Use this guide to pick the right size in women's outdoor clothing — base layers, merino tops, softshell jackets and activewear. Every measurement here is a body measurement in centimetres, not a garment measurement.
How to measure
Grab a soft tape measure and take the measurements over light clothing, standing relaxed. Compare your body measurements to the chart below — don't guess from the size on the label of a garment you already own, because sizing varies wildly between brands and countries.
- Chest / bust: around the fullest part, tape level under the arms.
- Waist: around your natural waist — the narrowest point, roughly level with your belly button.
- Hip: around the fullest part of your seat, feet together.
- Inseam: from the crotch seam down to where you want the hem to sit.
If you land between two sizes, take the larger one — especially for outdoor and tactical gear you'll be layering over a base layer or wearing on the boat.
Women's clothing size chart
| Size | NZ / AU | US | UK | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 8 | 4 | 8 | 82–85 | 64–67 | 89–92 |
| S | 10 | 6 | 10 | 87–90 | 69–72 | 94–97 |
| M | 12 | 8 | 12 | 92–95 | 74–77 | 99–102 |
| L | 14 | 10 | 14 | 97–100 | 79–82 | 104–107 |
| XL | 16 | 12 | 16 | 102–106 | 84–88 | 109–113 |
| 2XL | 18 | 14 | 18 | 108–112 | 90–94 | 115–119 |
Important — imported clothing runs small. A lot of our tactical, cargo and hiking lines are labelled with US or Asian sizing and they typically fit one size smaller than the equivalent New Zealand size. If a product page lists sizes as S / M / L / XL and doesn't give its own measurement chart, order one size up from your usual NZ size.
Merino and thermal base layers
Base layers are designed as a slim, second-skin fit — that's what makes merino work. Snug against the skin means it wicks sweat and traps warm air; loose means it does neither. Take your normal size and expect it to feel close-fitting when you first put it on.
Jackets and softshells
Unisex softshells and windproof jackets are cut to the men's chart above. If a jacket is listed as unisex, take one size down from the men's equivalent for a women's fit, or stay at your usual size if you want room for layers underneath.
Buying footwear?
Shoes and boots follow EU sizing — see our footwear sizing guide for the conversion chart, including the women's columns.
Still not sure? Just ask us
We'd rather spend two minutes getting it right than have you post something back. Call the shop or send us a message with your measurements and the item you're after and we'll tell you straight which size to take.
Contact Action Outdoors — 1/348 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland.