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TheEmbroidery Shed

Help · Size guide

Find your fit.

Our workwear is sized for comfort across a full working day. Here is exactly how each piece sizes, with measurements in centimetres and notes on what to consider.

Before you start

How to measure

Measure over the garment you'll typically layer underneath, keep the tape level and snug but not tight, and measure twice.

  • Chest: around the fullest part, under the arms, tape level across the back.
  • Waist: around your natural waist, roughly level with your belly button, not your trouser line.
  • Height: standing straight, without shoes.

If you are between two sizes, size up. Workwear is designed for comfort over a full working day, not a close fit.

Polos, tees and hoodies

Top sizing

These measurements apply to polo shirts, t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts. All measurements are body measurements, not garment measurements. Pick the size your chest measurement falls into.

Top body measurements in centimetres
SizeChest (cm)Waist (cm)Height (cm)
XS82–8768–73158–168
S88–9374–79166–174
M94–9980–85172–180
L100–10786–92178–186
XL108–11593–100184–192
XXL116–124101–109190–198
3XL125–133110–118196–204
4XL134–142119–127196–204
All measurements are body measurements in centimetres. When in doubt, size up.

Outerwear

Jacket and gilet sizing

Jackets and softshell gilets are cut with extra room to layer over a polo or hoodie. The chest measurements below reflect the additional ease built into outerwear sizing.

Jacket body measurements in centimetres
SizeChest (cm)Waist (cm)Notes
XS88–9374–79Layers over a polo
S94–9980–85Layers over a polo
M100–10786–92Layers over a polo
L108–11593–100Layers over a polo
XL116–123101–108Layers over a polo
XXL124–132109–117Layers over a polo
3XL133–141118–126Layers over a polo
Jacket sizing allows for a base layer underneath. Body measurements in centimetres.

The detail

Fit notes

Workwear sizing runs generous

Most workwear garments are cut for comfort across a full day, which means the fit is relaxed compared to fashion sizing. If you normally buy a M in a slim-fit shirt, a M in a polo shirt will feel roomier. That is intentional.

Layering

If you plan to wear a polo under a hoodie, and the hoodie under a jacket, use your chest measurement for the polo and size up by one on the hoodie and again on the jacket. This gives a clean layered look without bulk.

Unisex sizing

The tables above are unisex body measurements. Measure to the same points regardless of the cut you prefer and pick the size your measurements fall into. Still unsure? Tell us your height, chest measurement and usual garment size and we'll recommend a fit.

Still unsure?

Standard-range items can be exchanged within 28 days if a size isn't right. Or get in touch via the contact page and we will confirm the fit before you order.