Bench Size Guide
Bench is a contemporary British clothing brand that emerged from the skateboarding and urban sports scene in the late 1980s. Known for its casual, streetwear-inspired aesthetic, Bench bridges the gap between sportswear and everyday fashion with comfortable, relaxed fits and athletic-inspired designs. The brand follows standard UK sizing conventions, though its urban and athletic heritage means many pieces are designed with a slightly relaxed, comfortable fit in mind. Bench is ideal for those seeking laid-back, contemporary casual wear with a sporty edge — from signature hoodies and joggers to shorts, jackets and footwear. The brand appeals to both younger consumers and anyone who appreciates comfortable, street-inspired fashion at an accessible price point.
How to Measure
To find your perfect Bench fit, take accurate body measurements using a flexible tape measure. Wear only lightweight underwear and measure in the afternoon when your body is at its normal size.
- Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure horizontal and close under your arms. For women, measure around the fullest part of the bust. Keep the tape comfortably snug but not tight.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline at the narrowest point, typically just above your belly button. Keep the tape measure comfortably loose — don’t pull it tight.
- Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.
- Inside Leg: For trousers and joggers, measure from the top of your inside leg at the crotch down to where you want the hem to sit, typically at your ankle bone.
- Collar Size (Men’s): For shirts, measure around your neck where the collar would sit, adding approximately one finger’s width for comfort.
Women’s Clothing Size Chart
| UK Size | EU Size | US Size | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 34 | 2 | 30–31 | 23–24 | 33–34 |
| 8 | 36 | 4 | 31.5–32.5 | 25.5–26.5 | 35–36 |
| 10 | 38 | 6 | 34–35 | 28–29 | 37–38 |
| 12 | 40 | 8 | 36–37 | 30–31 | 39–40 |
| 14 | 42 | 10 | 38–39 | 32–33 | 41–42 |
| 16 | 44 | 12 | 40–41 | 34–35 | 43–44 |
| 18 | 46 | 14 | 42–44 | 36–38 | 45–47 |
| 20 | 48 | 16 | 45–47 | 39–41 | 48–50 |
Men’s Clothing Size Chart
| Size Label | UK Size | EU Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Collar (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36 | 46 | 36–38 | 30–32 | 14.5 |
| M | 38 | 48 | 38–40 | 32–34 | 15 |
| L | 40 | 50 | 40–42 | 34–36 | 15.5 |
| XL | 42 | 52 | 42–44 | 36–38 | 16 |
| XXL | 44 | 54 | 44–46 | 38–40 | 16.5 |
| 3XL | 46 | 56 | 46–48 | 40–42 | 17 |
| 4XL | 48 | 58 | 48–50 | 42–44 | 17.5 |
Bench Footwear Size Conversion Chart
Bench footwear follows standard UK sizing. Use the chart below to convert between UK, US and EU sizes. If you fall between sizes, it is generally advisable to size up for comfort.
| UK Size | EU Size | US Men’s | US Women’s | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 22.5 |
| 4 | 37 | 5 | 6 | 23.5 |
| 5 | 38 | 6 | 7 | 24.0 |
| 6 | 39 | 7 | 8 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 41 | 8 | 9 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 42 | 9 | 10 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 43 | 10 | 11 | 27.0 |
| 10 | 44 | 11 | 12 | 28.0 |
| 11 | 45 | 12 | 13 | 28.5 |
| 12 | 46 | 13 | 14 | 29.5 |
Product-Specific Sizing Guidance
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Bench hoodies and sweatshirts typically offer a relaxed, comfortable fit in keeping with the brand’s streetwear heritage. The Athletic Essentials range tends to run true to size with a slightly loose fit suitable for layering. For a more fitted look, consider sizing down. If you prefer an oversized, contemporary streetwear aesthetic, your regular size or even sizing up will work well. The cropped hoodies in the women’s range — such as the Athletic Essentials Cropped Hoodie — are designed to sit at the natural waist, so bear in mind the shorter body length when choosing your size.
Joggers & Track Trousers
Bench joggers are a signature product line and generally follow true-to-size UK sizing. The Athletic Essentials Stripe Trousers and similar styles feature elasticated waistbands for comfort and adjustability, which provides some forgiveness if you are between sizes. The Low Rise Flare Joggers in the women’s collection sit lower on the hips and offer a more contemporary silhouette. When choosing joggers, consider whether you prefer a tapered or relaxed leg — tapered styles may feel snugger around the calves. If you plan to wear joggers for exercise or lounging, choosing your standard size is usually best; for a baggier look, size up by one.
Shorts
Bench shorts, including the popular Organic Cotton Stripe Elasticated Shorts, typically follow standard UK sizing. Elasticated waistbands on many styles provide additional flexibility. For men, use your regular waist measurement to determine your size. For women, note that hip measurements can be equally important — refer to the women’s chart above and choose the size that accommodates your largest measurement.
Jackets & Outerwear
Bench jackets, including bomber jackets and the Surplus Chore Jacket, are designed with a slightly relaxed fit. If you intend to layer a hoodie or sweatshirt underneath, consider whether your usual size provides enough room. Most customers find their standard size accommodates a light layer, but for heavier layering you may wish to size up. Pay particular attention to the chest measurement when selecting jacket sizes.
Jeans & Trousers
The Cult 90s Baggy Jeans and similar denim styles are intentionally designed with a looser, relaxed fit through the leg. These styles are meant to sit comfortably without being skin-tight. If you normally wear slim-fit jeans, be aware that the baggy silhouette will feel considerably different. Use your standard waist size — the relaxed leg is part of the design, so there is no need to size down. For a truly authentic ’90s look, some customers prefer to size up by one for an even more oversized drape.
Knitwear & Jumpers
Bench knitwear, such as the Vintage Athletic Knit Jumper and the Classic Stripe Half-Zip Jumper, typically runs true to size with a comfortable, regular fit. These pieces are designed for everyday layering, so they usually accommodate a T-shirt underneath without feeling restrictive. If you prefer a closer fit, consider sizing down by one.
Sizing Tips
- Bench runs true to standard UK sizing: Most customers find that their usual UK size works well across the range. If you normally wear a UK Medium, a Bench Medium should fit comfortably.
- Consider the intended fit: Bench’s streetwear heritage means many items are designed with a relaxed fit. Check product descriptions for terms like “relaxed”, “oversized” or “cropped” to understand the intended silhouette before selecting your size.
- Between sizes? Size up: If your measurements fall between two sizes, it is generally better to choose the larger size, particularly for outerwear and items you plan to layer. Bench’s casual aesthetic suits a slightly looser fit.
- Measure yourself regularly: Body measurements can change over time. Take fresh measurements before ordering, especially if it has been a while since you last bought Bench clothing.
- Use the largest measurement: If your chest fits one size but your waist fits another, always go with the larger of the two sizes for the most comfortable fit. This is particularly important for jackets and knitwear.
- Footwear — measure both feet: It is common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always measure both feet and choose the size that fits your larger foot. Measure your feet in the late afternoon or evening when they are at their largest.
- Elasticated waistbands offer flexibility: Many Bench joggers and shorts feature elasticated waists, providing a forgiving fit. If you are between sizes in these styles, your regular size should work well thanks to the stretch.
- Check international conversions carefully: If you normally shop in EU or US sizes, use the conversion charts above rather than guessing. EU and US sizing does not directly correspond to UK sizing, and incorrect conversions are one of the most common causes of ordering the wrong size online.