How to find your size: measuring at home

The most common question when shopping online is whether you've picked the right size. The good news: five minutes and a tape measure are enough to take the key measurements at home. Here is how to measure properly, how to compare the results with clothes you already own, and what to do if you're between two sizes.

What you need

• A soft tape measure
• A mirror, or someone to help with measurements across your back
• Light clothing — a T-shirt and underwear
• Your phone's notes app to write the results down

Stand straight and relaxed, and don't hold your breath. The tape should sit snugly against your body without squeezing, and stay level when you measure around you.

Chest

Run the tape around the fullest part of your chest — under the armpits and across the shoulder blades — with your arms relaxed by your sides. This is the key measurement for T-shirts, shirts, sweaters and jackets.

Waist

Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, just above the navel. For trousers it's more useful to measure where you actually wear your belt — usually a little lower.

Hips

Stand with your feet together and measure around the widest part of your hips and seat. This tells you whether trousers will sit comfortably at the back.

Inseam

Measure along the inside of your leg, from the crotch to the ankle bone or the floor. It's much easier and more accurate to measure trousers that fit you well: lay them flat and measure the inside seam from the crotch seam to the hem.

Shoulders and sleeves

Measure shoulder width across your back, from the edge of one shoulder to the other, and sleeve length from the edge of the shoulder to the wrist with your arm slightly bent. This matters most for shirts and jackets: the shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder and the sleeve should reach your wrist.

The most reliable method: measure a favourite piece

As well as measuring yourself, measure a T-shirt, shirt or pair of trousers that already fits you well.

1. Lay the garment flat without stretching it.
2. For a T-shirt or shirt, measure the width from armpit to armpit and the length from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem.
3. For trousers, measure the waistband from edge to edge and double it, and measure the inseam.

With these numbers you can compare a new piece in store, or call us to ask which size is closer.

What the sizes mean

• Tops: T-shirts, shirts, sweaters and jackets come in letter sizes — S, M, L, XL and up. The same letter can fit differently in a slim and a regular cut, so check the fit shown on the product page.
• Trousers: these come in numbers — 30, 32, 34 and so on. In the usual system the number roughly matches your waist in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm), so 32 is about 81 cm. Cuts vary, though, so compare the number with measurements of your own trousers too.
• Shoes: these use European sizes, such as 42.

If you're between two sizes

• Slim fit with broad shoulders or chest: go for the larger size.
• Regular fit with a slim build: the smaller size often looks neater.
• Sweater: if you plan to wear it over a shirt, allow for that layer.
• Jacket: choose the size that sits comfortably over a sweater.
• Trousers: go by your waist and hips. A tailor can easily shorten the length, and fabric with elastane has a little stretch.

If the size isn't right

Unworn items with their tags on can be exchanged or returned within 14 days at any Giordano store in Yerevan. If you have any questions, call us on +374 95 356290.

In short

• Measured chest, waist and hips
• Measured inseam, or a pair of trousers that fits well
• Measured at least one T-shirt or shirt that fits well
• Checked the fit — slim or regular
• Saved the measurements on your phone

You can order Giordano men's clothing in our online shop: delivery anywhere in Armenia costs 1,500 ֏ and is free on orders over 50,000 ֏. If you'd rather try things on, visit Giordano stores in Yerevan Mall, Dalma Garden Mall, Rio Mall and MegaMall Armenia, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.