North Sails Size Guide
North Sails is a premium sailing and performance apparel brand with a strong heritage in competitive and recreational maritime wear. Known for technical construction, durability, and functional design, North Sails clothing is engineered to perform in demanding water conditions. The brand offers a comprehensive range including foul weather gear, crew wear, tech apparel, and casual lifestyle pieces for men, women, and children. North Sails sizing is designed with an athletic, performance-oriented fit that prioritises freedom of movement and layering compatibility.
How to Measure
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground and not too tight. Wear a standard (non-padded) top for accuracy.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waist (the narrowest point), typically just above your hip bones. Keep the tape snug but not restrictive.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape level and parallel to the ground.
- Sleeve Length (optional for jackets and tops): Measure from the centre back neck, across the shoulder, and down the outside of your arm to your wrist with your arm relaxed at your side.
- Inseam (for trousers): Measure from your inner thigh to your ankle bone whilst standing straight. Alternatively, check the inseam of a pair of trousers that fit you well.
- Foot Length (for footwear): Stand on a flat surface and measure from your heel to the tip of your longest toe. Measure both feet, as they may differ slightly.
Men's Clothing Size Chart
| Size Label | UK | US | EU | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32–34 | XS | 44 | 34–36 | 28–30 |
| S | 36–38 | S | 46 | 36–38 | 30–32 |
| M | 38–40 | M | 48 | 38–40 | 32–34 |
| L | 40–42 | L | 50 | 40–42 | 34–36 |
| XL | 42–44 | XL | 52 | 42–44 | 36–38 |
| XXL | 44–46 | XXL | 54 | 44–46 | 38–40 |
Women's Clothing Size Chart
| Size Label | UK | US | EU | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 | 2 | 34 | 32–34 | 24–26 | 34–36 |
| S | 8 | 4 | 36 | 34–36 | 26–28 | 36–38 |
| M | 10 | 6 | 38 | 36–38 | 28–30 | 38–40 |
| L | 12 | 8 | 40 | 38–40 | 30–32 | 40–42 |
| XL | 14 | 10 | 42 | 40–42 | 32–34 | 42–44 |
| XXL | 16 | 12 | 44 | 42–44 | 34–36 | 44–46 |
Footwear Size Chart
| UK | US Men's | US Women's | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 39 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 41 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 43 | 27 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 44 | 28 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 45 | 28.5 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 46 | 29.5 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Foul Weather Gear
North Sails foul weather jackets and trousers are engineered for serious weather protection and are designed to be worn over thermal layers and base layers. Choose your usual size or one size larger if you intend to wear heavy mid-layers underneath. Check the jacket length relative to your sleeve length – North Sails prioritises torso coverage over sleeve length. Most foul weather pieces feature adjustable cuffs and waistbands to accommodate layering.
Tech Shirts, Shorts & Trousers
North Sails performance tech apparel is cut for an athletic, slightly tapered fit that allows full range of motion without excess fabric. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up. Tech trousers typically feature gusseted crotches and reinforced knees for durability. Inseams are often available in regular and long options; measure your inseam carefully before ordering.
Crew Wear & Jackets
Crew wear jackets and vests are designed to layer over base layers and offer freedom of movement for active sailing. These pieces tend to have slightly longer sleeves and a more generous cut through the torso to accommodate harnesses and personal flotation devices. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort and layering flexibility.
Footwear (Boots & Shoes)
North Sails sailing boots and water shoes are designed with performance in mind. They typically feature reinforced soles, quick-dry materials, and secure fastening systems. Most North Sails footwear runs true to size; however, if you have wide feet or plan to wear thick sailing socks, consider sizing up by half a size. Always check the specific product description, as some styles may run narrow or wide.
Wetsuits & Drysuits
Wetsuits and drysuits require precise measurement for optimal thermal protection and mobility. Measure your chest, waist, hips, and inseam carefully. If you fall between sizes, choose based on your chest measurement first, as a snug chest fit is essential for performance. Drysuits in particular should be fitted closely at the torso and neck to prevent water ingress.
Sizing Tips
- Layer with Performance Fit in Mind: North Sails apparel is optimised for layering with thermal base layers and mid-layers. Choose a size that accommodates a thin base layer comfortably but is not so large that multiple layers create excess bulk.
- Check Sleeve Length on Jackets: North Sails prioritises torso coverage for water protection. If you have long arms, verify the sleeve length before ordering, as you may need a size up.
- Women's Sizes Run True: North Sails women's sizing is well-proportioned for female body shapes. If you are typically between two sizes, measure your bust, waist, and hip circumference and choose the size closest to your bust measurement.
- Trousers: Measure Your Inseam Carefully: North Sails tech trousers and foul weather trousers are available in multiple inseam lengths. Measure from your inner thigh to your ankle whilst standing, and always check the product listing for available inseam options.
- Footwear: Account for Sailing Socks: If you plan to wear thick neoprene or wool sailing socks, consider sizing up by half a size. Sailing boots should fit snugly enough to prevent slipping but comfortably enough for extended wear.
- Return Policy and Fit Verification: If you are ordering online, check the retailer's return policy before purchase. Many speciality sailing retailers offer fit guarantees or allow exchanges if sizing is incorrect.
- Harness Compatibility: If you wear a personal flotation device or harness, try on jackets with your harness on to ensure proper fit and adjustment of closures. Order a size that allows comfortable harness wear over a mid-layer.