Finding the perfect uniform fit starts with understanding how sizing works. Unlike fashion retail, which typically uses body measurements, Arrow Uniforms uses garment measurements to ensure consistency and comfort. Knowing the difference between these two measurement types will help you choose a uniform that fits well and allows for ease of movement.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between body and garment measurements, explain how to measure yourself accurately, and provide expert tips to help you find your perfect fit with confidence.
Understanding Uniform Sizing: Body vs. Garment Measurements
Before selecting your uniform, it’s important to know how sizing works. Different brands use different methods, and that can be confusing! Here are the two primary types of measurements used in clothing sizing:
Body Measurements – The actual dimensions of your body (e.g., chest, waist, hips). Different brands may use varying measurement methods, so it's important to check whether sizing is based on body or garment dimensions before making a selection.
Garment Measurements – The size of the garment, typically measured as half sizes since it is taken across one flat side of the garment, including extra space (ease) for comfort and movement.
Arrow Uniforms bases its sizing on garment measurements, ensuring consistent fit across styles. However, we also sell other brands, which may use body measurements instead. If in doubt, always check whether the sizing method for your chosen garment is based on body or garment measurements before selecting your size.
Key Measurements for Uniforms
To find your best fit, focus on these key measurements:
Tops, Shirts & Jackets
- Chest/Bust – Half chest measurement, from underarm to underarm.
- Body Length – Highest shoulder point to hem.
- Sleeve Length – Shoulder seam to wrist bone.
Pants & Shorts
- Waist – Across the waistband when laid flat. Elastic waists may include relaxed and stretched measurements.
- Hip – Widest part of the garment at the hip.
- Inseam – Crotch seam to bottom hem.
- Outseam – Waistband to bottom hem.
Skirts & Dresses
- Waist – Across the narrowest part of the garment.
- Hip – Widest part.
- Length – Shoulder to hem (dresses) or waistband to hem (skirts).
Understanding Half Measurements & Ease Allowances
Many uniform measurements are listed as half chest, half waist, and half hip because they are taken across the front of a laid-flat garment (not around the body). Here’s what that means:
✔ Half Chest: Underarm seam to underarm seam.
✔ Half Waist: Across the waistband.
✔ Half Hip: Widest part of the garment at the hip.
Ease Allowances by Garment Type:
|
Fit Type |
Ease Allowance |
|
Fitted garments |
2-4 cm |
|
Standard fit |
4-6 cm |
|
Loose fit |
6-10 cm |
Why Ease Matters: Without ease, the garment would be skin-tight and restrict movement. The extra allowance ensures comfort, mobility, and a proper drape.
How to Convert Body Measurements to Garment Measurements
To compare your body measurements with garment sizing:
- Divide your body measurement by two.
- Add the necessary ease allowance.
Example 1: If your chest measures 98 cm, a garment with a full chest circumference of 100 cm (half chest 50 cm) will provide a comfortable fit with slight ease.
Example 2: If a garment has a half chest measurement of 48 cm (full chest 96 cm), it may feel tight for someone with a 98 cm chest. Choosing a slightly larger size ensures comfort, especially for non-stretch fabrics.
Download our Visual Guide for Garment Measurements.
How to Measure Yourself Accurately
Tools Needed:
✔ A flexible measuring tape
✔ Something to record your measurements (your phone, pen & paper)
✔ Optional: A mirror or a friend to help
Step-by-Step Guide:
🔹 Chest/Bust: Wrap the tape under your arms around the widest part of your chest. Keep it level and snug but not tight.
🔹 Waist: Measure where you typically wear your garments (not necessarily the narrowest part of your torso). Keep the tape comfortable.
🔹 Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom while standing naturally with feet together.
🔹 Inseam (for pants & shorts): Measure from the crotch seam down to the bottom hem of the leg.
🔹 Outseam: Measure from the waistband to the bottom hem.
🔹 Sleeve Length: Measure from the shoulder seam down to your wrist bone.
Pro Tip: Don’t pull the tape too tight or leave it too loose - keep it comfortably snug.
Choosing the Right Size
Always check if the size chart is based on body or garment measurements. This information is typically found above or alongside the size chart, often labeled as 'Body Measurements' or 'Garment Measurements'.
To determine the sizing method:
- If the chart lists half chest or other half measurements, it is likely garment sizing.
- If the measurements appear significantly larger than expected for a garment, they are likely body measurements.
- Conversely, much smaller measurements usually indicate garment sizing.
Example: If a size small lists a chest measurement of around 100 cm, it is likely based on body measurements. In contrast, a garment size small with a half chest measurement of 50 cm would indicate garment sizing.
Consider fabric & garment type:
- Stretch fabrics (e.g., spandex blends, knits, thermals) allow for a closer fit.
- Non-stretch fabrics (e.g., cotton, linen, polyester, such as scrub tops) require more ease.
- Heavyweight fabrics or outerwear (e.g., wool, denim) may require additional ease for layering.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Meets Confidence
The size on a label can vary between brands, or even styles, but the most important thing is how the uniform feels and fits. Prioritise comfort over numbers or letters on the label - your uniform should empower you to perform at your best. By following this guide, you’ll find the perfect fit with ease.
Still have questions? Contact our team - we’re happy to help!
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.