Articles on: Sizing & Fit

How do I measure myself for the best fit?

Use a flexible measuring tape and measure in centimeters. Wear the clothes you'd typically wear under your workwear (or measure over similar layers). Compare your measurements to the brand-specific size chart on each product page.

What you'll need

Essential:

Flexible measuring tape (fabric or plastic, not metal)
Mirror (to check tape position on your back)

Helpful:

Someone to help (measuring yourself is possible but harder)
Pen and paper to write down measurements

Don't have a measuring tape? Use a piece of string, mark the length, then measure the string with a ruler.

Quick tip: Measure in centimeters, not inches. European size charts use cm. Save yourself the conversion headache.

General measuring tips

1. Don't pull tape tight

Tape should be snug but not compressing your body. You should be able to slide one finger under the tape.

2. Stand naturally

Don't suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. Stand how you normally stand.

3. Measure over light clothing

If you'll wear thermal layers under your workwear, measure over similar thickness. Don't measure over bulky sweaters—use a thin shirt.

4. Measure twice

Double-check each measurement. Write it down immediately—easy to forget numbers.

5. Round up, not down

Between 102.3 and 102.7 cm? Write 103. Better slightly larger than too tight.

How to measure for jackets and coats

Chest circumference (most important)

What it is: Measurement around the widest part of your chest.

How to measure:

Wrap tape around your body at chest level
Position tape across nipple line (or just below armpits)
Keep tape parallel to floor (not angled)
Tape should cross your shoulder blades in back
Take a normal breath and read measurement

Common mistakes:

Tape too high (above chest) or too low (at stomach)
Tape angled (should be perfectly horizontal all around)
Holding breath (measure while breathing normally)

Typical chest measurements:

S: 92-96 cm
M: 96-100 cm
L: 100-104 cm
XL: 104-108 cm

Sleeve length

What it is: Length from shoulder point to wrist bone.

How to measure:

Bend arm slightly (don't hold it straight)
Start at shoulder bone (where shoulder meets arm)
Run tape over bent elbow to wrist bone
Keep arm in natural position

Alternative method (easier alone):

Measure a jacket that fits you well
Lay jacket flat
Measure from shoulder seam to end of sleeve

Body length

What it is: Jacket length from shoulder to hem.

How to measure:

Start at base of neck (where collar sits)
Run tape straight down to where you want hem to fall
For work jackets: typically hip level or mid-thigh

Or measure existing jacket:

Lay jacket flat
Measure from collar seam to bottom hem

How to measure for pants and overalls

Waist circumference

What it is: Measurement around your natural waist (where you'd wear a belt).

How to measure:

Find natural waist (usually 2-3 cm above hip bones, at belly button level)
Wrap tape around body at this level
Keep tape parallel to floor
Tape should sit comfortably, not tight
Don't suck in stomach

Common mistakes:

Measuring at hips instead of waist (too low)
Measuring where pants actually sit (might be lower than natural waist)
Pulling tape too tight

European sizing note:

Waist in cm = pant size. A 90 cm waist = size 90 pants (roughly 35-36 inches).

Inseam (leg length)

What it is: Length from crotch to ankle.

How to measure:

Stand straight against wall
Start at crotch seam (where legs meet)
Run tape down inside of leg to ankle bone
Don't measure to floor—stop at ankle

Easier method:

Measure pants that fit you well
Lay flat
Measure from crotch seam to bottom hem

What if you're between inseam lengths?

Order longer (can hem or wear with boots)
Pants too short look awkward and restrict movement

Hip circumference (for coveralls/overalls)

What it is: Measurement around widest part of hips/buttocks.

How to measure:

Stand with feet together
Wrap tape around widest part of hips
Usually 18-23 cm below waist
Keep tape parallel to floor

How to measure for safety boots and shoes

Foot length

What it is: Length from heel to longest toe in centimeters.

How to measure:

Stand on a piece of paper against a wall (heel touching wall)
Put weight on foot you're measuring
Mark position of longest toe on paper
Measure from wall to mark in cm
Repeat for other foot (feet often differ slightly)
Use the LARGER measurement

Important:

Measure both feet (use larger measurement)
Measure at end of day (feet swell slightly)
Wear socks you'd wear with boots

Add comfort room:

Add 0.5-1 cm to your measurement before checking size chart
Feet need space to breathe and swell during long shifts

Example:

Your foot: 26.8 cm
Add comfort: 27.3-27.8 cm
Chart says size 43 = 27-27.5 cm → Order 43 or 44

Foot width (if chart includes it)

What it is: Circumference around widest part of foot (ball of foot).

How to measure:

Stand with weight on foot
Wrap tape around widest part (usually ball of foot)
Keep tape snug but not tight

Most charts don't include width—default to "medium" width. If you know you have wide or narrow feet, mention it when contacting support.

How to measure for gloves

Hand circumference

What it is: Measurement around hand at widest point (knuckles, excluding thumb).

How to measure:

Hold hand flat, fingers together
Wrap measuring tape around hand at knuckles
Don't include thumb
Keep hand relaxed (don't make a fist)
Read measurement in cm

Glove sizing:

Hand circumference	Glove size
17.5-19 cm	7
19-20.5 cm	8
20.5-22 cm	9
22-23.5 cm	10
23.5-25 cm	11

Between sizes?

Leather gloves: Can start snug (stretch over time)
Coated safety gloves: Size up (don't stretch)
Insulated gloves: Size up (need air circulation for warmth)

Common measurement mistakes

Measuring over bulky clothes

Wrong: Measuring chest over a thick sweater (adds 5+ cm)

Right: Measure over a t-shirt or thin long-sleeve

Why: You won't wear a thick sweater under your work jacket every day. Measure over what you'd typically wear.

Pulling tape too tight

Wrong: Compressing body with tape for "more accurate" measurement

Right: Tape sits snug, you can slide one finger underneath

Why: Clothes don't compress your body. Natural measurement = natural fit.

Forgetting to add comfort room

Wrong: Foot is exactly 27.0 cm → order size that fits 27.0 cm

Right: Foot is 27.0 cm → add 0.5-1 cm → order for 27.5-28 cm

Why: Feet swell. Steel toes don't stretch. Boots that fit perfectly when trying them on will hurt after 4 hours of work.

Measuring once and assuming it's permanent

Bodies change: Weight, fitness, age, pregnancy—all affect measurements. Measure fresh before each major order, especially if it's been 6+ months.

What to do with your measurements

Step 1: Write them down

Keep a record:

Chest: ___ cm
Waist: ___ cm
Inseam: ___ cm
Foot length: ___ cm (left), ___ cm (right)
Hand circumference: ___ cm

Date it. Measurements change over time.

Step 2: Compare to size charts

Go to product page → Scroll to "Size & Fit" → Match your measurements to the chart.

Between two sizes? Order both and return what doesn't fit (free returns).

Step 3: Order and try at home

Remember: Free returns when items pass inspection (unused, tags on). Ordering multiple sizes is normal and expected.

Still unsure?

Send us your measurements before ordering:

Email orders@droppe.com with:

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

We'll recommend sizes based on the brand's chart and fit feedback from other customers.

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

Questions?

Measurements don't match any size? Some brands offer custom sizing or extended ranges. Contact us—we'll check with the brand.

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Updated on: 03/11/2025

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