Articles on: Sizing & Fit

How can I avoid ordering the wrong size?

Measure yourself, check the brand-specific size chart, and when in doubt, order 2-3 sizes to try at home (free returns). Don't assume your size—brands vary significantly. Contact us before ordering if you're unsure.

The #1 mistake: Assuming your size

Most common error: "I'm always a Medium, so I'll order Medium."

Why this fails: A Medium in one brand might fit like a Large in another. European workwear brands use different sizing systems—no standardization yet.

Better approach:

Measure yourself (chest, waist, inseam, foot length)
Check THIS brand's size chart
Order based on measurements, not assumptions

8 ways to avoid sizing mistakes

1. Measure yourself BEFORE ordering

Don't guess. Grab a measuring tape and measure:

Chest (for jackets)
Waist (for pants)
Inseam (for pants/overalls)
Foot length in cm (for boots/shoes)
Hand circumference (for gloves)

Write it down. Compare to the size chart on the product page.

2. Check the brand-specific size chart

Every product page has a size chart. Scroll down to "Size & Fit" section.

What to look for:

Actual measurements in centimeters (not just size numbers)
Multiple measurement points (chest + waist + sleeve length)
Fit notes if available

Don't skip this step—even if you've ordered from us before. Different brands = different sizing.

3. Read fit feedback (if available)

Some products show notes like:

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

Source: Real customer reviews and returns data.

Not every product has this yet, but when it's there, trust it. Customers who left feedback tested multiple sizes and returned what didn't work.

4. Order multiple sizes (and return what doesn't fit)

Best strategy if you're unsure:

Order 2-3 sizes (e.g., sizes 42, 44, 46)
Try at home on clean floors
Return what doesn't fit (free return shipping)

Cost: None (returns are free when items pass inspection—unused, tags attached)

Why this works:

You can compare sizes side-by-side
No guessing which size will fit
Free exchanges if you want a different size after trying

5. Consider what you'll wear underneath

Layering matters:

Winter jacket worn over thermal + fleece? Size up
Summer jacket worn over just a t-shirt? True to size or size down

Boots with thick socks? Size up.

Gloves over liner gloves? Size up.

Measure or try with the layers you'll actually wear.

6. Contact support BEFORE ordering

Unsure which size to order? Email us with:

Your measurements
Product link
What you'll wear underneath (if layering)

We'll recommend based on:

Brand's sizing system
Fit feedback from other customers
Similar orders we've seen

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

7. Check customer reviews for sizing mentions

Look for reviews that mention fit:

"I'm 185 cm / 90 kg, ordered XL and it fit perfectly"
"Usually wear 42, needed 44 in these boots"
"Runs large—could've sized down"

Even one detailed review can tell you more than a size chart.

Leave your own review after ordering—help future customers avoid wrong sizes.

8. For team orders: Order samples first

Ordering for 10+ people?

Don't order all sizes at once. Instead:

Order sample sizes for 2-3 team members first
Confirm fit before ordering full team quantities
Adjust sizes based on sample feedback

Saves money and hassle compared to mass returns.

Product-specific tips

Safety boots and shoes

Biggest mistake: Ordering your "usual" EU size without measuring foot length.

Why it fails: EU size 42 can be 26.5 cm in one brand and 27 cm in another. Always check actual foot length in cm.

Better approach:

Measure both feet in cm (use the larger measurement)
Add 0.5-1 cm for comfort
Compare to size chart's cm measurements (not just EU size number)
If between sizes, always size up for boots

Feet swell during long shifts. Boots that fit perfectly in the morning will hurt by afternoon if too tight.

Jackets and coats

Biggest mistake: Not accounting for layers underneath.

Better approach:

Put on what you'd wear under the jacket (at home)
Try jacket over those layers
Test range of motion: lift arms, bend forward, twist

If you can't try first, order one size up if you'll layer thermal wear underneath.

Pants and overalls

Biggest mistake: Focusing only on waist, forgetting inseam (leg length).

Better approach:

Measure both waist AND inseam
If waist fits but inseam is between sizes, choose longer (can hem or wear with boots)
Test mobility: squat, kneel, sit—workwear needs to move with you

Gloves

Biggest mistake: Ordering based on "small/medium/large" without measuring hand circumference.

Better approach:

Measure hand circumference at knuckles (excluding thumb)
Compare to size chart (usually shows sizes 7, 8, 9, 10 with cm ranges)
Order exact size for dexterity work, size up for insulated gloves

What if you still order the wrong size?

Don't worry—it happens.

You have options:

Option 1: Free exchange

How it works:

Email orders@droppe.com
We coordinate with brand to reserve your replacement
You return wrong size (free return label)
We ship correct size

Faster than refund + new order.

Option 2: Free return

Return for full refund (free return shipping when item passes inspection).

Timeline: 7-10 business days for refund to process.

Option 3: Order correct size, then return wrong one

If you need the item urgently:

Order correct size immediately
Return wrong size within 30 days
Refund processes independently

Both orders ship separately—your new order doesn't wait for return.

Common sizing traps to avoid

Trap #1: "This brand fit me last time, so same size will fit now"

Why it fails: Brands update fits, change factories, or redesign products. Even the same brand can vary.

Solution: Always check the size chart, even for repeat orders.

Trap #2: "I'll order the smaller size and hope it stretches"

Why it fails: Most workwear doesn't stretch much (heavy canvas, coated fabrics, leather). Safety equipment definitely doesn't stretch.

Solution: If between sizes, size up. You can always wear a belt or tighten straps. You can't stretch steel-toe boots.

Trap #3: "I'll save money by only ordering one size"

Why it fails: If it doesn't fit, you have to return, wait for refund, then order again. More time, more hassle.

Solution: Order 2-3 sizes if unsure. Return shipping is free, and you'll get the right size faster.

Trap #4: "Size charts are just suggestions"

Why it fails: Size charts are based on actual product measurements. Ignoring them means guessing.

Solution: Trust the measurements. If your chest is 102 cm and the chart says size L fits 100-104 cm, order L (not M because you "usually wear Medium").

Questions?

Still unsure how to avoid wrong sizes? Contact us. We're happy to help you pick the right size BEFORE you order.

Better to ask first than return later.

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Updated on: 03/11/2025

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