Before you measure
- Use a soft tape measure and record measurements in centimetres
- Measure over light clothing, not over a jacket or heavy layers
- Stand relaxed and breathe normally; do not hold in the stomach
- Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight
- Ask a colleague to help with chest, sleeve and height
- Measure twice and write the result down straight away
How to measure
- Chest: around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades, with the tape level
- Waist: around the natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso; for trousers, also measure where the waistband is usually worn
- Hips: around the fullest part of the hips and seat, with feet together
- Sleeve: from the shoulder point, where the shoulder meets the arm, down the outside of a slightly bent arm to the wrist bone
- Inseam: from the crotch to the ankle along the inside of the leg; the easiest way is to measure a pair of trousers that fit well
- Height: standing straight against a wall without shoes, from the floor to the top of the head
- Neck, for collared shirts: around the base of the neck, with one finger between the tape and the neck
Letter sizes XS to 4XL
Our ready-size uniforms run from XS to 4XL: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL, in men's and women's cuts where the style allows. A letter size covers a range of body measurements rather than a single number.
The exact garment measurements behind each letter size differ by style. A fitted blouse, a relaxed housekeeping tunic and a coverall can all be labelled M and still be cut differently. For that reason we confirm the measurements for each style when you order, rather than relying on one chart for every garment.
If someone is between sizes
- Workwear, coveralls and housekeeping uniforms: choose the larger size, because people need room to bend, kneel and reach
- Tailored jackets and blazers: choose the size that fits the shoulders; sleeves and waists can be adjusted
- Trousers: choose by waist and hips; the length can be hemmed
- Performance and sports kits: these are usually cut closer to the body, so try before ordering
- Children: allow some room for growth during the school year
Which measurements matter for each garment
- Shirts and blouses: chest, neck and sleeve
- Trousers and skirts: waist, hips and inseam
- Blazers and jackets: chest, shoulders and sleeve
- Scrubs and tunics: chest and hips; trouser inseam
- Coveralls: chest and height
- Polo shirts and T-shirts: chest
- School uniforms: height and chest for younger children, plus waist and inseam for trousers
Three ways to size a team
Collecting sizes is often the slowest part of a uniform order. Choose the method that suits your team's size and where people work.
- Size sets at the showroom: staff, or a few representatives, try sample garments in each size at our Ras Al Khaimah showroom on Al Manama – Ras Al Khaimah Road
- On-site sessions: our team visits your premises anywhere in the UAE with size sets and a tape measure, working department by department so operations are not disrupted
- A size list: you collect sizes and measurements yourself, using the measuring steps on this page, and send them to us in a spreadsheet
What to include in a size list
A clear size list prevents most packing and distribution problems. One row per person, with these columns, works for almost any order.
- Employee name, and staff number if you use one
- Department, branch or site
- Role, so we know which garments they receive
- Cut: men's, women's or unisex
- Size for each garment
- Measurements, where taken: chest, waist, hips, sleeve, inseam and height
- Name to embroider, if different from the full name
- Notes, for example modest options or a longer trouser leg
Made to measure
For suits, blazers, waistcoats and front-office uniforms, garments can be made to each person's measurements instead of from ready sizes. Our tailors take the measurements on site or at the showroom and record them against the person's name, so later orders do not need a new fitting unless the person's size changes.
If something does not fit
Contact us with the person's name and the problem. Many fit issues, such as sleeve or trouser length, can be solved by alteration in our workshop. Because sizes are recorded by name, we can check what was ordered and agree the best way to fix it.
Plan a reserve of common sizes
Teams change. Keeping a small reserve of the most common sizes means new joiners can start in uniform straight away, and their own named set can follow. Your size list from the first order is the best guide to which sizes to hold.