Why trouser fit is more than just waist size
Nailing the right trouser size is about more than one number on a waistband. There are four things at play: fit, rise, leg shape and leg length - and once you know what each one means, finding your perfect pair gets a lot easier.
Fit
The overall amount of room a trouser gives you, from close-cut and streamlined right through to roomy and relaxed.
Rise
Where the waistband sits - low, mid or high - and it changes how a trouser feels when you're bending, stretching or hauling a pack on.
Leg Shape
Describes the cut from hip to hem: straight, tapered, curved, wide or barrel-shaped, each moving with the body in a different way.
Leg Length
Sometimes called the inside leg or inseam, is simply the measurement from crotch to hem - the difference between trousers that skim your boots and trousers you're forever rolling up.
Women's Trouser Fit Guide
From exploring local trails to epic multi-day treks, our women's trousers are built in a handful of core fits and leg shapes.
Regular Fit Trousers
Our most versatile, true-to-size fit. Regular sits close enough to feel put-together but never restrictive - the one to reach for if you're not sure where to start.
Regular Straight Leg
Cut with a straight leg and a true-to-size fit through the hip and thigh. A clean, classic line that works from city to trailhead.
Regular Curved Leg
Cut with a gentle curve through the leg for a fit that follows your natural shape. A great choice if you find straight-leg styles gape at the waist or hang oddly through the thigh.
Relaxed Fit Trousers
Extra room through the hips and thighs, for days spent on the move scrambling over stiles, or settling into a camp chair.
Relaxed Straight Leg
Cut with extra room through the hip and thigh, falling straight to the hem. Ideal if you're layering up base layers underneath, or simply prefer a looser, more forgiving fit that doesn't cling.
Relaxed Barrel Leg
Cut with a rounded, curved leg that tapers in slightly at the ankle. The barrel shape gives you room to roam through the leg while still looking pulled-together at the hem — a good middle ground between relaxed and loose.
Relaxed Wide Leg
Cut with extra room throughout for a wide, floaty leg line. Choose this one for maximum air-flow and movement, or if you love a laid-back style that wears easy.
Loose Fit Trousers
Loose
Cut generously throughout for maximum room and easy movement. Made for slow days, festival fields, or lounging round camp after a big day on the trails.
Fitted Trousers
Fitted Leggings
Cut close to the leg for a slim, streamlined shape. The one to grab when you want freedom of movement without excess fabric getting in the way. Also great for layering underneath ski pants or other active trousers when the temperature drops.
Men's Trouser Fit Guide
Same story, different cut. Our men's trousers run across four core fits, regular, relaxed, loose and fitted, built to handle your chosen escapism.
Regular Fit Trousers
Regular Straight Leg
Cut with a straight leg and a true-to-size fit through the hip and thigh. Our go-to shape - not too slim, not too roomy, just a solid, straightforward fit that works everywhere from the pub to the peak.
All our Men's Regular Fit Trousers have a straight leg so we tend to just call them Regular in product descriptions.
Relaxed Fit Trousers
Relaxed Straight Leg
Cut with extra room through the hip and thigh, falling straight to the hem. Go relaxed if you want more room to move, plan on layering thermals underneath, or just prefer your trousers a little less snug.
All our Men's Relaxed Fit Trousers have a straight leg so we tend to just call them Relaxed in product descriptions.
Fitted
Fitted Base Layers
Cut close to the leg for a slim, streamlined shape. Designed to sit close to the skin under other layers without adding bulk: the foundation of any cold-weather kit list.
Women's Trouser Size Guide
Men's Trouser Size Guide
How to Measure at Home
You only need two minutes, a soft tape measure, and a mirror. Here's how to get accurate trouser measurements at home, whether you're shopping for men's or women's trousers.
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If your measurement falls between two sizes on the charts below, our general advice is to size up for comfort and layering. You can always take a hem up, but you can't let one down that isn't there.
Waist
Wrap the tape around your natural waistline, above your hip bones and below your ribs. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight, and measure over a light layer of clothing rather than bare skin for the most accurate everyday fit.
Hip
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually about 20cm below your natural waist. Again, keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Inside Leg (Inseam)
This is the one people get wrong most often. Grab a pair of trousers that already fit you well and lay them flat. Measure from the crotch seam straight down to the bottom of the hem. That number is your inside leg length, and it's what tells you whether you want a Short, Regular or Long.
FAQs
What's the difference between short, regular and long trousers?
It's all down to inside leg length. Short, Regular and Long are the same fit and style, just cut with a shorter or longer inseam so the trouser breaks in the right place for your height, without any need for hemming.
How do I convert my trouser size from UK to EU or US?
Use the conversion charts in the men's and women's sections above. Just find your usual UK size and read across to see the equivalent EU or US size for that style.
What if I'm between two sizes?
We'd generally suggest sizing up. A slightly looser fit through the waist or hip is a lot more comfortable day-to-day than one that's too snug, and it leaves room for layering on colder trips.
What is a 34 waist in UK men's trousers?
A 34" waist measurement is the same in UK men's sizing as it is in inches. There's no conversion needed for men's waist sizes, though it's worth checking the EU equivalent if you're comparing against European brands. [Confirm exact EU/US equivalent once size chart is finalised]
How do men's trouser sizes work in the UK?
Men's trousers in the UK are sized by waist measurement in inches, paired with a leg length of Short, Regular or Long. So a 34R, for example, means a 34-inch waist with our Regular inside leg length.
How long do I have to return trousers that don't fit?
You have 60 days to return your order for a full refund, provided the gear is unworn and unused. Check out our Help Centre for full details about delivery and returns.