What to know about our size guides
Short answer: Each brand has its own size guide, because the measurements are not the same from one brand to another. Always use the guide that belongs to the brand you are looking at, instead of a general size chart. That gives a far more reliable result.
One guide per brand
There is no shared standard for sizing across brands, so each brand has built its own guide based on its own cut. Always use the guide that matches the item you are looking at, not a general chart you remember from another brand. See guide to briefs and underwear.
Where to find the guides
The guides sit as standalone pages on the site and are also linked directly from the relevant product pages. You do not need to hunt for them while you are in the middle of buying something. See size guide JBS men and size guide Boody women as two examples of how they are built.
Measurements over letters
The charts in the guides are given in centimetres, because that is the only measurement that is truly comparable across brands and countries. A letter like M can cover different measurements depending on where the brand is made, while a centimetre measurement always means the same thing.
Measure something you already own
The most reliable method is to measure a piece of clothing you know fits well and compare those numbers with the chart. Lay the item flat and measure width and length with a soft tape measure, instead of guessing from your usual letter size.
Body measurements over garment measurements
Some guides ask you to measure directly on the body instead, for example the waist or hip, rather than on a garment. Read the guide carefully first, so you measure the right spot the right way before comparing the number to the chart.
Stretch and fit
Materials with stretch, which many of our items have, allow a bit more room than completely stiff fabrics. If you fall between two sizes on the chart, it can be worth checking whether the item is described as fitted or loose before you choose.
Look at the item itself
Bamboo underwear for women and men often has different fits depending on brand and model, so the same letter size may not sit the same way in two different items from us. See bamboo underwear for women and bamboo underwear for men to compare.
If you fall between two sizes
If you are unsure between two sizes after measuring, check the item description to see whether the fit runs tighter or looser. With underwear, a touch too tight can be more bothersome than a touch too loose.
Ask if you are unsure
If you are still unsure after measuring and comparing with the guide, it is worth asking before you order, rather than guessing and having to exchange the item afterwards. See frequently asked questions for answers to the most common questions about sizing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a guide per brand?
Because there is no shared sizing standard between brands. Each brand has its own measurements based on its own cut.
Where do I find the size guide?
It is linked directly from the product page for that item and also sits as a standalone page on the site.
Can I use my usual size?
Not necessarily across brands. Measure something that fits well and use the chart in centimetres instead of guessing.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
