A size guide is the easiest way to avoid returns. You don't need to guess whether you are an S or an M – three measurements with a tape measure give you the answer, and those measurements rarely change even if the number on the label does between different brands.
In this guide, we walk through how to measure yourself, what letter sizes correspond to in Swedish sizes and centimeters, which measurement is the actual deciding factor for dresses, trousers, and sweaters, and what you should choose when you fall between two sizes.
Contents
- How to measure yourself
- Women's size chart
- Dresses – which measurement dictates the size
- Trousers and jeans
- Sweaters, cardigans, and blazers
- Between two sizes – what should you choose?
- Our current favorites
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
How to measure yourself
You need a soft tape measure and preferably only underwear on – measure over a thick sweater and you will get the wrong number. Hold the tape measure horizontally and taut, but not tight: it should lie against your body without pressing into it.
- Bust – around the widest part of the bust, with the tape measure horizontal across your back. Exhale normally.
- Waist – around the narrowest part, usually a bit above the navel. A simple trick: bend to the side; the crease that forms is your waist.
- Hip – around the widest part of the seat, usually about 20 cm below the waist.
- Inseam – from the crotch down to the ankle bone. Only needed for trousers and jeans.
Write down the measurements in your phone. That is the exact tip that Femina highlights in their walkthrough of how to buy the right size of clothing online – compare your own measurements with the chart instead of relying on the letter.
Women's size chart
The table shows standard Swedish measurements. The letter sizes are those we use in our range, and the "Swedish size" column is the number you are used to from stores.
| Size | Swedish size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 | 80–84 | 62–66 | 88–92 |
| S | 36 | 84–88 | 66–70 | 92–96 |
| M | 38 | 88–92 | 70–74 | 96–100 |
| L | 40 | 92–96 | 74–78 | 100–104 |
| XL | 42 | 96–101 | 78–84 | 104–109 |
| 2XL | 44 | 101–107 | 84–90 | 109–115 |
| 3XL | 46 | 107–113 | 90–96 | 115–121 |
Important: the table above is a general Swedish size chart. Individual garments may be cut smaller or larger, and several models in our range are intentionally tighter in their fit. If the product page has its own size chart, that is always the one that applies – and if it says the garment is small in size, go up one step.
Dresses – which measurement dictates the size
For a dress, the largest measurement is the deciding factor. If you have a bust of 94 cm and a waist of 72 cm, you should choose based on the bust, which means an L – a dress that is too tight across the bust cannot be saved, whereas one that is a bit loose at the waist can be belted.
The exception is dresses that are wide at the bottom: A-line, wrap, and tunic models in practice only follow the bust and waist, and the hip measurement plays a smaller role. If, on the other hand, it is a form-fitting model, all three measurements need to fall within the same size.
If you have a larger bust than the rest of your body, that difference is the whole point of our guide on dresses for a large bust, and which model suits you is something we walk through in the guide on which dress suits your body shape.
Trousers and jeans
You choose trousers based on waist and hip, and if they fall into different sizes, pick the larger one. A pair of trousers that is too tight across the hip fits incorrectly regardless of how good the waist feels.
The fit affects how much the measurements matter. Wide and high-waisted models are forgiving and can often be worn in two sizes, while slim models require you to get it exactly right. The difference between stiff and stretchy denim also determines how much the garment gives – we walk through that in the guide on stiff or stretchy jeans.
The length is your own decision and depends as much on the shoe as on the leg. We have a separate guide on how long jeans should be, and on leg openings if you are unsure about the model.
Sweaters, cardigans, and blazers
Here, the bust is the deciding factor, and almost only that. Knitted sweaters also have natural stretch, which makes them the most forgiving garments in the wardrobe – if you are exactly between two sizes, both usually work fine.
There is one exception in the other direction: oversize models are already designed to be large. Going up a size in an oversized sweater rarely provides more comfort, just a garment that hangs incorrectly over the shoulder. More on that in the guide on oversized sweater women's.
Blazers are the opposite and the pickiest category. The shoulder seam should end where your own shoulder ends – if it goes beyond that, the blazer is too big, and you cannot compensate for that by rolling up the sleeves. The same logic applies to outerwear, which we have written about in the guide how should a coat fit.
Between two sizes – what should you choose?
The short answer: pick the larger one. A garment that is a bit too big can be taken in, belted, or worn oversized; one that is too small can only be sent back.
But it depends on the garment:
- Knits and jersey – pick the smaller one. The material gives with wear, and an oversized knitted garment will also grow over time.
- Woven fabric without stretch – pick the larger one. Shirts, blazers, suit trousers, and satin dresses have no margin at all.
- Form-fitting dresses – pick the larger one and have the waist altered if necessary. That is a cheap alteration; widening a garment is not.
- Wide trousers and oversize – pick the smaller one. They are already designed with extra width.
If you fall differently for bust, waist, and hip, it is the tightest point of the garment that decides. Think about where the garment fits tightly: for a sweater, it is the bust; for trousers, the hip; for a dress, whichever of those is largest.
Our current favorites
Three garments that are easy to get the right size for, even if you shop without trying them on:
- Cable-knit Sweater Women's with High Neck – knit with stretch, forgiving across two sizes.
- Elegant Wide Trousers with High Waist – high waist and wide leg opening make the fit insensitive to a few centimeters.
- Tailored Blazer Women's – the category of clothing where measurements matter most, so measure shoulder width before ordering.
If you want more width in the leg, there are also wide women's trousers with high waist and side pockets, and in knit, an oversized V-neck cable-knit sweater.
Is the shaft gaping, or can you not close the boot over your calf? Then it is the shaft width that does not match. Measure the calf while sitting, with the socks or trousers you intend to wear underneath, and add 1–2 cm for tights or 3–4 cm for jeans inside the shaft. Slim calves fare best with stretch or slouch shafts; wide calves, with a soft shaft with a full zipper. The complete walkthrough is in the guide on shaft height and shaft width.
Frequently asked questions
Which Swedish size is an M?
M corresponds to Swedish size 38, with a bust of 88–92 cm, waist of 70–74 cm, and hip of 96–100 cm. Individual garments may deviate, so always compare with the product page's own size chart if available.
How do I measure my waist correctly?
Around the narrowest part of the torso, usually a bit above the navel. Bend to the side – the crease that forms shows where the waist is located. Hold the tape measure horizontally and exhale normally.
Should I choose a size based on bust or waist?
Based on the largest measurement, and based on the point where the garment fits tightly. Sweaters and blazers are governed by the bust, trousers by waist and hip, and dresses by whichever of those measurements is largest.
What do I do if I am between two sizes?
Pick the larger one for woven garments without stretch and for form-fitting dresses. Pick the smaller one for knits, jersey, and oversize models, as they already have extra width or give with wear.
Why does the same size feel different in different garments?
Letter sizes are not standardized – they describe the garment's measurements, not the body's. Therefore, your own centimeter measurements are a much more reliable basis than the letter on the tag.
Does the garment shrink after washing?
Cotton and linen can shrink slightly in the first wash, synthetics almost not at all. Wash cool and air-dry, and the measurements will hold. We have separate guides on linen and viscose.
Summary
Measure bust, waist, and hip once and save the measurements in your phone. Then choose a size based on the measurement that is largest and on the point where the garment fits tightly: bust for sweaters and blazers, waist and hip for trousers. If you fall between sizes, pick the larger one for woven and form-fitting items, and the smaller one for knits and oversize items. Then the letter on the tag becomes a detail instead of a guess.
Ready to find the right fit? Explore our entire women's range.
Looking for something else? See all our 155 guides in a list.
