Articles on: Sizing & Fit

Are sizes the same for all brands?

No. A size 42 in one brand doesn't mean the same measurements as a 42 in another. Always check the brand-specific size chart on each product page before ordering.

Why sizes aren't standardized

The reality: European workwear brands use different sizing systems. Some follow traditional country standards (German, Italian, French), others use EN 13402 (the EU standard we're transitioning to), and many use their own proprietary measurements.

Examples of how sizes vary:

German brand size 50: Might fit 94-98 cm waist
Italian brand size 50: Might fit 90-94 cm waist
Scandinavian brand size 50: Might fit 92-96 cm waist

Same size number, different actual measurements.

What this means for you

Don't assume your size

Wrong approach: "I'm always a Medium, so I'll order Medium."

Right approach:

Find the product you want
Check THAT brand's size chart
Measure yourself
Compare to chart
Order based on measurements, not assumptions

You might be:

Size 42 in Brand A boots
Size 44 in Brand B boots
Size 43 in Brand C boots

All three could fit you perfectly—because each brand defines "42" differently.

Check every product's chart

Each product page has a size chart specific to that brand. Scroll down to "Size & Fit" section.

Don't skip this step. Even if you've ordered from us before, different brands = different sizing.

Types of sizing systems you'll see

1. Numeric European sizing (most common)

Examples: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50

Used for: Pants, overalls, jackets, boots

Problem: Each brand uses different measurement ranges for the same number.

Solution: Check the centimeter measurements in the chart, not just the number.

2. Alpha sizing

Examples: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

Used for: Jackets, vests, shirts

Problem: "Medium" in one brand = "Large" in another.

Solution: Again, check actual chest/waist measurements.

3. Country-specific sizing

Examples:

German sizing (different from French)
UK sizing (different from EU)
Nordic sizing (different from Central European)

Used for: Various products, especially from traditional brands

Confusion factor: High. Country standards don't align.

4. EN 13402 (EU standard)

What it is: Unified European sizing based on body measurements in cm.

Example: Size "96-100-108" means:

96 cm chest
100 cm waist
108 cm hip

Good news: More brands are transitioning to this.

Bad news: Not everyone uses it yet.

We're pushing brands to adopt EN 13402 for consistency, but it takes time.

Brand-specific fit characteristics

German brands (e.g., Elten, Engelbert Strauss)

Tend to run: Generous fit, designed for layering

Sizing strategy: Often true to German measurements, sometimes size down if you prefer slim fit

Italian brands (e.g., U-Power, Diadora)

Tend to run: Slimmer, more tailored

Sizing strategy: Often run small compared to Northern European brands—consider sizing up

Scandinavian brands (e.g., Blåkläder, Fristads)

Tend to run: Designed for outdoor work in cold climates (room for layers)

Sizing strategy: Usually generous—check if you prefer close fit

Eastern European brands

Tend to run: Varies widely—some generous, some slim

Sizing strategy: Always check chart—no consistent pattern

Good to know: These are general trends, not rules. Always check the specific product's size chart.

What we're doing to help

1. Clearer size charts

We're working with brands to provide:

Measurements in centimeters (not just size numbers)
Multiple measurement points (chest, waist, sleeve, inseam)
Visual guides where helpful

2. Fit feedback from buyers

On some products, you'll see:

"Runs small—order one size up"
"True to size"
"Generous fit—size down for slim fit"

Not every product has this yet. We're collecting feedback as more customers order and review.

3. Pushing for EN 13402 adoption

We're encouraging brands to transition to the EU standard sizing system. It's slow (brands need to retag inventory), but progress is happening.

4. Support for sizing questions

Unsure which size to order? Contact us BEFORE ordering.

We can:

Help interpret size charts
Share feedback from similar orders
Recommend brands that might fit better

How to navigate brand differences

Strategy 1: Order multiple sizes

Best for: First time trying a brand

How it works:

Order 2-3 sizes from the chart
Try at home on clean floors (don't wear outdoors)
Return what doesn't fit (free return shipping)

Cost: None (returns are free when items pass inspection)

Strategy 2: Measure yourself, compare to chart

Best for: When you know your measurements

How it works:

Measure chest, waist, inseam, foot length
Compare to brand's specific chart
Order the size that matches your measurements (not the size number you usually wear)

Strategy 3: Check fit feedback

Best for: Products with existing reviews

How it works:

Read customer reviews
Look for sizing comments ("runs large," "order size up," etc.)
Adjust your order accordingly

Strategy 4: Ask us

Best for: High-value orders or team orders

How it works:

Email orders@droppe.com with measurements and product link
We check the brand's sizing and fit feedback
We recommend specific sizes

No guessing needed.

When will sizing be standardized?

Honest answer: It's happening, but slowly.

Timeline:

Short term (next 1-2 years): More brands adopting EN 13402, better size charts on our site, more fit feedback
Medium term (3-5 years): Majority of brands on unified system
Long term (5+ years): Industry-wide standardization (hopefully)

Why so slow?

Brands need to update tagging on all products (expensive)
Some brands resist change (proprietary systems give competitive advantage)
Regulations can encourage but not force standardization

We're doing what we can to push brands toward EN 13402. It's one of our ongoing priorities.

Questions?

Confused about sizing for a specific product? Contact us with the product link. We'll explain that brand's sizing in detail.

Contact info:

Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy: frage@droppe.com / +49 15735984668
Finland: kysy@droppe.fi / +358 45 4909908
Sweden: fraga@droppe.com / +46 76 692 47 11

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Updated on: 03/11/2025

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