The size of the workwear affects both safety and how well you can perform your job. Neglecting fit can actually lead to injuries or make the job unnecessarily difficult.
When the workwear fits as it should, you get better freedom of movement, especially when bending or kneeling. Knee pads sit correctly and provide protection where it's needed.
A good fit makes a significant difference for comfort, especially during long days. Clothes that don't chafe or pinch allow you to endure more.
Protective equipment must fit. Gloves that are too large slip off, and gloves that are too small impair grip and can even affect blood circulation.
Shoes are a classic example – if they fit poorly, you'll quickly experience foot pain. Tight shoes cause pressure sores, while shoes that are too large can lead to blisters and instability.
Oversized workwear can become a safety risk. Loose sleeves can get caught in machinery, and overly baggy trousers are directly dangerous when working at heights.
Too small garments restrict movement and can make you tire more easily. Tight trousers make it difficult to bend and lift.
Work shoes in the wrong size can lead to serious foot problems over time. Shoes that are too small can cause bunions and nail issues, while shoes that are too large can cause heel and arch pain.
Protective clothing that doesn't fit properly can make reflectors less visible and the protective material may not cover where it should. It's not worth the risk.
A good online size guide requires you to measure your body accurately and interpret the charts correctly. This reduces the risk of buying the wrong size and ensures you get workwear that actually protects.
Start by getting a flexible measuring tape. It's best to have someone help – it usually works out better.
Measure while wearing thin underwear or something close-fitting. The measuring tape should lie against the body but not pinch.
Important measurements are:
Then compare your measurements with the chart from the brand you intend to buy. Sizes can vary significantly between different suppliers.
Each brand has its own system. Blåkläder, Fristads, Snickers – you must always double-check the chart for what you're buying.
The material also affects fit. Stretchy garments provide more leeway, while stiff fabrics may require a larger size to avoid feeling rigid.
Women's and men's models have different measurements. Women's workwear is tailored for bust, waist, and hips, so it cannot be directly compared with men's sizes.
Different garments require different measurements. Trousers – waist and inseam. Jackets – chest and arms. Overalls – everything at once.
Protective items like knee pads and reflectors must be positioned correctly. The wrong size can make the protection ineffective.
It can actually be a bit tricky to measure correctly, but it's worth it in the long run. Small mistakes can lead to ordering the wrong size and receiving clothes that don't feel good at all.
A soft measuring tape is essential. Preferably in centimeters, so you don't have to guess.
Wear as little clothing as possible – underwear or a thin shirt is sufficient. Thick clothing distorts the measurements.
Stand straight, relax, and breathe normally. Don't suck in your stomach or tense up; it will only give misleading results.
It's actually smart to measure in the morning, before your body has had time to swell. And yes, do get help from someone else.
Chest circumference is measured around the widest part of the chest, usually over the nipples. The measuring tape should lie straight and not be too tight.
Waist measurement is taken where the waist is narrowest, often just above the navel. This is important for trousers and overalls.
Hip measurement is taken around the widest part of the hips. Stand with your feet together and ensure the measuring tape lies flat.
Arm length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder down to the wrist, with the arm bent. Inseam? From the crotch to the ankle.
| Measurement | Measurement Point | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Widest part | Breathe out lightly |
| Waist | Narrowest part | Don't tense your stomach |
| Hips | Widest part | Feet together |
It's easy to pull the measuring tape too tight. Then the measurements become too small and the clothes too tight.
Don't twist or bend when measuring. Body posture affects the result more than you might think.
Don't measure over thick clothing. It can actually add several centimeters, and workwear should fit over regular underwear.
Don't forget to double-check the measurements. Measure twice, especially chest and waist.
It's always easier if someone else measures, especially for the back and shoulders. This ensures that the measuring tape lies straight.
Another trick is to measure clothes you already know fit well. This often gives more realistic numbers.
Many online stores actually offer assistance via chat or phone if you're unsure. They can provide tips on fit for different brands.
Always use the manufacturer's size guide. Don't skip it, even if it feels cumbersome.
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Size charts are a bit like maps in the workwear jungle. Each manufacturer has its own measurements and proportions, so it's essential to really understand how the chart works to avoid missing the right fit.
