What if I'm between sizes?

Order both sizes and try at home. Return whichever doesn't fit (free return shipping). For most workwear, sizing up is safer—but it depends on the product type.

Why "between sizes" happens

The reality: Different brands use different sizing systems. One brand's Medium might fit like another brand's Large. There's no universal standard yet—especially for workwear.

Your measurements might fall between chart ranges:

• Chest 102 cm? Chart says Medium (96-100 cm) or Large (104-108 cm)
• Foot 27.3 cm? Chart shows size 43 (27 cm) or 44 (27.5 cm)
• Waist 88 cm? Could be 48 or 50 in European sizing

Best solution: Order both and see which fits better at home.

General rule: Size up or down?

Size UP if:

1. You wear layers underneath

• Winter jackets (worn over fleece or thermal)
• Rain gear (over work clothes)
• Safety vests (over jackets)

2. The item needs to move with you

• Pants for physical work (bending, squatting, climbing)
• Work gloves (need dexterity, not tightness)
• Overalls (restrictive fit = can't work comfortably)

3. You're between sizes on boots/shoes

• Feet swell during the day
• Thick socks add volume
• Too-tight boots cause blisters and fatigue

4. Product has no stretch

• Heavy-duty canvas or denim (doesn't give)
• Coated waterproof fabrics (zero flexibility)
• Leather that hasn't broken in yet

Size DOWN if:

1. You want a closer fit

• Base layers or thermal wear (designed to fit snug)
• High-visibility vests (loose fit looks unprofessional)
• Slim-fit jackets (not designed for layering)

2. Product has significant stretch

• Fabrics with elastane/spandex
• Knit materials
• "Flex" or "Stretch" in product name

3. Feedback says "runs large"

• Check product reviews or fit feedback
• Some brands intentionally run generous

4. You prefer tailored fit

• Not doing heavy physical work
• Appearance matters (customer-facing roles)
• Want less bulky silhouette

Product-specific advice

Safety boots and shoes

Always size up if between sizes.

Why: Feet swell during 8+ hour shifts. Steel toes don't stretch. Boots that fit perfectly in the morning might hurt by afternoon.

How much: One half-size or full size up, depending on:

• Sock thickness you'll wear
• Whether you use insoles
• How long you're on your feet

Test at home: Wear the boots around your house for 30 minutes with work socks. If toes touch the front when walking, size up.

Jackets and coats

Size up if you layer underneath.

Size down if wearing alone or over just a shirt.

Check:

• Can you lift arms overhead comfortably?
• Does the jacket ride up when you raise arms?
• Can you bend forward without tightness across shoulders?

Try with layers: Put on what you'd actually wear underneath (at home), then test the jacket.

Pants and overalls

Between waist sizes? Size up.

Why: Pants that are too tight restrict movement. Workwear pants need to let you bend, squat, kneel. You can always wear a belt.

Inseam (length): If waist fits but length is between sizes, choose longer and hem them—or wear with boots (extra length disappears).

Gloves

Snug fit is better for dexterity.

But not too tight: If gloves restrict finger movement or feel like they'll rip when you make a fist, size up.

Material matters:

• Leather stretches over time (can start snug)
• Coated fabrics don't stretch (size up if borderline)
• Insulated gloves need room for hand warmth circulation

High-visibility vests

True to size or size down.

Why: Vests shouldn't flap around or hang loose. They're safety equipment—need to stay in place and be clearly visible.

Over bulky clothing? Size up to fit over winter jackets.

How to try both sizes at home

Step 1: Order both sizes

Don't guess. Order the two sizes you're between. Total might exceed €80 per brand, qualifying for free shipping.

Step 2: Try with realistic conditions

Examples:

• Boots: Wear them around the house for 30 minutes with work socks
• Jackets: Layer what you'd wear underneath, move your arms, bend over
• Pants: Squat, kneel, sit, stand—test full range of motion
• Gloves: Hold tools, make fists, test grip

Step 3: Keep one, return the other

Free return shipping for the size you don't want (as long as unused, tags attached).

Return within 30 days from delivery.

Read more: How do I return a product?

What if BOTH sizes feel wrong?

Possible reasons:

1. Wrong product for your body type - Try a different brand or style
2. Need adjustable fit - Look for products with elastic waists, adjustable straps, or drawstrings
3. Size chart was inaccurate - Measure yourself and double-check against chart

Contact us: orders@droppe.com. We can:

• Recommend alternative brands that might fit better
• Verify measurements against size chart
• Check if product runs unusually large/small

Fit feedback from other buyers

Some products show fit feedback:

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

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

Leave feedback: After you find your size, leave a review. Help the next person who's between sizes.

Questions?

Still unsure which size to choose? Contact us with:

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

We'll recommend based on the specific brand and product.

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?
• Should I size up or down for shoes vs jackets?
• How do I measure myself for the best fit?
• What if the size isn't right?

Updated on: 03/11/2025