Size Guides
OD's Size Guide
Why Measurement Matters
Proper sizing eliminates returns, ensures comfort, and maximizes the lifespan of quality garments. This guide provides universal measurement techniques applicable across all brands at OD's.
Brand-specific sizing charts and fit notes are found in individual brand guides. This document covers only the measurement process itself.
How to Measure Yourself
What You'll Need:
- Soft tape measure (fabric, not metal)
- Mirror
- A friend (optional but helpful for back measurements)
- The garments you'll wear underneath (for layering guidance)
When to Measure:
- Late afternoon/evening (body slightly larger than morning)
- After eating normally (not fasted or overly full)
- Standing naturally, not sucking in or puffing out
Body Measurements
Chest/Bust
How to measure:
- Wrap tape measure around the fullest part of your chest
- Keep tape under arms and across shoulder blades
- Tape should be parallel to ground (not angled)
- Tape should be snug but not tight—you should be able to fit one finger underneath
- Stand naturally with arms at sides
- Breathe normally (don't hold breath)
Common mistakes:
- Measuring over thick clothing (measure over thin t-shirt only)
- Pulling tape too tight (compresses measurement)
- Tape angled upward at back (gives false reading)
What this determines: Jacket size, shirt size, outerwear size
Waist (Natural Waist)
How to measure:
- Find your natural waist (typically at belly button level, where torso bends when you lean sideways)
- Wrap tape measure around at this point
- Keep tape comfortably loose—this is your body size, not how tight you wear trousers
- Don't suck in or pull tight
- Stand naturally, breathe normally
Common mistakes:
- Measuring where trousers sit (often below natural waist)
- Pulling tape tight to get "better" number (gives inaccurate size)
- Measuring over thick clothing
What this determines: Trouser size, formal wear sizing
Hip
How to measure:
- Stand with feet together
- Wrap tape measure around the fullest part of your hips/buttocks
- Keep tape parallel to ground
- Tape should be snug but not compressing
- Measure over thin underwear or trousers, not thick clothing
What this determines: Trouser fit, outerwear fit (ensures enough room when sitting)
Sleeve Length (Overarm/Outseam)
How to measure:
- Stand naturally with arm slightly bent
- Start at center back of neck (where collar sits)
- Measure over the point of shoulder
- Continue down outside of arm to wrist bone
- Keep arm slightly bent in natural position (not straight out)
What this determines: Jacket sleeve length, shirt sleeve length
Alternative method (with existing garment): Measure a jacket that fits you well from shoulder seam to cuff, then add 2-3cm for comparison to body measurement.
Inside Leg (Inseam)
How to measure:
- Wear the shoes you'll typically wear with these trousers
- Stand straight with feet slightly apart
- Measure from crotch seam straight down to where you want hem to sit
- Don't measure from top of waistband—start at crotch point
Using existing trousers: Measure the inside leg seam of trousers that fit you well, from crotch to hem.
