The size of most British Army Clothing is provided in centimetres. The size is normally shown inside the garment on the label in a 6 digit format (for trousers) eg 30/96/112 (often referred to as the NATO Size). The first number is the inside leg length, the second the waist size and the third is the seat size (LEG/WAIST/SEAT). The most important numbers are therefore the first and second.
Because most of us prefer to work in inches, we will give the waist and leg length in inches alongside the NATO size.
Beware! Don’t assume that because you buy a size 38” waist in M&S or Next that you really do have a 38” waist! Many of the high street retailers are a little generous with their sizing – to flatter our vanity perhaps! The British Army, however, say it as it is. We recommend that you buy two sizes bigger than you would on the high street or better still, measure your waist size using a measuring tape and buy according to that measurement.
The army shorts and trousers all have a draw string at the waist and button adjustment which can make them go smaller – better therefore to get slightly bigger than you need to ensure a comfortable fit.
Here is a conversion chart to help you choose the right size:-
INSIDE LEG
CM INCHES
24 9.5 Short
27 10.5 Regular
30 12 Long
33 13 XLong
WAIST SIZE
CM INCHES
72 28
76 30
80 31
84 33
88 34
92 36
94 37
96 38
100 39
104 41
108 42
112 44