Size is one of the main worries when you buy clothes online: you can't try anything on, so you have to trust a tape measure and the product description. Choosing the right size online comes down to three steps – measure yourself, compare your numbers with the size chart and study the cut in the photos.
Measure yourself
You need a tape measure and light clothing. Stand straight and hold the tape snug but not tight. Take three basic measurements: chest at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest part of your torso and hips at the fullest point. For trousers it also helps to know your inside leg, from the crotch to the ankle. It is easiest with someone to help with your back. You have a second reference in your wardrobe: lay a garment that fits you well flat and measure the width across under the arms and the length.
Letter sizes and the size chart
At Splot, clothes are sized with letters: XS to XL in the women's collection and S to XXL in the men's. The same letter does not mean identical measurements from one maker to the next, so don't carry a size from one brand to another without checking. You will also meet numeric sizes, such as 38 or 48, and UK or US labels, and the conversions vary too. Rather than relying on the letter alone, compare your measurements with the size chart where one is shown on the product page. If there isn't one and you are torn between two sizes, write to the shop before you order.
The cut matters as much as the size
The same size feels different in a straight cut and in a fitted one. Photos from several angles help you judge the shoulder line, the length of sleeves and legs, and whether a garment is meant to sit close to the body or hang loose. Think about what goes underneath, too: a jumper worn over a shirt needs a little room, while a shirt worn on its own can sit closer. On the product page, choose a colour and a size to check whether that particular variant is available.
When you are not sure
If your measurements fall between two sizes, decide by how you want to wear the piece: the larger size gives more room for layers, the smaller a closer line. Remember, too, that when you buy at a distance you have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days. It is a safety net in case the garment doesn't fit after all. You will find the details on the Withdrawal from the contract page, and a short summary of the rules in our article on returns.