What this determines: Trouser length
Length terminology:
- Short: Typically 30" / 76cm
- Regular: Typically 32" / 81cm
- Long: Typically 34" / 86cm
Neck (for Formal Shirts)
How to measure:
- Wrap tape measure around neck where collar sits
- Place one finger between tape and neck
- Tape should be snug but comfortable—you should be able to button top button without restriction
What this determines: Dress shirt collar size
Collar size guide:
- Too tight: Can't button comfortably, restricts breathing
- Correct: Can button with one finger's space, comfortable for hours
- Too loose: Collar gaps away from neck when buttoned
Shoulder Width (for Tailoring)
How to measure:
- Measure straight across back from one shoulder point to the other
- Shoulder point = where shoulder naturally slopes down to arm
- Keep tape flat across upper back, not curved
What this determines: Tailored jacket fit, structured outerwear fit
Footwear Measurements
Foot Length
How to measure:
- Stand on piece of paper against wall (heel touching wall)
- Mark paper at longest toe
- Measure from wall to mark in centimeters
- Measure both feet (often slightly different)
- Use the larger measurement
- Measure late afternoon when feet are slightly swollen
What this determines: Boot size, shoe size
Try-on guidance:
- Try boots/shoes with the socks you'll actually wear (thick hiking socks vs. thin dress socks)
- Walk around—don't just stand
- Toes should have 1cm space at front when standing
- Heel should not slip when walking
- Width should be snug but not pinching
Understanding Garment Ease
Body measurement ≠ garment measurement
Garments are cut larger than body measurements to allow:
- Movement (raising arms, bending, sitting)
- Breathing and comfort
- Layering (base layer, mid-layer, outer shell)
Typical ease allowances:
- Dress shirts: 10-12cm chest ease (close-fitting)
- Casual shirts: 12-15cm chest ease (comfortable)
- Outerwear shells: 15-20cm chest ease (layers underneath)
- Performance technical gear: Varies by brand and intended layering
This is why a 100cm chest measurement might wear a jacket with 115cm chest circumference—the extra 15cm provides layering room and mobility.
Sizing Between Brands
Why sizes vary:
- Different target markets (Italian vs. American vs. British cuts)
- Different intended fits (slim vs. regular vs. relaxed)
- Vanity sizing in some brands
- Performance cuts vs. fashion cuts
What to do:
- Always check brand-specific sizing charts (found in each brand guide at OD's)
- Measure garments you currently own that fit well
- Compare your measurements to sizing charts, not to what size you "usually" wear
- When in doubt, contact OD's for personalized guidance
When Between Sizes
General guidance:
Size up if:
- You plan to layer thick garments underneath (fleece + shell)
- You prefer more relaxed, comfortable fit
- You have broader shoulders relative to chest
- You're between sizes and brand runs slim/fitted
- Garment is structured outerwear designed for layering
Size down if:
- You prefer tailored, close-fitting silhouette
- Brand runs generous/relaxed
- Garment is a stretchy material (jersey, technical fabrics with elastane)
- You'll only wear over thin base layers
Stay true to size if:
- Measurements fall clearly within one size range
- Brand fits consistently with your experience
- Garment is designed for the layering you intend
Special Considerations
Athletic Builds
If you have developed chest/shoulders with slim waist:
- Size for chest measurement
- Expect tailored garments to fit well (designed for athletic taper)
- Avoid "regular fit" styles (often too loose at waist)
- Look for "athletic fit" or "tapered" descriptions
Long Torso/Arms
If you're tall with long limbs:
- Check sleeve length and inside leg measurements carefully
- Standard "Large" may fit chest but have short sleeves
- Look for "Long" or "Tall" options when available
- Some brands offer extended lengths—ask OD's
Shorter Builds
If you're under 5'7" / 170cm:
- Standard sizes may have excess length in sleeves and legs
- Hemming trousers is straightforward; shortening jacket sleeves requires specialist
- Consider "Short" length options when available
Measuring Existing Garments
When you own something that fits perfectly:
Shirts/Jackets:
- Chest: Measure pit-to-pit across garment, multiply by 2
- Sleeve: Measure from shoulder seam to cuff along outside
- Length: Measure from back collar seam to hem
Trousers:
- Waist: Measure waistband flat, multiply by 2
- Inside leg: Measure inside seam from crotch to hem
- Rise: Measure from crotch seam to top of waistband (front)
Compare these measurements to size charts for new purchases.
Contact OD's for Sizing Guidance
Still unsure? Contact us with:
- Your measurements (chest, waist, height)
- Intended use (layering over suits? Solo wear? Hiking?)
- Body type considerations (athletic build? Long arms?)
- Examples of brands/sizes that fit you well currently
We'll provide personalized size recommendations for the specific items you're considering.
Visit OD's Designer Clothing
44 Barrow Street, St Helens
Open: Mon-Sat 9-5.30pm
Email: info@odsdesignerclothing.co.uk