Parajumpers Sizing
Parajumpers is an Italian brand and sizes accordingly. If you're used to UK or US sizing, there are a few things to know before you order. This guide gives you the conversion tables, measuring instructions, and fit advice so you get it right first time.
1 | Italian vs UK Sizing: What to Know
Italian fashion sizing traditionally runs smaller than UK sizing. However, Parajumpers has adjusted their sizing to be more accessible for international markets — the difference is less extreme than older Italian fashion brands, but it is still present.
Key Sizing Facts
- Parajumpers sizes XS through 3XL in most styles
- Italian sizing tends to run approximately one size smaller than UK sizing at S and M
- The difference reduces at larger sizes — L and XL are often consistent with UK equivalents
- Slim-cut styles run noticeably smaller — size up if between sizes
- Regular and relaxed-fit parkas are more forgiving
The most common sizing mistake is ordering the same size as your usual UK casual jacket. In most cases, Parajumpers customers who wear a UK medium should try a Parajumpers medium, but try a large if they're at the upper end of medium measurements or prefer a less fitted look.
2 | Parajumpers Size Conversion Chart — Men's
| PJS Size | UK Size | EU Size | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | XS / 34–36 | 44–46 | 86–91 | 34–36" |
| S | S / 36–38 | 46–48 | 91–96 | 36–38" |
| M | M / 38–40 | 48–50 | 96–101 | 38–40" |
| L | L / 40–42 | 50–52 | 101–106 | 40–42" |
| XL | XL / 42–44 | 52–54 | 106–111 | 42–44" |
| 2XL | XXL / 44–46 | 54–56 | 111–116 | 44–46" |
| 3XL | XXXL / 46–48 | 56–58 | 116–122 | 46–48" |
Women's Size Conversion Chart
| PJS Size | UK Size | EU Size | Bust (cm) | Bust (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | UK 8 | 34–36 | 82–86 | 32–34" |
| S | UK 10 | 36–38 | 86–91 | 34–36" |
| M | UK 12 | 38–40 | 91–96 | 36–38" |
| L | UK 14 | 40–42 | 96–101 | 38–40" |
| XL | UK 16 | 42–44 | 101–106 | 40–42" |
| 2XL | UK 18 | 44–46 | 106–111 | 42–44" |
Not Sure? Use the Chest / Bust Measurement
When in doubt, trust the chest or bust measurement column over the UK label equivalent. Measure your actual chest and match to the cm column — this will always be more accurate than label-to-label conversion.
3 | How to Measure Yourself
Chest Measurement (Men)
Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest — across your shoulder blades at the back and across your nipple line at the front. Keep the tape level and measure in your usual base layer (not bare chest). Take the measurement in centimetres.
Bust Measurement (Women)
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level all the way around. Measure over a normal bra (not a padded one) or a fitted base layer. Note in centimetres.
Tips for Accurate Measuring
- Have someone else measure if possible — self-measuring often results in a slightly off reading
- Don't pull the tape tight — it should sit against the body but not compress
- Measure twice if you're between sizes
- Add 2–3cm to your actual chest measurement if you plan to wear thick knitwear underneath
4 | How a Down Jacket Should Fit
Down jackets have specific fit requirements that differ from regular coats. Getting this right is crucial — too tight and the down is compressed and loses warmth; too loose and cold air gets in at the hem and cuffs.
The Right Fit
The jacket should sit comfortably over your usual base layer and a mid-layer knitwear without feeling constrictive. There should be room to raise your arms above your head without the hem riding up. The shoulders should sit naturally — not pulling forward or hanging off.
Too Tight
If the down is visibly compressed around the chest or armholes, the jacket is too small. Compressed down cannot loft properly, which significantly reduces insulation. This is the most common sizing mistake — go up.
Too Loose
Excess fabric around the waist and chest creates cold spots where warm air escapes. The hem should sit at or just below hip level — if it's riding up at the sides, the jacket is too wide rather than too short.
Layer Allowance
Parajumpers parkas are designed to accommodate a base layer and a mid-layer. If you plan to wear a thick fleece or chunky knitwear underneath, size up one from your chest measurement. If you'll primarily wear a t-shirt or light sweater, your standard size will work.
Parka vs Lightweight Jacket Sizing
- Parkas (Original, Right Hand, Left Hand): Size to your chest measurement. These are cut to accommodate base + mid layer.
- Lightweight jackets (Gobi, Ugo): Size to your standard UK size. These are trimmer cuts — you may want to size up if you're between sizes.
- When in doubt: Size up. Down jackets that are slightly generous warm better than those that compress the fill.
5 | Frequently Asked Questions
Do Parajumpers jackets run small?
Parajumpers uses Italian sizing which can run slightly smaller than UK sizing, particularly at S and M. The difference is less pronounced at L and XL. We recommend measuring your chest in centimetres and using the size chart above rather than assuming your usual UK size will be correct. When in doubt, size up — a slightly generous fit preserves down loft and warmth better than a tight one.
Should I size up in Parajumpers?
If you are between two sizes, yes — always size up in a down jacket. Down that is compressed loses its insulating ability. If you regularly wear heavy knitwear underneath, size up regardless of where you fall on the chart. If you're wearing light base layers only, your measured size should be fine.
Can I try Parajumpers jackets before buying?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing stocks Parajumpers in-store at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY. We recommend coming in to try before purchasing, particularly for a jacket at this price point. Our team can advise on the right size and style for how you plan to wear it. Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
What sizes does Parajumpers go up to?
Parajumpers offers XS through 3XL in most main line styles, with some styles going to 2XL. Not all sizes are available in all colourways — contact us at OD's to check current stock in your size, or browse online where size availability is shown in real time.