Among online returns, clothes and shoes that don’t fit come first. But spend ten minutes measuring yourself properly once, and you can avoid most of the problem in advance.
1. What you need
A soft tape measure, a mirror or a helper. Measure in thin clothing or underwear, holding the tape snug but not tight.
2. Key measurements
- Chest — around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, tape horizontal.
- Waist — at the narrowest point, usually just above the navel.
- Hips — around the widest point.
- Sleeve length — from the shoulder edge over a slightly bent elbow to the wrist.
- Inside leg — from the crotch to the floor.
3. How to read the chart
Every brand uses its own sizing: the same “M” can differ between shops. So go by the chart in centimetres on the product page, not the letter. If you fall between two sizes:
- for fitted items (T-shirts, shirts) choose the larger;
- for loose cuts (oversized) choose the smaller;
- for winter clothing allow for a jumper underneath.
4. Size systems
Russian sizes (44, 46, 48…) are widely used in Kyrgyzstan. A rough guide: women’s 42–44 = XS–S, 46 = M, 48 = L, 50 = XL; men’s 46 = S, 48 = M, 50 = L, 52 = XL. This is only a guide — the centimetre chart is always more accurate.
5. Shoes
Measure in the evening, when feet are slightly swollen. Stand on a sheet of paper, trace your foot and measure the longest distance from toe to heel. Add 0.5–1 cm to the “foot length” in the chart (1–1.5 cm for winter boots with warm socks). Measure both feet — they can differ — and go by the longer one.
6. Read the reviews
Buyers often write “runs small” or “true to size” — the most useful information there is. You can also ask the seller: leave a question on the product page.
7. If it doesn’t fit
Clothing that doesn’t fit can, by law, be exchanged or returned if it hasn’t been worn and the labels are intact. More in consumer rights and Delivery and returns.