Sizing Guide: How to Get the Right Fit in Outdoor Clothing and Boots (NZ)

Buying clothing and boots online is the one part of an outdoor order people get wrong — not because the gear is bad, but because a "large" made in Guangzhou, a "large" made in Italy and a "large" made in New Zealand are three different garments. Here's how to get it right first time, plus links to our full charts.

1. Measure yourself, don't guess from a label

The size printed in your favourite old shirt tells you nothing about the shirt you're about to buy. Take three measurements with a soft tape — chest, natural waist and hip — write them down, and compare them to the chart on the product page or in our size guides. Two minutes now saves a return later.

2. Imported gear runs about one size small

Tactical trousers, cargo pants and trekking boots built to US or Asian patterns almost always fit tighter than the same stated size made for the New Zealand market. If the product page only lists S / M / L / XL with no measurements, order one size up from your usual NZ size.

3. Base layers are meant to feel snug

Merino and thermal base layers only wick moisture and hold warmth when they're against the skin. If a merino top feels close-fitting when you first pull it on, that's correct — sizing up defeats the purpose. Save the loose fit for your mid-layer.

4. For boots, foot length in centimetres beats the number on the box

Stand with your heel against a wall, mark the paper at your longest toe, and measure in centimetres — both feet, then use the longer one. Do it late in the day when your feet have swelled. You want roughly a centimetre of room at the toe with the boot laced and your heel back; that gap is what stops bruised toenails on a long descent.

5. Thick socks take up half a size

If you'll be wearing wool socks in the boots — and in a New Zealand winter you will — factor that in. The same applies to steel-toe safety footwear, where the toe cap doesn't stretch or break in. When in doubt, go up.

Our full size charts

• Men's sizing guide — clothing, cargo and tactical pants, shorts, base layers
• Women's sizing guide — clothing, merino base layers, jackets
• Footwear sizing guide — EU to NZ / US / UK conversion plus foot length in cm

Or just ask us

We've been kitting out Kiwi fishers, boaties and trampers from Rosebank Road for decades. Send us your measurements and the item you're looking at and we'll tell you which size to take. Get in touch.