Should I size up or down for shoes vs jackets?

Boots/shoes: Size up if between sizes. Feet swell during work, steel toes don't stretch.

Jackets: Size up if wearing layers underneath, size down for slim fit.

Pants: Size up if between waist sizes (you can always wear a belt).

Gloves: Size to chart for dexterity, size up for insulated gloves.

Vests: True to size or size down (shouldn't flap around).

Why product type matters

Different workwear serves different purposes. Sizing strategy depends on how the product needs to fit and function.

Rule of thumb: If it needs to move with you or allow for layers → size up. If it needs to fit close to body → size down or true to size.

Boots and safety shoes: Always size up

Why size up:

1. Feet swell during the day

• 8+ hour shifts = feet expand
• Steel toes don't stretch
• Boots that fit perfectly in the morning hurt by afternoon

2. Thick work socks

• Safety boots worn with thick socks
• Regular shoe size + thick socks = too tight

3. Insoles add volume

• Many workers add comfort insoles
• Insoles take up space inside boot

4. Break-in period

• Leather and stiff materials don't give much
• Better to start slightly loose than painfully tight

How much to size up:

Between sizes: Always choose larger

• Foot 26.7 cm, chart shows 42 (26.5-27 cm) or 43 (27-27.5 cm) → Order 43

At exact size: Consider one half-size up

• Foot exactly 27 cm, chart shows 43 (27-27.5 cm) → Order 43 or 44 depending on sock thickness

Exception: If boot comes in wide/narrow widths, size to length and adjust width instead.

Jackets and coats: Depends on layers

Size UP if:

1. Wearing layers underneath

• Winter jacket over thermal + fleece → Size up
• Rain jacket over work clothes → Size up

2. Need arm mobility

• Reaching overhead frequently → Size up
• Tight shoulders restrict movement

3. Jacket has no stretch

• Heavy canvas, coated fabrics → Size up for comfort

Size DOWN if:

1. Wearing over just a shirt

• Summer work jacket, no layers → Size down for slim fit

2. Product described as "generous fit"

• Some brands design jackets oversized → Size down

3. Want tailored appearance

• Customer-facing roles → Size down if fit matters

True to size if:

1. Will wear with some layers sometimes

• Flexible use → Stick to size chart

2. "Regular fit" described

• Not slim, not oversized → Follow measurements

Pants and work trousers: Size up at waist

Why size up:

1. Waistbands don't stretch much

• Workwear uses sturdy fabrics
• Too tight = uncomfortable all day

2. You can wear a belt

• Slightly loose waist? Wear a belt
• Can't belt pants that are too small

3. Bending and squatting

• Physical work stretches fabric
• Tight waist becomes tighter when bending

4. Weight fluctuates

• Meal breaks, hydration → waist expands slightly through day

How to size:

Waist between sizes: Size up

• Waist 88 cm, chart shows 48 (86-90 cm) or 50 (90-94 cm) → Order 50

Inseam between sizes: Size up (or hem)

• Too-short pants look bad and restrict movement
• Too-long pants can be hemmed or worn with boots

Exception: Pants with elastic or adjustable waists can follow true to size.

Gloves: Depends on type

Dexterity work gloves: Size to chart (snug fit)

Why: Precision work needs good feel and grip.

Sizing:

• Measure hand circumference at knuckles
• Order exact size from chart
• Gloves should fit snug but not restrict finger movement

Materials that stretch slightly: Leather can start snug (breaks in)

Materials that don't stretch: Coated safety gloves must fit right from start

Insulated winter gloves: Size up

Why: Need air circulation for warmth, plus room for hand movement.

Sizing:

• Measure hand, then order one size up
• Allows blood flow (keeps hands warm)
• Room to make fist without restriction

Liner gloves underneath: Size up

If wearing thin liner gloves under work gloves:

• Measure hand WITH liner on
• Order based on that measurement (effectively sizing up)

High-visibility vests: Size down or true to size

Why size down:

1. Vests shouldn't flap

• Safety equipment needs to stay in place
• Loose vest looks unprofessional and can catch on things

2. Worn over regular clothes

• Usually just over shirt or light jacket
• Not bulky layers

When to size up:

Over winter jacket: If you'll wear vest over heavy jacket, size up to fit over bulk.

Otherwise: True to size or size down for snug fit.

Overalls and coveralls: Size up

Why:

• Need to fit over regular clothes
• Full range of motion required (bending, climbing, kneeling)
• Restrictive overalls = can't work comfortably

How much:

• If between sizes, always size up
• Some brands offer "bib overalls" vs "coveralls" - check which you need

Base layers and thermal wear: Size down or true to size

Why:

• Designed to fit close to skin
• Too loose = doesn't insulate properly
• Stretchy materials accommodate movement

How to size:

• True to size for comfort
• Size down for compression fit (if you prefer)
• Never size up (defeats purpose of base layer)

Product-specific quick reference

What if I still choose wrong?

Free exchanges for different sizes (same product).

How it works:

1. Contact us at orders@droppe.com
2. We coordinate with brand to reserve correct size
3. You return wrong size (free return label)
4. We ship correct size

Timeline: 7-14 business days total.

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

Questions?

Unsure whether to size up or down for a specific product? Contact us with the product link and your measurements. We'll recommend based on the brand and how you'll use it.

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:

• What if I'm between sizes?
• How do I choose the right size?
• How can I avoid ordering the wrong size?
• Can I contact support for sizing help?

Updated on: 06/11/2025