How to Find Your Size Online Without a Fitting Room

The method that actually works for online sizing is simpler than most brands make it. Don't compare your body to a size chart. Compare a garment you already own and love to the measurements of the piece you're considering. If your favourite shirt measures 55cm across the chest, and the new one measures 54cm, you're close enough. If it measures 58cm, you'll know before you order. This guide explains how to do that in practice—with a measuring tape, a flat surface, and the garment notes we write for every piece.

Why garment measurements matter more than your body measurements

One practical shift helps: a size 8 at one brand is not a size 8 at another. Your body does not change between brands, but the sizing does. This is why comparing only your body measurements to a size guide can be misleading. One brand's "medium" might fit you like a small; another's might fit you like a large.

The solution is simple: stop comparing your body. Start comparing your clothes. If you own a pair of jeans that fit you well, or a jumper that drapes just right, use that as your reference point. Measure that garment, then compare it directly to the measurements in our size guide. This method removes much of the brand confusion. You are no longer guessing at abstract sizes; you are comparing actual garments to actual garments.

This is why our size guides show garment measurements, not body measurements. We want you to measure something you already own and love, then find the closest match in our range. It's honest, practical, and it works.

How to measure a garment you already own

You will need a soft measuring tape (the kind tailors use) and a flat surface. A bed or table works perfectly. The goal is to lay your garment flat and measure it in a consistent way. Here's how:

• Chest width: Lay the garment flat, button or zip it up, and measure straight across from armpit to armpit. Then double that number. This gives you the full chest circumference.
• Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where a coat hanger would sit) straight down to the hem. For trousers, measure the inseam: from the inside of the waistband, straight down to the cuff.
• Shoulder width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder seam to the edge of the other shoulder seam, straight across the back.
• Hip width: For dresses, skirts, and trousers, measure straight across the fullest part of the hips, about 20cm below the waistband. Double that number for the full hip circumference.

Write these numbers down. You now have a profile of a garment that fits you well. This is your reference point.

How to read a garment size guide

Our size guides list measurements for every size. The layout is straightforward: each row is a size, and each column is a measurement (chest, length, shoulder, hip, and so on). Find the size guide on the product page, then compare your measurements to the numbers in the guide.

Pay attention to the fit style of the garment. Our product pages always describe whether a piece is fitted, regular, relaxed, or oversized. A fitted top will sit closer to your body; an oversized one will have extra room built in. If the garment measurements are larger than your reference garment, that may be intentional because the piece is designed to have ease. If they are smaller, it is designed to sit closer to the body.

Don't aim for an exact match. Aim for a match that respects the intended fit. If you love relaxed silhouettes, choose a size where the chest measurement is 5 to 10cm larger than your reference. If you prefer fitted pieces, choose one that's closer to your reference measurement.

The hardest garments to size, and how to handle them

Some garments are easier to size than others. Tops are usually straightforward, and chest measurement is your main guide. Certain pieces need extra thought.

Trousers are the hardest garment to size remotely. A good fit depends on three things working together: the rise (the distance from the crotch seam to the waistband), the hip (how much room there is through the thigh and hip), and the inseam (the inside leg length). A size might be right on the hip but too long or too short on the inseam. Or right on the inseam but tight through the hip. This is why our trousers have detailed size guides that break down all three measurements. Compare all three to your reference garment, not just one. If your favourite trousers have a 30cm rise and a 76cm inseam, look for a Pamuuc style with similar numbers.

Dresses depend on silhouette. A fitted dress relies on the bust measurement; a relaxed dress might fit better if you size for the hip. The size guide and product photos will show you which measurement matters most. Read the product description too, because it will tell you if a dress is designed to skim the body or drape loosely.

Jumpers and knitwear are usually forgiving because they have natural stretch and ease. Chest measurement is the main guide, but knitwear is typically designed with 5 to 10cm of ease built in.

When you're between two sizes, which should you choose?

You've measured your reference garment, you've checked the size guide, and the measurements fall exactly between two sizes. What now?

For structured, tailored pieces such as trousers, fitted jackets, or rigid fabrics, go up a size. A piece that is too tight will be uncomfortable and may wear faster. A piece that is slightly loose can often be tailored.

For relaxed, oversized, or stretchy pieces such as jumpers, loose dresses, or soft knitwear, going down a size can work. These garments are designed with ease, so a smaller size may still fit and might drape better.

Think about your personal preference too. If you always feel more comfortable in pieces with extra room, size up. If you like everything close to your body, size down. The size guide is your anchor, but your comfort preference matters.

What to do if you get it wrong

Here's the honest bit: even with careful measurement, something might not feel right when it arrives. Maybe the fit suits your body differently than you expected. Maybe the fabric feels different on your skin. Maybe you have changed your mind. That's okay.

We offer 30 day returns on all preorder items. There is an €8 return fee per item to cover logistics. The important thing is this: if you are unsure about your size before you order, contact us. We are happy to help you think through the fit, look at photos together, or discuss sizing one more time before you commit. That conversation takes 10 minutes and could save you an €8 return fee and the wait for an exchange.

Our returns policy explains the whole process. And if you want to understand the why behind preorder, how our preorder process works explains how the system helps us reduce speculative production and be clearer with you.

The confidence you need to order

Sizing online does not have to be a guessing game. By measuring a garment you already love and comparing it directly to our size guides, you reduce the uncertainty. You are working with real numbers, not abstract sizes. You are comparing actual garments, not abstract body types. And you are making an informed choice before you order.

Start with your favourite piece. Measure it. Then use the numbers alongside the fit notes. If they line up with your preference, you have a strong basis for choosing that size. And if something does not feel right once it arrives, our returns process is straightforward. You are not taking a leap of faith. You are taking a step grounded in real information.

Ready to order? Browse our current collection. Use the size guide on each product page. And remember: we're here to help if you need a second opinion before you commit.

If you want to practise the method, open a product with detailed proportions such as the Straight Leg Linen Pants or Linen Midi Dress and compare it with a garment you already wear.