Size charts contain specific body measurements corresponding to each clothing size. The most common measurements include chest circumference, waist measurement, hip measurement, and inseam.
Basic measurements in size charts:
The charts often show measurements in centimeters with tolerances of ±2-3 cm. Some manufacturers provide both body and garment measurements, where garment measurements are larger to allow for movement.
For optimal fit, one should always measure their actual body measurements and compare them with the chart's values. It may seem obvious, but it's surprisingly easy to skip.
Brands use different sizing systems and fits based on their target audiences and design philosophies. Snickers, Blåkläder, Fristads, and other major manufacturers have developed their own standards.
Key differences between brands:
Fristads uses separate charts for women's and men's garments, while some brands like Acode have entirely their own sizing systems. Blåkläder offers the option to measure both body measurements and favorite garments for comparison.
It's actually quite necessary to check the correct chart for each brand before making a purchase. Otherwise, it's easy to end up with the wrong size.
The right fit for work trousers is crucial for both safety and comfort during the workday. Proper placement of knee pads prevents injuries and ensures that the protection works optimally.
Waist and hip measurements form the basis for finding the right size for work trousers. Measure the waist at the narrowest part of the body and the hips at the widest part.
Inseam is measured from the crotch down to the desired trouser length. For workers who often kneel, it may be wise to add 2-3 centimeters for freedom of movement.
Thigh length and knee position are critical measurements when trousers are to be used with knee pads. Measure from the hip down to the kneecap to ensure the knee pads are positioned correctly.
Also check the seat measurement by measuring around the widest part of the seat. This affects how the trousers fit when you bend or sit down.
The position of the knee pads must be exactly right to provide effective protection. When standing, the knee pad should be centered over the kneecap, not sliding up or down.
Testing through movement is almost a must. Go down on your knees, bend and stretch your legs a few times to check if the knee pads move properly.
The material's impact on fit is worth considering. Stretchable materials can cause the knee pads to shift during the day, while stiffer materials maintain their shape better.
Different working positions require different considerations for the placement of knee pads. For jobs that involve a lot of kneeling, it may be better to place the pads a bit lower than if you mostly stand.
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Workwear requires specific sizing considerations depending on the user's gender, age, and individual needs. Special sizes and adjustments ensure that more people actually get clothes that fit well.
Men's sizes in workwear generally follow the EU standard, often ranging from S to XXL or larger. Trouser sizes are often indicated by waist width and inseam.
Jackets and tops are measured by chest circumference and body height. It's not always straightforward to translate between different brands, but that's how it is.
Women's sizes require adjustments for female body shape. Women's workwear takes into account narrower shoulders, wider hips, and differences in torso length.
Many manufacturers offer separate size charts for women. It's actually quite nice to avoid compromising on fit.
Children's sizes in workwear are mostly used for apprentices and youth in training. Sizes often start from 146 cm in body height and follow more age measurements than adult sizes.
Each manufacturer may have different measurement specifications. An L size from one brand is not always an L from another.
Long and short sizes are available for individuals with atypical body proportions. Long sizes provide extra length in sleeves and legs, while short sizes are tailored for shorter individuals.
Individuals with physical limitations may need customized workwear. This can involve solutions for wheelchair users or people with prosthetics.
Plus sizes up to 8XL or more are also available, so no one should have to go without protective clothing due to size. The protective features are the same as in standard sizes.
Some professions require extra space for protective equipment under clothing. Welders need room for protective clothing, while electricians may need space for insulating undergarments.
Effective account management simplifies the purchase and ensures the right size is chosen every time. Saved size profiles eliminate guesswork and reduce the risk of errors.
The login function on workwear websites provides access to personal settings and previous orders. When logged in, all previous purchases with associated size information are saved.
The ordering process becomes faster as customer information is filled in automatically. Delivery addresses, invoicing information, and size preferences are retrieved directly from the account.
Users can track their orders and see delivery status in real-time. Many sites also offer previews of new products based on previous purchases.
Security features like two-factor authentication protect sensitive information. This is especially important for business accounts handling larger orders.
Size profiles store exact measurements for different body parts and link them to specific brands and product types. This way, you won't have to measure yourself every time.
Different brands have their own size standards, so profiles should include brand-specific sizes. It's not uncommon to be an M in Fristads but an L in Snickers.
