MEASURE UP: - A guide to ordering the right size: Safari Store

MEASURE UP:
A guide to ordering the right size

Ordering clothing online is quick and easy if you know how. Follow this measuring guide to make sure you order the right size the first time. Please note that this applies to size charts which use garment measurements only, and not for body measurements.

Shirts & Dresses

The most important measurement for shirts is the half-chest measurement. To measure, select a similar shirt from your closet to the one you wish to order. Make sure the shirt you use to measure fits you comfortably. Take note that the women's shirts are slightly tailored for a more feminine fit, whereas the men's shirts hang straight down from the waist to the hip.

Scroll through the images below for a visual guide on measuring shirts and dresses.

1/2 Chest measurement: Lay the shirt or dress flat on a table and measure across the shirt from one underarm point to the other.
1/2 Waist measurement: For men, measure 16cm down from the underarm point and then across the waist. For women, measure across the waist at the narrowest point of the shirt.
1/2 Hip measurement: Measure from point to point along the bottom hem of the shirt or dress.
Centre back length measurement: Turn the shirt so the back faces up. Measure down the centre from the nape of the neck to the bottom hem.
Overarm measurement: Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.

Trousers, Shorts & Skorts

The half-waist measurement for trousers, shorts, and skorts is the most important. Pick a garment from your closet that is similar to the trousers, shorts, or skorts that you wish to order. Measure it according to the images below and compare those measurements to the ones of the item you are ordering.

Scroll through the images below for a visual guide on measuring trousers, shorts and skorts.

1/2 Waist Measurement: Lay the trousers, skorts, or shorts flat on a table. Measure from one corner of the waist to the other.
Front rise measurement: Measure from the bottom seam of the waistband to the crotch.
1/2 hip measurement: Measure 20cm down from the top of the waistband and then across to the other side.
Inside leg measurement: Measure the inside length of the leg from the bottom hem to the crotch.

Shoes & Hats

When ordering items online, we know the importance of getting your sizing right first time round. Use these measuring tips for the perfect fit for hats and shoes.

Scroll through the images below for a visual guide on measuring hats and shoes.

Measuring your head: Measure around your head, just above your ears, where the hat would sit.
Measuring your foot: To get the best fit, you have to measure your foot from heel to toe. Put a piece of paper on the floor against the wall. Put your foot on the paper with your heel against the wall and make a mark at the tip of your big toe. Measure the distance between the wall and the mark.

Expert Advice™

Tips for measuring accurately.

1. In between sizes? If you find that your measurements come up between two sizes, always go for the larger size.

2. Don't stretch. When measuring your garments, be sure not to stretch or manipulate the fabric in any way as this will affect the sizing of the garment.

3. Keep it flat. Be sure to flatten the garment on a solid surface to avoid folds or creases that may affect the measurements.

4. Be weary of the fabric. When choosing a garment to measure make sure the fabric isn't too delicate or stretchy. Stiffer fabrics tend to come up with more accurate measurements.

5. Choose your garments carefully. Only measure garments that fit you comfortably. Make sure they are not too tight or too loose-fitting.

6. Allow for manufacturing tolerance. Manufacturers always have a 1cm tolerance on half measurements so the measurements on our garments may vary slightly.