There can be two kinds of chart on our product pages, and it's worth knowing which one you're looking at.

Which chart you'll see

Depending on the product, a page may carry a size chart, a fit guide, or both. Each one is labelled, so check which you're reading before you start measuring.

• Size chart: Body measurements—the size of the person the garment is cut to fit. Compare these to your own measurements.
• Fit guide: The measurements of the garment itself, laid flat. Compare these to a garment you already own.

The two won't match, and they're not meant to. A garment is cut with room to move, so its flat measurements will be larger than the body it's designed for. How much larger depends on the fit—which is why the fit description on the product page matters as much as the numbers. For guidance on fit styles, see our Understanding fit page.

We're standardising how measurements are presented across the range, so you'll see a mix of the two while that work continues. If you have a question about a specific product, our customer care team is happy to help.

Using a size chart

A size chart lists body measurements, so compare them to your own and choose the size band you fall into.

If you sit between two sizes, the fit description on the product page will tell you which way to go. A Slim or Fitted style is worth sizing up for; a Generous or Relaxed style will usually be comfortable in the smaller of the two.

Using a fit guide

A fit guide lists the measurements of the garment itself. The most reliable way to use one is to take a garment you already own that fits you well, measure it flat, and compare those measurements to the fit guide to find your closest match.

This gives a much more accurate result than working from body measurements alone, particularly when shopping online or ordering from a brand for the first time.

How to measure a garment

Lay the garment on a flat surface, smoothed out but not stretched. Follow the measurement descriptions below for each garment category. All measurements are given in centimetres, with inches shown alongside.

• A note on shirring and elasticated waistbands: Where a garment features shirring or an elasticated waistband, the waist measurement shown is the relaxed measurement—the garment measured flat, without stretching. Shirred and elasticated waistbands will accommodate a range of body sizes above and below that figure. Where this applies, additional guidance is included on the individual product page.
• A note on knitwear: Merino and possum merino knitwear has natural stretch, so flat garment measurements will appear smaller than the garment feels when worn. The fabric stretches to accommodate the body, so a knitwear garment that looks slightly small on paper will typically fit more generously on. If you're unsure about a specific knitwear product, please get in touch.

Women's tops

• Bust: Measure straight across the garment 2 cm below the armhole, from one side seam to the other. Double this figure for the full bust measurement.
• Hem width: Measure straight across the bottom hem, from one side seam to the other. Double this figure for the full hem width.
• Body length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder seam straight down to the bottom hem.
• Sleeve length: Measure from the shoulder seam at the top of the sleeve down to the end of the cuff.

Women's bottoms

• Waist: Measure straight across the waistband from one side to the other. Double this figure for the full waist measurement. For shirred or elasticated waistbands, this is the relaxed measurement.
• Hip: Measure straight across the widest point of the garment, from one side seam to the other. Double this figure for the full hip measurement.
• Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam down the inside leg to the hem.
• Outseam: Measure from the top of the waistband down the outside of the leg to the hem.

Men's tops

• Chest: Measure straight across the garment 2 cm below the armhole, from one side seam to the other. Double this figure for the full chest measurement.
• Hem width: Measure straight across the bottom hem, from one side seam to the other. Double this figure for the full hem width.
• Body length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder seam straight down to the bottom hem.
• Sleeve length: Measure from the shoulder seam at the top of the sleeve down to the end of the cuff.

Men's bottoms

• Waist: Measure straight across the waistband from one side to the other. Double this figure for the full waist measurement. For elasticated waistbands, this is the relaxed measurement.
• Hip: Measure straight across the widest point of the garment, from one side seam to the other. Double this figure for the full hip measurement.
• Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam down the inside leg to the hem.
• Outseam: Measure from the top of the waistband down the outside of the leg to the hem.
• Rise: Measure from the top of the waistband down to the crotch seam. Rise affects how the waistband sits on the body. A shorter rise sits lower on the hip; a longer rise sits at or above the natural waist and provides more room through the seat.

Socks

Socks are sized by shoe size. Each product page includes a chart showing the shoe sizes covered by each size band across NZ/AUS/UK, US and Euro sizing systems.

Most socks in our range come in S, M, L and XL bands, each covering a range of shoe sizes. Because socks are knitted with elastane or elasticised yarns, each band comfortably accommodates a range of sizes. If your shoe size falls at the upper end of a band, sizing up will give you a little more room.

Shoe sizing conventions vary between countries and aren't consistent across brands or styles, so we'd always recommend checking the chart on the individual product page rather than assuming your usual size will apply.

Sheepskin footwear

Sheepskin footwear is sized by foot length measurement rather than standard shoe size. Sizing conventions vary significantly between styles and countries, so foot length is the most reliable way to find the right size.

For full guidance on how to measure your foot, what to expect from a new pair of sheepskin slippers or boots, and an explanation of our slipper fit types, see our Understanding fit page.

Converting between centimetres and inches

All garment measurements are shown in centimetres, with inches alongside. As a reference:

• 1 cm = 0.39 inches
• 1 inch = 2.54 cm

To convert centimetres to inches, divide by 2.54. To convert inches to centimetres, multiply by 2.54.

Need help?

If you're unsure about sizing for a specific product, please get in touch. We're happy to advise on individual styles and help you find the right fit before you order.

NZ freephone: 0800 240 167
International: +64 3 9700 441
Email: info@nznature.co.nz

Related information: Understanding fit, Returns and exchanges, Contact us