NATO Sizing - A Brief Guide
The sizing of military uniforms is designed to cover over 99 different sizes of wearer across the entire garment range, from Jackets and smocks, to trousers and shirts. The clothing is sized taking several measurements from different parts of the garments.
Shirts / Jackets / Smocks
Shirts and Jackets (Smocks) will come with 2 set of numbers with a / between them e.g. 170 / 96, 180 / 106, 190 / 120
The 1st set of numbers relates to the height of the wearer that the garment is intended for IE. 160, 170, 180 & 200.
Please note that the 1st set of numbers (for example 180) is not the length of the garment it is your height but in centimetres.
The most popular size in length is 180 – which equates to an average height of a person of 5.9”
| Centimetres |
160cm | 170cm | 180cm | 190cm | 200cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feet & Inches (approximately |
5 Feet 3 Inches | 5 Feet 6 Inches | 5 Feet 9 Inches | 6 Feet 2 Inches | 6 Feet 5 Inches |
| Extra Short | Short | Regular | Tall | Extra Tall |
The 2nd set of numbers relates to the chest measurement again cm’s. From buying civilian clothing and suits your chest measurements may be in either standard sizes of small, medium and so on, or as in 42 Inch, 44 Inch etc.
A rough guide of a small will equate to 36 inch to 38-inch chest, a medium 40 inch to 42 inch etc.
| Centimetres |
88cm | 96cm | 104cm | 112cm | 120cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inches (approximately |
35 Inches | 38 Inches | 41 Inches | 44 Inches | 47 Inches |
| Small | Medium |
Large |
X-Large |
XX-Large |
Combat Trousers
Combat Trousers will come with 3 sets of numbers with a / between them e.g. 85 / 92 / 112
The 1st set of numbers relates to the inseam or inside leg.
The 2nd set of numbers relates to the waist size.
The 3rd set of numbers relates to the size of the seat (arse).
Please note that depending on inside leg & waist sizes will determine the seat size so these measurements are not included in most brands
Leg Lengths:
| Centimetres |
75cm | 80cm | 85cm | 90cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inches (approximately |
29 Inches | 31 Inches | 33 Inches | 35 Inches |
| Short | Regular |
Long | X-Long |
Followed by the waist sizes:
| Centimetres |
72cm | 76cm | 80cm | 84cm | 88cm | 92cm | 96cm | 100cm | 104cm | 108cm | 112cm | 116cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inches (approximately |
28" |
30" |
31" |
33" | 34" | 36" | 38" | 39" | 41" | 42" | 44" | 45" |
We have also compiled useful comparison tables for each manufacturer, as each fit can be different. This is especially the case when dealing with international brands. Please find links to individual sizing comparison tables below:
