal size fits well over a midlayer without needing to size up. Try your normal size first. The Regular Fit construction gives enough room for a fleece without feeling baggy as a standalone piece.
ThermoBall Eco Hooded Jacket
ThermoBall runs true to size with a trim, close-to-body cut. It is designed to be the midlayer in a system, so it sits close and does not allow for layering underneath. Wear it over a base layer and under a shell — not as the outermost layer in cold rain.
Try Before You Buy at OD's
The most reliable way to get the right North Face size is to try it in person. Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens — our team can help you try different fits and styles to find exactly what works for your build and intended use.
Shop The North Face at OD's
Every piece below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist.