How to Measure for Ski Clothes A Simple Fit Guide for Adults and Children
A ski jacket or pair of salopettes can look the right size on a label and still feel wrong on the mountain. Too tight, and it restricts movement. Too loose, and cold air gets in, sleeves slip over gloves, or trouser legs bunch awkwardly around boots.
Good measurements make ski clothing hire and ordering much easier, especially for children. This guide explains how to measure height, chest, waist and hips, how ski clothing should fit, and what to check before placing a hire order with Team Up Skiwear.
Why ski clothing sizing is different from everyday clothes
Ski clothing is not sized in exactly the same way as ordinary coats, jeans or school trousers. It has to work with:
Base layers and mid layers
Ski gloves, helmets and boots
Bending, twisting and sitting on chairlifts
Adjustable cuffs, snow skirts, braces and waist tabs
Extra insulation or waterproof outer fabric
Everyday clothing is usually chosen for appearance and comfort in normal movement. Ski clothing needs to protect against snow, wind and cold while allowing active movement.
That means a ski jacket may feel slightly roomier than a regular coat, and salopettes may sit differently from normal trousers. The aim is not to size up automatically. The aim is to choose ski clothes with enough space in the right places.
What you need before measuring
Use a soft tape measure, not a metal DIY tape. Measurements should be taken in centimetres where possible, as this is often the clearest format for hire services.
Before you start, ask the adult or child to wear light clothing, such as leggings, a T-shirt or a thin base layer. Avoid measuring over bulky jumpers, hoodies or thick trousers, as this can add extra centimetres and lead to oversized kit.
You will need:
A soft tape measure
A flat wall for height
A pencil or phone note for recording sizes
The person’s usual clothing size
Their age, if measuring a child
The date of measurement
Any fit notes, such as “long legs”, “broad shoulders” or “between sizes”
For hire orders, current measurements matter more than what fitted last winter.
Step-by-step measuring guide
Take each measurement with the tape snug but not tight. It should sit flat against the body without digging in.
1. Measure height
Ask the person to stand barefoot against a wall with heels together. Their back should be straight and their head level, looking forwards.
Place a book flat on the top of the head and mark the wall lightly, or check the measurement directly if using a height chart. Measure from the floor to the mark.
For children, height is one of the most useful measurements for ski clothing hire. Age can help as a guide, but children of the same age can vary a lot in height.
2. Measure the chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, usually under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
Ask the person to relax their arms by their sides. The tape should stay level all the way around. Do not ask them to breathe in or puff out their chest.
This measurement helps with ski jacket sizing. A jacket that is too tight across the chest can make layering uncomfortable and restrict arm movement.
3. Measure the waist
Find the natural waist, usually the narrowest point of the torso. This is often above where jeans or casual trousers sit.
Wrap the tape around the waist and keep it level. Ask the person to stand naturally, not pull their stomach in.
For salopettes, waist measurement is useful even when the garment has braces or adjustable tabs. It helps avoid trousers that slip down or feel tight when bending.
4. Measure the hips
Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat. Keep feet together and the tape level.
Hip measurement is especially helpful for adults and older children. It gives a better idea of how salopettes will fit when sitting, bending or layering over thermals.
5. Add fit notes for hire services
For ski hire, measurements tell most of the story, but extra notes can prevent common fit issues.
Useful notes include:
Usually wears age 8 but is tall and slim
Between medium and large in jackets
Broad shoulders
Long legs
Shorter leg length
Needs room for thicker mid layers
Prefers a looser fit
Has ski boots already, if trouser length is a concern
Team Up Skiwear can use these details alongside the measurements to help match hire items more accurately.
A quick measuring table
Measurement | How to take it | Why it matters |
Height | Barefoot, standing straight against a wall | Helps match overall clothing size, especially for children |
Chest | Around the fullest part of the chest | Checks jacket fit and layering room |
Waist | Around the natural waist | Helps salopettes sit comfortably |
Hips | Around the fullest part of hips and seat | Checks comfort when sitting and bending |
How ski jackets should fit
A ski jacket should feel comfortable over a base layer and a mid layer, such as a fleece. It should not pull across the chest or shoulders when arms are lifted.
