How to read a clothing size chart
Last updated October 24, 2026
Clothing sizes aren't standardized. A medium from one brand can fit like a small from another, so the size you usually wear is a poor guide when you shop online. Your measurements and the brand's own chart are far more reliable.
Take your measurements
Use a soft tape measure, keep it snug but not tight, and measure over thin clothing or none. It helps to have someone else hold the tape.
- Chest or bust: around the fullest part, with the tape level under your arms.
- Waist: around the narrowest part of your torso, which is your natural waist.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Inseam: from the top of your inner thigh to where you want the hem to end. This is easiest to measure on a pair of trousers that already fit you well.
Use the chart, not the label
Every brand publishes its own size chart. Find the row that matches your measurements rather than assuming you're your usual size.
If you fall between two sizes, think about the fabric and the fit you want. A stretchy fabric gives you room to size down, while a woven fabric with no stretch is less forgiving. For a relaxed or layered look, size up.
Read the fit notes
Descriptions like "slim", "relaxed" and "oversized" tell you how a piece is cut, and the height and size of the model can show you how it's meant to sit.
If a retailer lists garment measurements, compare them with a piece you already own that fits well. Lay it flat and measure straight across the chest or waist, then double the number to get the full circumference.
Know how fabric changes the fit
- Stretch fabrics, such as those with elastane, are more forgiving of small differences.
- Woven fabrics like linen, denim without stretch and structured cotton don't give, so measurements matter more.
- Some fabrics can shrink slightly in the wash, so check the care label.
Sizes differ by region and by garment
US, UK and European sizing systems don't line up neatly, so don't rely on a rough conversion. Use the brand's conversion table if it has one.
For jeans listed as waist and inseam, such as 32/30, the numbers are inches. For anything else, go by the chart.
When you're still unsure
Check the return policy before you order a size you're unsure about. If returns are free, ordering two sizes and sending one back can be the safest way to get the fit right.