Brakeburn Size Guide
Brakeburn is a British lifestyle brand dedicated to creating high-quality clothing and footwear for outdoor enthusiasts and casual wear lovers. With a focus on durability, comfort, and contemporary design, Brakeburn caters to both men and women who appreciate versatility in their wardrobe. The brand is known for its changing robes, coastal apparel, and functional pieces that blend style with practicality. Brakeburn's sizing is engineered to accommodate a wide range of body types, with particular attention to realistic measurements and comfortable fits. Whether you're looking for everyday casual wear or specialist outdoor gear, Brakeburn's comprehensive size range from UK 6 to 20 for women and XS to XXL for men ensures you'll find your perfect fit.
How to Measure
To ensure you select the correct size, follow these measurement guidelines:
- Bust/Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your bust or chest, keeping the tape measure parallel to the ground and not too tight. Wear an unpadded bra for women's measurements.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline (the narrowest part), where you naturally bend to the side. Keep the tape measure snug but comfortable, not pulling tight.
- Lower Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, approximately 20-23cm below your natural waist. This measurement is particularly important for women's sizing at Brakeburn.
- Collar (Men's only): Measure around the base of your neck where a shirt collar would sit. Keep one finger's width of space between the tape and your neck for comfort.
- Length (Optional): For jackets and outerwear, measure from the centre back neck down to your desired hem length to ensure proper proportions.
- Use a soft measuring tape: Ensure your tape measure is flexible and not stretched. Stand upright in front of a mirror whilst someone assists you, or use a second mirror for accuracy.
- Record your measurements: Write down all measurements in both centimetres and inches, then cross-reference with the size charts below to find your ideal size.
Women's Clothing Size Guide
Brakeburn's women's clothing is designed with a contemporary fit that flatters various body shapes. The range spans from UK size 6 through to size 20, with detailed measurements for bust, waist, and lower hip to ensure accurate sizing. Women's pieces tend to have a slightly tailored fit while maintaining comfort and freedom of movement.
| UK Size | US Size | EU Size | Bust (cm) | Bust (ins) | Waist (cm) | Waist (ins) | Lower Hip (cm) | Lower Hip (ins) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2 | 34 | 79–83 | 30–32 | 60–64 | 23–25 | 85–89 | 33–34 |
| 8 | 4 | 36 | 83–87 | 32–34 | 64–68 | 25–27 | 89–93 | 34–36 |
| 10 | 6 | 38 | 87–92 | 34–36 | 68–73 | 27–29 | 93–98 | 36–38 |
| 12 | 8 | 40 | 92–97 | 36–38 | 73–78 | 29–31 | 98–103 | 38–40 |
| 14 | 10 | 42 | 97–103 | 38–40 | 78–84 | 31–33 | 103–109 | 40–42 |
| 16 | 12 | 44 | 103–109 | 40–42 | 84–90 | 33–35 | 109–115 | 42–45 |
| 18 | 14 | 46 | 109–115 | 42–45 | 90–96 | 35–38 | 115–121 | 45–48 |
| 20 | 16 | 48 | 115–119 | 45–46.5 | 100–105 | 39–41 | 122–127 | 47.5–49.5 |
Men's Clothing Size Guide
Brakeburn's men's clothing features a relaxed, modern fit suitable for both casual wear and outdoor activities. Sizing ranges from XS through XXL, with detailed chest, waist, and collar measurements to help you find the perfect fit. Men's pieces are designed to allow comfortable movement whilst maintaining a contemporary silhouette.
| UK Size | US Size | EU Size | Chest (cm) | Chest (ins) | Waist (cm) | Waist (ins) | Collar (cm) | Collar (ins) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | XS | XS | 86–92 | 34–36 | 71 | 28 | 37–38.5 | 14.5–15 |
| S | S | S | 91–97 | 36–38 | 76 | 30 | 39–40.5 | 15.5–16 |
| M | M | M | 97–102 | 38–40 | 81 | 32 | 40.5–42 | 16–16.5 |
| L | L | L | 102–107 | 40–42 | 86 | 34 | 43–44.5 | 17–17.5 |
| XL | XL | XL | 107–112 | 42–44 | 91 | 36 | 44.5–47 | 18–18.5 |
| XXL | XXL | XXL | 112–117 | 44–46 | 96 | 38 | 47–48.5 | 18.5–19 |
Footwear Size Guide
Brakeburn offers a comprehensive range of footwear in both men's and women's sizes. The following conversion chart helps you identify your correct shoe size across different sizing systems.