Check the fit by asking the person to:
Raise both arms above their head
Reach forwards as if holding ski poles
Twist gently from side to side
Zip the jacket fully with layers underneath
The cuffs should meet the gloves without leaving a big gap. The hem should cover the waist and lower back when bending forward. For children, a little growing room is sensible, but sleeves that cover the hands too much can be awkward and unsafe.
A good ski jacket fit feels roomy, not baggy.
How salopettes should fit
Salopettes need enough room for thermal leggings or base layers, but they should not be so loose that they drag or twist.
When trying them on, check that the wearer can:
Bend their knees comfortably
Sit down without tightness across the hips or seat
Move without the braces pulling hard on the shoulders
Wear the trouser cuffs over ski boots
The leg length may look long with normal shoes. This is common. Ski trousers are designed to sit over ski boots, so always judge length with that in mind.
If salopettes have adjustable braces and waist tabs, they can often suit a range of body shapes. This is one reason full measurements are more helpful than ordinary clothing size alone.
Measuring children and allowing for growth
Children can grow quickly, so try not to rely on last year’s size. Measure them close enough to the trip that the numbers are useful, especially if ordering hire clothing in advance.
A good rule is to measure your child before booking or ordering, then check again a few weeks before travel if they are in a growth spurt.
Common children’s sizing mistakes include:
Choosing only by age
Ordering the same size as school uniform
Sizing up too much “just in case”
Forgetting to allow for thermal layers
Measuring over thick clothes
Ignoring height and relying only on chest or waist
Children’s ski clothing should allow movement and layering, but oversized kit can cause problems. Long sleeves can cover hands, trousers can catch under boots, and bulky jackets can make it harder to move freely.
What to do if you are between sizes
If measurements sit between two sizes, think about body shape, layers and personal comfort.
In many cases, it is better to size up for ski jackets if the smaller size feels tight across the chest or shoulders. For salopettes, the best choice depends on waist, hip and leg length. Adjustable braces and waist tabs can help, but too much extra fabric around the legs may feel clumsy.
Use these checks:
If the chest is between sizes, consider the larger jacket.
If the waist is between sizes but hips fit the smaller size, check whether the salopettes have adjustment.
If height suggests one size and waist suggests another, include both details in your order notes.
If ordering for a child in a growth spurt, mention this clearly.
For Team Up Skiwear hire orders, giving the full set of measurements helps the team advise on the best fit rather than relying on a single clothing size.
Checklist before ordering ski clothing hire
Before placing an order, gather all key details in one place.
For adults
Height in centimetres
Chest measurement
Waist measurement
Hip measurement
Usual UK clothing size
Any fit preferences
Layering plans, such as thin fleece or thick mid layer
For children
Age
Height in centimetres
Chest measurement, if available
Waist measurement
Hip measurement for older children
Usual clothing size
Notes on growth or body shape
Date the measurements were taken
For more help, use the Team Up Skiwear measuring guide before ordering. If you are ready to arrange kit, visit the Team Up Skiwear ski hire page.
FAQs
Should ski jackets be oversized?
Ski jackets should not be tight, but they should not be excessively oversized either. Aim for enough room to wear a base layer and mid layer while still allowing free arm movement. If the jacket hangs too low, sleeves cover the hands, or cold air can enter easily, it is too big.
How much room should ski trousers have?
Ski trousers or salopettes should allow bending, sitting and wearing thermal layers underneath. They should feel comfortable around the waist, hips and thighs without slipping down. The cuffs should sit over ski boots, so they may look slightly long with normal shoes.
When should I measure my child before a ski trip?
Measure your child when you place the hire order, then recheck closer to the trip if they are growing quickly. For many families, measuring a few weeks before travel gives a useful balance between planning ahead and getting current sizes.
Can I use normal clothing sizes for ski hire?
Normal clothing sizes help, but they are not enough on their own. Ski clothing has to fit over layers and allow active movement, so height, chest, waist and hip measurements give a much better guide.
What if my child is tall and slim?
Choose based on height first, then provide waist and chest measurements with a note that your child is tall and slim. Adjustable features on salopettes and jackets can help create a better fit.
Get the fit right before you travel
Accurate measurements take only a few minutes, but they can make a big difference to comfort on the slopes. Measure over light clothing, record height, chest, waist and hips where relevant, and add clear notes if the wearer is between sizes or still growing.
Team Up Skiwear uses these details to help customers choose suitable hire clothing for adults and children. Start with the measuring guide, then arrange your kit through the ski hire page with confidence.
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