Profiles should be updated occasionally, as bodies do change. Many systems allow you to have multiple profiles per account, perfect for companies with many employees.
Saved profiles can also include desired fit – loose or fitted – depending on the job task. Sometimes you want freedom of movement, and sometimes protection is the priority.
Different brands of workwear often use their own sizing systems. This means that a size L from one brand may correspond to an XL from another.
Blåkläder uses a European system focused on Scandinavian body shape. Their sizes tend to be slightly larger than average, providing plenty of room for movement.
Fristads follows a standardized European system but has its own adaptations for workwear. They often offer both regular and slim fit within the same size.
Snickers Workwear uses a German sizing system that is often slightly smaller than Swedish counterparts. A size 50 from Snickers is usually like a 48 in other brands.
Carhartt uses American sizes that translate to European ones. Their clothes are robust and have generous measurements around the waist and shoulders.
Portwest follows British size standards, which can differ significantly from continental European systems – especially for protective clothing and rainwear.
Always measure your body measurements before purchasing and compare with each brand's specific size chart. Different brands can have completely different reference points for the same measurements, which is surprisingly common.
Use body measurements instead of size labels when comparing between brands. A chest circumference of 104 cm actually says more than just choosing "L".
Check if the brand indicates fit – regular, slim, or loose fit affects how the garment sits, even if the same size is on the label. Workwear is often designed for different body types, which can be both confusing and helpful.
Read product descriptions carefully. Some brands mention whether their sizes are larger or smaller than "standard," whatever that is. Many retailers try to facilitate the choice with that information.
Save size information from successful purchases. Brands rarely change their systems, so it's worth noting.
Measuring correctly and understanding size charts determines whether the workwear actually fits and feels good. Material, layering, and personal preferences also play a more significant role than you might think.
Use a flexible measuring tape and measure directly against your body, or over thin clothing if you prefer. The body should be relaxed – no need to pull the measuring tape too tight.
Measure the chest around the widest part. Measure the waist where you are narrowest, usually just above the hip bones.
For trousers: hip measurement around the widest part, inseam from crotch to ankle, and outseam from waist down to the ankle. Body height? From head to the soles of the feet, without shoes.
Chest and waist measurements are fundamental for jackets and tops. For trousers, hip measurement and inseam are the most important.
Body height often dictates which size chart you should use. Sleeve length – from shoulder to wrist – is needed for jackets and shirts.
Some brands require neck measurement for shirts and shoulder width for the best fit. Thigh measurement can also be relevant if you need knee pads.
No, there is actually no universal standard. Each brand has its own charts, and the differences can be quite significant even if the same size is indicated.
You must always check the manufacturer's own size guide. European, American, and Asian brands often have completely different systems.
Material and cut also affect how garments fit, even if the same size is indicated. Stretch fabrics are more forgiving than stiff materials.
Thin mid-layers, like a t-shirt under a work jacket, usually don't require extra room. But thicker sweaters or fleece – then it might be wise to go up a size.
Winter jackets that are to go over several layers? Add two to five centimeters to the chest measurement. The same applies to rain jackets if they are to be worn over other garments.
Trousers for winter use over thermal trousers need more space around the hips and thighs. Exactly how much depends on how thick the undergarments are and what you are actually doing at work.
Read the product description carefully – it often indicates whether the garment is slim, regular, or roomy. Also, check what material it is.
Don't hesitate to contact customer service if you have questions about any measurement. Many companies are happy to help if you're unsure.
Double-check the return policy before you order, in case the size doesn't fit. And save your measurements for future purchases – it makes everything so much easier next time.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, it is usually wise to choose the larger size for trousers and jackets. Especially if you need to move freely while working.
Garments that are meant to fit closely to the body, such as underwear, often work better in the smaller size. It all depends a bit on your personal preference and how the garment is intended to be used.
Also consider the material. Stretch fabrics often give you a bit more leeway, so the smaller size may work, but if the fabric is not stretchy, it could become too tight.
Then there are safety details, such as knee pads in trousers. They need to be positioned correctly, so it's actually extra important that the size fits well.
If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer's customer service. They can often provide unexpectedly good tips based on that garment's fit and design.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.