| UK Size | US Size (Men's) | US Size (Women's) | EU Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | – | 5.5 | 36 |
| 4 | – | 6.5 | 37 |
| 5 | – | 7.5 | 38 |
| 6 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 39 |
| 7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 40 |
| 8 | 8.5 | 10.5 | 41 |
| 9 | 9.5 | 11.5 | 42 |
| 10 | 10.5 | – | 43 |
| 11 | 11.5 | – | 44 |
| 12 | 12.5 | – | 45 |
Changing Robe Size Guide
Brakeburn's specialist changing robes are a signature product designed for maximum comfort and functionality. These are available in broader sizing categories suited to the relaxed, oversized fit of the garment.
| Category | Size Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Women's | Small – Medium (sizes 8–16) | Standard frame to fuller frame |
| Women's | Large – X-Large (sizes 16–20) | Fuller frame to extra spacious fit |
| Men's | Small – Medium | XS to M chest sizes |
| Men's | Large – X-Large | L to XXL chest sizes |
Sizing Tips for Brakeburn
- Use the lower hip measurement for women's sizing: Brakeburn emphasises the lower hip measurement (approximately 20–23cm below the waist) as a key fitting point. This measurement is particularly important for trousers, dresses, and fitted pieces. Ensure you measure accurately at this point rather than at your natural hip level.
- Consider the fit of outerwear: Brakeburn's jackets, coats, and outer layers are designed with layering in mind. If you plan to wear jumpers or thermal layers underneath, you may wish to size up for comfort and ease of movement. Check the product description for specific fit guidance.
- Changing robes are generously proportioned: Unlike standard clothing, Brakeburn's changing robes are intentionally oversized to allow easy movement and privacy. These should feel loose and spacious; do not size down even if you're between sizes. Refer to the changing robe category chart rather than standard clothing sizes.
- Review detailed product photos and customer reviews: Each product page includes detailed imagery and customer feedback. Look for comments about fit, particularly from shoppers with similar body measurements to your own. This real-world insight is invaluable for making the right choice.
- Collar size matters for men's shirts: For men's shirts and tops, the collar measurement is as important as chest size. If you typically wear a specific collar size (such as a 15.5 or 16-inch collar), cross-reference this with Brakeburn's collar measurements to ensure comfort and proper fit around the neck area.
- Factor in fabric and style variations: Different fabric blends and garment styles may fit differently. Cotton pieces may be more fitted than cotton-blend or performance fabrics. Always check the product composition and any notes about pre-shrinking in the care instructions.
- International customers should note sizing systems: Brakeburn primarily uses UK sizing, but provides EU and US conversions throughout their size guide. If you're more familiar with a particular system, use the conversion table to cross-reference your usual size with Brakeburn's equivalent.
- Footwear fits true to size: Brakeburn's shoes and trainers generally fit true to standard UK sizing. However, some styles may run slightly snug or spacious; always check individual product reviews. If you're between sizes, consider your preferred shoe fit (snug vs. comfortable space).
Frequently Asked Questions About Brakeburn Sizing
Q: What if I'm between sizes?
A: If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the specific garment. For fitted pieces, choose the smaller size for a more tailored fit. For looser styles, jackets, or changing robes, opt for the larger size. Review product photos to assess the intended fit.
Q: Do Brakeburn sizes run large or small?
A: Brakeburn designs its clothing with a contemporary, relaxed fit rather than a tight silhouette. Most pieces are intended to sit comfortably without excess fabric. Size according to your actual measurements rather than assuming you need a different size than usual.
Q: Are there any differences in sizing between men's and women's styles?
A: Yes. Men's sizes use letter designations (XS–XXL) and are cut for a masculine silhouette with emphasis on chest and waist. Women's sizes use numbers (6–20) and include hip measurements as a key fitting point, reflecting different proportions and fit needs.
Q: Do Brakeburn changing robes shrink?
A: Always refer to the care label for washing and drying instructions. Generally, following the specified guidelines minimises shrinkage. If unsure, consider sizing up slightly when you first purchase, or ask customer service about expected shrinkage for the specific material.
Q: What's the best way to measure my collar for men's shirts?
A: Measure around the base of your neck where the collar sits, keeping the tape measure parallel to the ground. You should be able to fit one finger's width comfortably between the tape and your neck. This ensures the collar sits properly without being too tight or too loose.
Q: Can I return items if they don't fit?
A: Brakeburn typically offers returns for unworn items within a specified period. Check the current returns policy on the Brakeburn website before completing your purchase. It's advisable to keep original tags and packaging until you're satisfied with the fit.