Altura Size Guide
Altura is a premium British cycling apparel brand designed and tested in real-world conditions for riders who demand performance, comfort, and durability. Specialising in technical cycling clothing, Altura creates gear for road cycling, gravel adventures, mountain biking, and urban commuting. The brand's sizing philosophy prioritises comfort and freedom of movement, with all garments engineered to provide an excellent fit whether you're on the road or off it. Altura's collections – including Nightvision, Endurance, Esker, and Progel ranges – are crafted with precision tailoring and advanced fabric technology. The brand tends to follow standard UK and European sizing conventions, making it straightforward to find your ideal fit across the entire range of cycling jerseys, bib shorts, jackets, tights, base layers, and accessories.
How to Measure
Follow these steps to determine your correct Altura size. Accurate measurements are essential for the perfect fit.
- Prepare properly: Wear minimal clothing or undergarments only. Ask a friend to help if possible, as they can ensure the tape measure is positioned correctly and held level.
- Chest measurement: Wrap a soft, flexible measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it horizontal and snug but not tight. Take the measurement while standing relaxed with arms at your sides.
- Waist measurement: Measure around your natural waist at its narrowest point, usually just above the hip bone. Keep the tape measure parallel to the ground and comfortably loose.
- Hip measurement: For cycling apparel, measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape horizontal. This measurement is particularly important for bib shorts and tights.
- Hand length (for gloves): Extend one hand with fingers together and straight. Measure from the tip of your middle finger to the bottom of your wrist crease. Repeat on both hands and use the larger measurement.
- Record measurements: Write down all measurements in centimetres. If your measurements fall between two sizes, we recommend selecting the larger size, particularly for cycling apparel where comfort and layering flexibility are essential.
- Measure in the evening: Feet and limbs swell slightly throughout the day, so taking measurements in the late afternoon or evening provides the most accurate sizing for cycling gear.
Men's Clothing Size Chart
Altura men's sizing is designed for a comfortable cycling fit with room for layering. Use your chest measurement as your primary sizing reference.
| Size | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) | Waist (cm) | Waist (inches) | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 89–93 | 35–37 | 78–82 | 31–32 | 44 |
| S | 93–97 | 37–38 | 82–86 | 32–34 | 46 |
| M | 97–102 | 38–40 | 86–91 | 34–36 | 48 |
| L | 102–108 | 40–43 | 91–97 | 36–38 | 50 |
| XL | 108–114 | 43–45 | 97–103 | 38–41 | 52 |
| 2XL | 114–120 | 45–47 | 103–109 | 41–43 | 54 |
| 3XL | 120–126 | 47–50 | 109–115 | 43–45 | 56 |
Women's Clothing Size Chart
Altura women's cycling apparel features tailored cuts designed specifically for a female fit. Chest measurement is the primary sizing indicator; check product details for specific style guidance.
| Size | UK | US | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) | Waist (cm) | Waist (inches) | Hips (cm) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 | 2 | 80–84 | 31–33 | 63–67 | 25–26 | 85–89 | 33–35 |
| S | 8 | 4 | 84–88 | 33–35 | 67–71 | 26–28 | 89–93 | 35–37 |
| M | 10 | 6 | 88–92 | 35–36 | 71–75 | 28–30 | 93–97 | 37–38 |
| L | 12 | 8 | 92–97 | 36–38 | 75–80 | 30–31 | 97–102 | 38–40 |
| XL | 14 | 10 | 97–103 | 38–41 | 80–86 | 31–34 | 102–108 | 40–43 |
| 2XL | 16 | 12 | 103–109 | 41–43 | 86–92 | 34–36 | 108–114 | 43–45 |
Kids' Clothing Size Chart
Altura's kids' range provides comfortable, performance-driven cycling apparel scaled appropriately for younger riders. Sizing is straightforward based on age and basic measurements.
| Size | Age | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) | Waist (cm) | Waist (inches) | Hips (cm) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–6 | 5–6 years | 61 | 24 | 57 | 22 | 65 | 26 |
| 7–8 | 7–8 years | 66 | 26 | 60 | 24 | 70 | 28 |
| 9–10 | 9–10 years | 73 | 29 | 64 | 25 | 76 | 30 |
| 11–12 | 11–12 years | 79 | 31 | 68 | 27 | 82 | 32 |
Unisex Gloves Size Chart
Altura gloves are designed to fit both men and women with one unisex size run. Hand length is the key measurement for selecting the correct glove size.
| Size | Hand Length (cm) | Hand Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 15.0–16.5 | 5.9–6.5 |
| S | 16.5–18.0 | 6.5–7.1 |
| M | 18.0–19.5 | 7.1–7.7 |
| L | 19.5–20.5 | 7.7–8.1 |
| XL | 20.5–22.0 | 8.1–8.7 |
| 2XL | 22.0–23.5 | 8.7–9.3 |
Unisex Overshoes Size Chart
Altura overshoes are sized by shoe size and come in a unisex fit suitable for most riders. Use your standard cycling shoe size as a reference.
| Size | EU Shoe Size | UK Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| S | 36–38.5 | 4–5.5 |
| M | 39–42.5 | 6–8.5 |
| L | 43–45 | 9–11 |
| XL | 46+ | 11.5+ |
Unisex Socks Size Chart
Altura cycling socks are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different shoe sizes. Choose your size based on your cycling shoe size.
| Size | EU Shoe Size | UK Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| S/M | 36–39 | 4–5.5 |
| M/L | 39.5–42.5 | 6–8.5 |
| L/XL | 43–46 | 9–11+ |
Product-Specific Sizing Guidance
Cycling Jerseys
Altura jerseys are engineered with a modern cycling cut that sits close to the body for aerodynamic efficiency without restricting movement. Short-sleeved jerseys typically run true to size; however, many riders prefer a snug fit for road cycling. If you prefer a relaxed, looser fit or plan significant layering underneath, consider sizing up one size.
