How do I coordinate sizes for a team order?

Order sample sizes for 2-3 team members first, confirm fit, THEN order full team quantities. Collect measurements from everyone, cross-reference with size charts, and contact us if you need help coordinating bulk orders. Prevents mass returns.

Why samples first (not full team order)

The mistake: Ordering 20 jackets in assorted sizes without testing fit.

What goes wrong:

• Brand runs small → entire team needs to exchange
• 5 people need size up, 3 need size down → chaos
• Returns and exchanges for 20 items = expensive hassle

Better approach:

1. Order 2-3 sample sizes
2. Have team members try them
3. Adjust sizing based on feedback
4. Order full team with confidence

Cost: Minimal (2-3 samples). Savings: Avoiding 10-20 returns.

Step-by-step team sizing

Step 1: Collect measurements from team

Don't guess sizes. Collect actual measurements.

Create a spreadsheet:

How to measure: Send team this guide: How do I measure myself?

Include:

• Chest (for jackets, shirts)
• Waist + inseam (for pants)
• Foot length in cm (for boots)
• Hand circumference (for gloves)

Step 2: Cross-reference with size chart

Find the product you're ordering. Check the brand-specific size chart.

Example: Winter jacket size chart:

Map team members to sizes:

• John (104 cm) → L or XL
• Sarah (96 cm) → M
• Mike (110 cm) → 2XL

Read more: Where can I find size charts?

Step 3: Order samples (2-3 people)

Pick team members who represent the range:

• One person at smaller end of sizing
• One at larger end
• One in middle (if budget allows)

Example:

• Sarah (M) - smallest
• John (L or XL) - middle, between sizes
• Mike (2XL) - largest

Order those 3 sizes for testing.

Step 4: Test samples

Have sample recipients try items:

• Wear with what they'd wear underneath (layers?)
• Test range of motion (bend, reach, squat)
• Note fit: too tight, too loose, just right

Collect feedback:

• Sarah: "M fits perfectly, room for thermal layer"
• John: "L is too tight in shoulders, XL fits better"
• Mike: "2XL fits great"

Step 5: Adjust full team order

Based on sample feedback:

• Brand runs true to size → Order as charted
• Brand runs small → Size everyone up
• Brand runs large → Size some people down

Final order for 20-person team:

• 2× S
• 6× M
• 8× L
• 3× XL
• 1× 2XL

Confidence level: High. You tested fit on real team members first.

Alternative: We can help coordinate

For teams of 10+ people, contact us:

We'll:

1. Review your team measurements
2. Recommend sample sizes to test
3. Help interpret fit feedback
4. Coordinate bulk order with brand
5. Arrange bulk exchanges if needed (sizes wrong)

Why use us:

• We've done this hundreds of times
• We know which brands run small/large
• We can negotiate directly with brands for bulk orders

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

Read more: Can I contact support for sizing help?

Handling size variations

Teams aren't uniform. Some members need special sizing.

Very small or very large team members

If someone falls outside standard size range:

• Contact us BEFORE ordering
• We'll check if brand offers extended sizing
• Or suggest alternative brands that fit

Don't assume one brand fits everyone. Some team members might need different brands.

Different body proportions

Example: Team member with broad shoulders but average chest measurement.

Solution:

• Order sample for that person specifically
• Test fit before committing to full order
• Might need size up for shoulder room

Pregnant team members

Sizing changes during pregnancy.

Options:

1. Order adjustable-waist products (elastic, drawstring)
2. Size up temporarily (can exchange later)
3. Delay order if due date is soon

Contact us if you need maternity-friendly workwear options.

Bulk exchanges (if sizing is wrong)

Even with samples, sometimes bulk orders need adjustments.

We can coordinate bulk exchanges:

• Multiple items, same wrong size → Exchange all at once
• Faster than individual returns
• One shipment out, one shipment back

How it works:

1. Email orders@droppe.com with list of exchanges needed
2. We coordinate with brand to reserve correct sizes
3. You return wrong sizes (free return label)
4. We ship correct sizes

Timeline: 7-14 business days.

Read more: Can I get a replacement instead of a refund?

Product-specific team tips

Safety boots (team order)

Challenge: Feet vary more than chests/waists. Hard to standardize.

Strategy:

1. Collect foot measurements from EVERYONE (cm)
2. Order samples in 2-3 sizes spanning the range
3. Have team try samples and note fit
4. Order full team based on feedback

Don't assume size 42 fits everyone with "average" feet. Measure.

Uniforms (jackets, pants)

Challenge: Want consistent look, but bodies vary.

Strategy:

1. Pick brand with wide size range (XS - 3XL)
2. Order samples in S, M, L, XL
3. Have multiple team members try each size
4. Create "fit notes" for that brand (runs small, runs large, etc.)

Reorder same brand for consistency when new team members join.

Hi-vis vests (team order)

Challenge: Vests should fit snug, but team sizes vary.

Strategy:

• Collect chest measurements
• Most team members can wear M or L
• Order mostly M/L, few S and XL for outliers

Vests are forgiving—adjustable straps help.

Gloves (team order)

Challenge: Hand sizes vary significantly.

Strategy:

1. Measure everyone's hand circumference at knuckles
2. Most teams need sizes 8, 9, 10 (with a few 7s and 11s)
3. Order based on measurements (gloves must fit right)

Don't order "one size fits most" for safety gloves—dexterity matters.

Budget-friendly team sizing

Can't afford samples for everyone?

Option 1: Measure carefully, order once

Risks: Higher chance of wrong sizes, more exchanges.

Mitigation:

• Use fit feedback if available
• Contact us for sizing advice
• Budget for potential exchanges

Option 2: Phased ordering

How it works:

1. Order for half the team first
2. Collect fit feedback
3. Adjust sizing for second half based on feedback

Slower, but reduces risk of mass wrong sizes.

Option 3: Mix of sizes for each person

Order 2 sizes per person (e.g., M and L for someone between sizes).

Pros: Everyone gets right fit.

Cons: More returns, but free return shipping makes this viable.

Reordering for team (new members)

New team member joins 6 months later.

How to size them:

1. Pull up original order (we keep records)
2. Check which brand you ordered
3. Measure new team member
4. Use same brand's size chart
5. Reference fit notes from original order ("Brand X runs large")

We can help: Email us with original order number and new member's measurements.

Questions?

Coordinating team order and feeling overwhelmed? Contact us. We'll walk you through it step-by-step.

Large team (20+ people)? Definitely contact us—we can help coordinate directly with the brand for bulk pricing and logistics.

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

Related articles:

• How do I choose the right size?
• How do I measure myself?
• Can I contact support for sizing help?
• Can I get a replacement instead of a refund?

Updated on: 03/11/2025