How to find your size across brands
Clothing sizing isn't standardised. A medium at one brand is a large at another, and a US 9 sneaker can fit a full size apart between labels. When you shop several brands in one cart, that inconsistency is the single biggest cause of returns. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Why sizes don't match between brands
Every brand fits to its own “target body” and house block. Vanity sizing drifts those numbers over time and in different directions per brand, and cuts (slim, regular, relaxed, oversized) change the actual measurements far more than the letter on the label. The label is a starting point, not a guarantee — the real signal is the garment's measurements in inches or centimetres.
Measure yourself once
Five numbers cover almost everything: chest/bust (around the fullest point), natural waist, hips, inseam (crotch to ankle), and foot length (heel to longest toe, standing). Write them down. Comparing your measurements to a product's size chart beats trusting the letter size every time, and it makes cross-brand shopping trivial.
Brand-by-brand fit notes
General tendencies to calibrate against — always confirm on the specific product page:
| Uniqlo | Cut for an East-Asian fit standard — tops and outerwear often run slim and a touch short; many shoppers size up one for a relaxed look. |
| H&M | Trend-led cuts vary by collection and run small fairly often, especially fitted styles. Check the specific item rather than assuming your usual size. |
| Zara | European sizing with a slim, structured silhouette; shoes in particular tend to run narrow and small — sizing up is common. |
| Nike | Footwear often runs about a half-size small and narrow on performance models; apparel offers clear regular vs slim cuts. |
| Adidas | Shoes generally fit true-to-size with a roomier toe box on classic court styles; some running lines fit snug. |
| Levi's | Denim is sized by waist/inseam in inches; raw and shrink-to-fit styles change after washing, so follow the specific fit guidance. |
| ASOS | Huge range and extended/“tall”/“petite” lines; fit varies a lot across its own labels, so lean on the per-product measurements. |
Category-specific tips
Denim & bottoms: buy by waist/inseam in inches when offered; stretch content changes how a size wears, so a rigid and a stretch jean in the “same” size fit differently. Knitwear & tops: check shoulder and chest width — oversized styles add several inches. Shoes: measure foot length late in the day and check the brand's specific conversion; narrow lasts (common on some Nike and Zara styles) may need a half-size up. Dresses & outerwear: mind shoulder and bust first; a layer that has to close over a sweater needs room.
When in doubt
If you're between sizes, size up for structured or non-stretch pieces and stick to your smaller size for stretchy or cropped ones. Read recent reviews for “runs small/large” signals, and compare the same garment type across brands side by side before committing.