Why sizes are not the same from brand to brand
Short answer: There is no shared standard for clothing sizes. Every brand builds its cuts around its own model, so you should read the size chart rather than the letter.
There is no law for sizing
Letters and numbers on a brand are the manufacturer's own choice, with no overarching body regulating it. A medium at one brand can match a large at another, even within the same country. This applies to Danish, Dutch and Australian brands alike, and the difference surprises even experienced shoppers.
What actually shapes the cut
Every brand uses a fit model with set measurements, and the entire design starts from there. If the model is tall and slim, the whole collection gets cut that way from the start. That is why some brands consistently fit you better than others, regardless of which letter size you normally pick in a store.
How to compare properly
Find the size chart for the brand you know well and the one you are considering, and compare chest measurement and length in centimeters side by side. Two minutes on screen often saves a whole return later. See bamboo clothing for men and bamboo clothing for women.
Keep track of what works
Write down which size you wear at each brand somewhere you can find again, ideally along with which style it applies to. It is the easiest way to avoid guessing from scratch every time you shop somewhere new. See bamboo underwear for men.
Cuts change even within one brand
Even the same brand can shift its fit from season to season without changing the size name. A medium you knew a couple of years ago is not necessarily the same medium today. Check the size chart again, even for brands you usually know well.
Fabric affects how the size feels
A fabric with plenty of stretch often feels smaller than it actually is, while a stiff fabric feels larger. Two garments with the same stated size can therefore feel completely different depending on how much elastane is mixed into the fabric.
Read reviews with a grain of salt
Other customers' experiences with sizing can offer a hint, but their body rarely matches yours exactly. Use reviews as a supplement to the size chart, not as a replacement for taking your own measurements and comparing them directly.
Return policies make experimenting safer
If you are unsure between two sizes at a new brand, it can be worth ordering both and returning the one that does not fit. It costs a little time but saves you guesswork the next time you shop at the same place.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference within the same brand
Yes, between different styles at the same brand. A fitted style and a loose style can each require a different size, even when both are labeled medium on the tag.
Are expensive brands more consistent
No. Price says nothing about how close a brand's sizes sit to an average, and even luxury brands vary widely from one another in cut.
Why does a brand suddenly change its fit
Because it switches model, factory or fabric supplier without necessarily mentioning it. Check the size chart again when buying after a long gap, even from a brand you know well.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
