Finding the right fit makes all the difference.

This page goes into more detail on the fit descriptions you'll see on our product pages, so you can shop with confidence and avoid the back-and-forth of returning something that doesn't work. For measurements and size charts, see our size guide.

Garment fit

Garment fit describes the relationship between the garment and the body. Two people can wear the same size but prefer a very different fit. One person might want a close, streamlined silhouette, another prefers room to move. Understanding fit helps you choose a garment you'll actually reach for.

Try it on in your head: Before you buy, it helps to think through a few things.

• Where do you want the hem to sit?
• Do you want the garment to show your shape, skim over it, or sit away from it entirely?
• Will you be sitting down in this, or mostly on your feet?
• Are you wearing it on its own, or over something else?

The answers will point you towards the right fit more reliably than a size chart alone.

• A note on layering: Fine base layers—a silk camisole, a lightweight merino thermal, a bamboo top—sit close enough to the body that your usual size will still work over the top. It's when you're layering over something with more bulk, like a heavier thermal or a brushed shirt, that fit is worth thinking about. In that case, choose a Generous or Relaxed Fit rather than sizing up. Going up a size adds length through the sleeve and body as well as width, which is rarely what you want.
• A note on knitwear: Possum merino and merino knitwear has natural stretch and drape, and fits differently to woven garments. It moves with you rather than constraining you. If you're shopping for knitwear, the fit description on the product page will note whether the garment is designed to sit close to the body or wear with more ease.

Which fit are you?

Not sure where to start? These might help.

Trouser and leg fits

• Slim Leg: Cut close to the leg with minimal extra room. Follows the line of the leg without clinging. Best suited to those who prefer a streamlined, tailored silhouette. Works well tucked into boots or worn with a longer, relaxed top.
• Straight Leg: A consistent width from hip to hem, neither narrow nor wide. A versatile, classic fit that suits most body shapes and works well dressed up or down. If in doubt, Straight Leg is rarely the wrong choice.
• Relaxed Leg: More room through the seat and thigh with a comfortable, easy feel. Not baggy, just unhurried. A good choice if you prefer ease of movement, spend a lot of time sitting, or simply like a more casual look.
• Wide Leg: Generous width from the hip through to the hem. A flowing, relaxed silhouette that pairs well with a more fitted top. Comfortable and cool in warmer weather.
• Tapered Leg: Wider at the top and narrowing towards the ankle. Combines comfort through the seat and thigh with a cleaner line at the hem. A practical choice if you want ease without the fabric pooling at your feet.
• Pull On Pant: No zip, no button—simply pull on and go. Typically features an elasticated waistband for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Ideal for relaxed everyday wear, travel or lounging, and a favourite for those who want to look put-together without any fuss.

Garment and silhouette fits

• Fitted: Cut to follow the shape of the body closely. Not tight, but shaped, with minimal excess fabric. Best suited to those who prefer a more defined silhouette, and particularly flattering in silk or fine merino where the drape does the work.
• Slim Fit: Cut closer to the body than a regular fit, with a neater, more tailored appearance. Not tight—there's still room to move comfortably. Works well for those who want a polished look without going fully fitted.
• Regular Fit: A standard, everyday fit—not slim, not relaxed. Comfortable and practical, with room to move without excess bulk. If you're used to buying off the rack and it usually works for you, Regular Fit will feel familiar.
• Classic Fit: A timeless, comfortable fit that isn't too close or too roomy. Sits comfortably on the body without excess fabric. Suitable for a wide range of body shapes, and the safest choice if you're buying without trying first.
• Straight Fit: A consistent, unstructured shape that falls straight from the shoulder or bust. Neither close-fitting nor oversized—a clean, versatile everyday fit that works across most body shapes.
• A-line Fit: Fitted or straight at the top and flaring gently from the waist or hips downward. A flattering, feminine shape that suits most body types, and particularly forgiving around the hips and thighs.
• Relaxed Fit: More room than a regular fit, with a comfortable, unfussy feel. A good everyday choice for those who don't want a garment sitting close to the body, or who are buying to wear over other layers.
• Generous Fit: Cut with extra room for comfort and ease of movement. A good choice for layering over other garments, or for those who find standard sizing sits too close to the body. The go-to fit if you want to be comfortable all day without thinking about it.
• Boxy Fit: A square, relaxed silhouette with a straight hem and minimal shaping. Sits away from the body rather than following its contours. Often best worn with more fitted bottoms to balance the shape, and works particularly well in knitwear.
• Oversized Fit: Intentionally larger than a standard fit, with extra room through the body and often the sleeves. Designed to be worn with ease and relaxed styling. Best balanced with slimmer bottoms—wide leg trousers and an oversized top can work beautifully, but take a little more confidence to pull off.

