Why the same size does not fit across brands
Short answer: There is no shared standard for clothing sizes. Each brand decides how many centimetres a size covers, which is why the same letter can feel completely different from one brand to the next.
No official standard
Letter sizes are not regulated. Two brands can use the same letter for measurements several centimetres apart. Even within one brand, the ranges can change between collections and years. So knowing your size is never enough, you also need to know the chart behind it.
The cut matters just as much
A close fitting model and a loose model can have the same measurements and still feel very different on the body. Some brands design for a close fit, others build in extra room as standard. Read the product description and look at the photos, so you know how the model is meant to sit.
The material plays a part
A fabric with stretch is more forgiving than a firm one. Bamboo viscose stretches, so a close fitting model often feels more comfortable than the numbers suggest. A firm fabric without stretch needs the measurements to match more precisely. That explains why the same size can feel different in two fabrics.
The market the brand designs for
Brands from different countries design for the body shapes and tastes most common in their home market. A brand from Northern Europe may therefore have different ranges from a brand elsewhere in the world. That is not a mistake but a choice, and it makes the chart even more important.
What to do
Measure yourself once, write the numbers down and use the brand's own chart every time. Measure chest, waist and hips with a soft tape measure without pulling it tight. Keep the numbers at hand for when you shop. The steps are explained in our measuring guide.
Find the charts
The charts are collected by brand, for example size guide Bamboo Basics women and size guide Resteröds. Compare your measurements with the chart for the exact brand you are buying from. That way you avoid guessing based on what fitted at another brand.
Compare with something that fits
If you have a garment that fits exactly as you like, measure it flat and compare it with the chart. That shows how you like clothes to fit, not only what your body measures. The method is especially useful for underwear, where fit makes a big difference to comfort.
When in doubt
Choose based on how the piece will be used. Close fitting pieces like underwear can take the smaller size, while loose pieces like nightwear are often better in the larger one. More advice in between two sizes and in our complete size guide.
When you buy several of the same
If you are buying several pieces of the same model, be sure of the size first. Order one piece, wear it in daily life, and then buy the rest. This applies especially to underwear, which you wear every day. See the range in bamboo underwear for women.
Keep track of your sizes
Write down which size fits you at each brand, and in which models. Over time you build a small overview that makes shopping again much easier. Update it when you try a new model or when your measurements change.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my size not fit at every brand?
Because there is no shared standard. Each brand sets its own ranges, and cut and material mean the same letter can feel different on the body.
What is the safest way to choose a size?
Measure yourself and use the brand's own chart every time. It also helps to compare with a garment that already fits well, so you have two numbers to go by.
Should I size up or down when in doubt?
It depends on the use. Close fitting pieces like underwear can often take the smaller size, while loose pieces like nightwear are usually more comfortable in the larger one.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
