Understanding UK military clothing sizes is essential for anyone looking to purchase or wear military-style gear, whether for professional, recreational, or practical purposes. The UK military uses a standardised system – commonly referred to as NATO sizing – which ensures consistency across different clothing items, such as British Army smocks or Royal Navy jackets.
Many of our individual product pages include their own sizing guide which are product and manufacturer-specific – in these instances, those specific size guides included should take priority over the guides on this page. This page is intended as a helpful guide for when that information is not available.
How Does NATO Sizing Work?
Despite men’s clothing usually being measured in inches, NATO sizing is measured in centimetres.
NATO Sizes For Tops:
- The old NATO sizing format consisted of an 8-digit number in the format XXXX/XXXX.
- The new NATO sizing for tops is usually displayed as a 6-digit number, in the format XXX / XXX (although smaller sizes may display as XXX / XX).
Those are constructed as follows:
- The first set of digits represents your height in centimetres, with the most popular size (180) representing a height of 5“9.
- The second set of numbers represents the chest measurement, also in centimetres.
Tops NATO Size Guide (Shirts, Jackets, Smocks)
| Top/Jacket/Smock Size | Chest Size (Centimetres) | Chest Size (Inches) | NATO Size (Height/ Chest) |
| Extra Small (XS) | 86cm | 34″ | 170/80 |
| Small (S) | 91cm | 36″ | 170/85 |
| Medium (M) | 96cm | 38″ | 175/90 |
| Large (L) | 101cm | 40″ | 180/95 |
| Extra Large (XL) | 107cm | 42″ | 185/100 |
| XX Large (2XL) | 112cm | 44″ | 190/105 |
| XXX Large (3XL) | 117cm | 46″ | 195/110 |
You will notice that the chest numbers are generally 6-7 centimetres smaller for NATO sizes than the actual chest measurements. This adjustment is common in military clothing to ensure a comfortable fit while allowing room for layering of clothing.
NATO Sizes For Trousers:
For trousers, the NATO sizing is displayed as XX/XX/XX;
- The first two digits represent the inseam, or inside leg length.
- The second two digits represent waist size.
- Lastly, the third two digits represent the seat size. This is typically the waist size, plus 16cm.
All of the above are in centimetres.
Trousers Size Guide
| Size | Waist (cm/ inches) | Length (cm/ inches) | Inseam (cm/ inches) | Seat (cm) | NATO Trousers Size |
| S | 82cm/ 32″ | 108cm/ 42.5″ | 81cm/ 31.9″ | 82cm + 16cm = 92cm | 81/82/98 (Regular) 86/82/98 (Long) |
| M | 88cm/ 34.5″ | 109cm/ 42.9″ | 81cm/ 31.9″ | 88cm + 16cm = 104cm | 81/88/104 (Regular) 86/88/104 (Long) |
| L | 94cm/ 37″ | 109cm/ 42.9″ | 81cm/ 31.9″ | 94cm + 16cm = 110cm | 81/94/110 (Regular) 86/94/110 (Long) |
| XL | 100cm/ 39″ | 110cm/ 43.3″ | 81cm/ 31.9″ | 100cm + 16cm = 116cm | 81/100/116 (Regular) 86/100/116 (Long) |
Gloves Size Guide (Men/Unisex)
| Glove Size | Glove Size (Centimetres) | Glove Size (Inches) |
| Small (S) | 18-20cm | 7″-8″ |
| Medium (M) | 23cm | 9″ |
| Large (L) | 25cm | 10″ |
| Extra Large (XL) | 28cm | 11″ |
| XX Large (XXL) | 30cm | 12″ |
Footwear Size Guide
| UK Foot Size | U.S. Foot Size | European Foot Size |
| 5 | 6 | 38 |
| 6 | 7 | 39 |
| 7 | 8 | 41 |
| 8 | 9 | 42 |
| 9 | 10 | 43 |
| 10 | 11 | 45 |
| 11 | 12 | 46 |
| 12 | 13 | 47 |
Headwear Size Guide
| Headwear Size | Hat Size | Headwear (Centimetres) |
| Small (S) | 7 | 56cm |
| Medium (M) | 7 1/4 | 58cm |
| Large (L) | 7 1/2 | 60cm |
| Extra Large (XL) | 7 3/4 | 62cm |
FAQs About Military Clothing Sizes
Are older UK military uniforms sized differently than newer ones?
Yes, older UK military uniforms often use a different sizing system compared to newer garments. Older uniforms may feature imperial measurements, such as inches for chest or waist, or simplified size codes.
In contrast, modern uniforms use the NATO sizing system which was introduced in 1976 with the publication of STANAG 2335 in an attempt to facilitate the interchangeability of combat clothing. NATO sizing provides height and chest or waist measurements in centimetres but via a code system.
What if I’m between two sizes?
If you’re between sizes, it’s generally recommended to size up. Military clothing is designed for practicality, and a slightly looser fit allows for ease of movement and comfort during physical activities.
How do I measure myself for military clothing?
If possible, ask someone to take the measurements for you. However, if that is not an option, to measure yourself accurately:
- Height: Remove your shoes. Stand straight against a wall and mark your height lightly with a pencil. Measure from the top of your head to the floor.
- Chest: Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your bare chest, under your arms.
- Waist: Measure your natural naked waistline, above the hips and below the ribs.
- Inside leg: Measure from the crotch to the ankle bone.
Explore Our Quality Military & Tactical Clothing Range
High-standard military and tactical clothing can often be hard to find, but at Drop Zone Supplies, we’ve got you covered. We stock a range of comfortable jackets, trousers, shirts, gloves, and more, so you’re fully prepared for your next outdoor mission. For any questions about our clothing, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help.