Bib Shorts & Bib Tights
This is the most critical sizing category for cycling comfort. Altura's bib shorts and tights feature tailored padding designed to reduce chafing during extended rides. Measure your hips carefully, as these garments must fit snugly in the leg without restricting circulation. If your measurements fall between sizes, we recommend choosing the smaller size for a secure, supportive fit. Remember that quality padded cycling shorts should not feel loose – they should provide gentle compression and support.
Jackets & Gilets
Cycling jackets from Altura are designed to layer over jerseys and base layers. Use your chest measurement as your primary guide, and consider sizing up if you intend to wear thick mid-layers underneath. Altura's weather-resistant and technical jackets feature ergonomic cuts that account for the forward cycling posture, so arm length and back coverage are precisely calibrated for on-bike comfort.
Base Layers & Long Tights
Base layers work best when fitting close to the body for effective moisture management. Choose your true size or size down if you prefer an athletic, fitted silhouette. Altura's full-length tights are designed with a high waist to provide coverage in the riding position; measure your waist and hip carefully to ensure a comfortable fit without pressure points.
Gloves
Correct glove sizing ensures proper grip, dexterity, and comfort during long rides. Hand length is the primary measurement. Altura gloves should fit snugly without restricting blood flow. If you're between sizes, consider your preference for thin versus thick gloves – thinner gloves allow a slightly looser fit, whilst thicker insulated gloves should be snug to maintain warmth and control.
Overshoes & Accessories
Overshoes must fit securely over your cycling shoes without slipping. Measure your cycling shoe size and select the corresponding overshoe size. They should feel snug but not painfully tight, and should not interfere with your pedalling or shoe cleats. If you wear thick socks during winter rides, consider sizing up to allow comfortable clearance.
Sizing Tips
- Measure in the evening: Your feet and limbs swell slightly throughout the day from increased circulation. Measuring in the late afternoon or evening gives you a more accurate sizing that accounts for how your body will feel during an afternoon or evening ride.
- Allow for layering: Altura gear is designed to work with base layers and mid-layers. When selecting jacket or tights sizes, consider what you'll be wearing underneath. If you plan to layer heavily in winter, opt for a size up to avoid restriction and maintain comfort.
- Bib shorts require precision: Take both waist and hip measurements for bib shorts and tights. Padding fit and support depend on a snug, secure fit – sizing up too far compromises the protective pad and can cause chafing. When in doubt between sizes, the smaller size is typically the better choice.
- Check the specific product page: Some Altura products within different collections (Nightvision, Esker, Progel, etc.) may have slightly different cuts and fits. Review the individual product's size chart and customer reviews before purchasing, as styling and fabric performance can affect sizing.
- Consider your riding position: Altura gear is engineered for the aggressive forward cycling posture. Unlike casual clothing, cycling apparel should feel snug in the shoulders and arms when bent over the handlebars. If you sit more upright, you may prefer a size up for comfort.
- Width and proportions matter: European sizing, which Altura follows, tends to be narrower than UK or US equivalents. If you have broader shoulders or wider hips, or if you typically need wide shoes, take extra care when sizing. Reading customer feedback about fit across body types is invaluable.
- Return and exchange policies: Altura offers UK returns and exchanges, so don't hesitate to order multiple sizes if you're unsure. Cycling apparel fit is highly personal, and trying items on is the best way to ensure satisfaction. Always check the specific product's return window before making a final decision.
- Seasonal variations: Winter and summer ranges may have slightly different cuts and layer compatibility. Winter jerseys and tights are often cut slightly larger to accommodate heavy mid-layers, whilst summer jerseys are more tailored for minimal layers. Check the season or collection name on the product page.
International Size Conversions
Altura primarily uses UK and European sizing. Use these standard conversions if you're shopping internationally:
Men's Clothing Conversion
| UK | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 44 | XS |
| S | 46 | S |
| M | 48 | M |
| L | 50 | L |
| XL | 52 | XL |
| 2XL | 54 | 2XL |
| 3XL | 56 | 3XL |
Women's Clothing Conversion
| UK | US | EU |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2 | 34 |
| 8 | 4 | 36 |
| 10 | 6 | 38 |
| 12 | 8 | 40 |
| 14 | 10 | 42 |
| 16 | 12 | 44 |
| 18 | 14 | 46 |
Need Further Help?
If you're still uncertain about your size after consulting this guide, Altura's customer service team is available to assist. You can contact them through the official Altura website for personalised sizing advice. When reaching out, provide your measurements in centimetres along with details about the specific product you're interested in, and they'll help you find the ideal fit. Remember that comfort and performance on the bike are paramount – taking time to choose the right size ensures you'll enjoy your Altura gear for years to come.