Sheepskin footwear fit

Sheepskin is a natural material and behaves a little differently from other footwear. A few things are worth knowing before you buy.

• Sizing varies between styles: This is the most important thing to know before you order. Across our sheepskin range, some styles are sized in US Mens, some in UK sizing and some in NZ/AU sizing. These are not interchangeable. A UK 7 and a US Mens 7 are different sizes. Always check the sizing system noted on the individual product page and use the size chart provided, rather than assuming your usual size will apply. For foot length measurement guidance and size charts, see our size guide.
• Half sizes: If you're a half size, the recommendation varies by style. Some styles advise going down, others advise going up. Always check the half size guidance on the individual product page rather than making an assumption.
• A note on new sheepskin: Sheepskin will stretch slightly with wear and the pile will compact over time, so a new slipper or boot should feel reasonably snug to start with. If it feels a little firm on first wear, that's normal—it will soften and mould to the shape of your foot over the first few wears.
  
  If your foot measurement sits at the very top of a size range, the fit will be particularly firm to begin with. If comfort from day one is a priority, consider sizing up.
• The morning shuffle test: A good slipper should pass one simple test: can you walk to the kitchen half asleep without it flapping off your foot? Snug enough to stay on, loose enough to slip on without bending down. That's the sweet spot. If you're between fits, that's the feeling to aim for.
• Twin-faced sheepskin: Several of our slippers and boots are made from twin-faced sheepskin, a single piece of sheepskin with both the leather and fleece sides processed to the highest standards. The result is supple suede on the outside and cosy fleece on the inside, from the same skin. Some soft-sole styles are constructed in a way that allows the slipper to spread slightly outward, making them a better choice for a wider foot.
• Before you wear them: We recommend treating new sheepskin slippers and boots with a suede protector spray before wearing them for the first time. This helps repel moisture and dirt, and significantly extends the life of the product. Reapply regularly, especially through wetter months.

Sheepskin fit types

Standard Fit: A classic slipper fit, structured enough to hold its shape and suited to a narrow to average foot width. The fit is firmer than a Forgiving Fit style, which some people prefer for the support it provides.

This might be for you if:

• You have a narrow to average foot width
• You prefer a neat, close fit with good structure
• You like a slipper that holds its shape over time

Forgiving Fit: Soft comfort that adapts to you. A more relaxed construction that accommodates a wider foot or a preference for extra room. The fit softens further with wear as the sheepskin moulds gently to the shape of your foot.

This might be for you if:

• You have a wider foot
• Your feet have changed shape over the years and standard sizing feels too firm
• You want a slipper that gives a little rather than holding a fixed shape
• You want something easy to get on and off

Adjustable Fit: Comfort tailored to you. These styles feature an adjustable Velcro fastening that allows you to customise the fit around the opening of the slipper. Originally designed for those with swollen feet or ankles, they're a practical and comfortable choice for anyone who finds standard slipper openings difficult to get into, or whose feet change in size throughout the day—more common than most people realise, particularly as we get older.

This might be for you if:

• You have swollen feet or ankles, or experience swelling during the day
• You find standard slippers difficult to get on and off
• You want the flexibility to loosen or tighten the fit as needed
• You sit between widths and want to fine-tune the fit yourself

Still not sure?

Every product page includes a size chart and, where relevant, specific guidance on fit for that style. If you're choosing between two sizes or have a question about a particular product, our customer care team is always happy to help.

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

Related information: Size guide, Delivery and shipping, Returns and exchanges, Contact us