NATO clothing sizes are measurements of your body in centimetres. On British Army jackets, smocks and shirts the code is height/chest, so 180/96 fits someone about 180 cm tall with a 96 cm chest. On combat trousers the code is leg/waist/seat, so 80/88/104 means an 80 cm leg code, 88 cm waist and 104 cm seat.
- All NATO size numbers are in centimetres. Divide by 2.54 to convert to inches.
- Tops (jackets, smocks, shirts, fleeces) use two numbers: height/chest.
- Trousers use three numbers: leg/waist/seat.
- Trouser leg codes: 75 = 28in leg, 80 = 30in, 85 = 32in, 90 = 34in.
- Boots use normal UK sizes in Medium or Wide fitting. PLCE belts come in Small, Medium and Large.
What do the numbers on British Army clothing labels mean?
British Army clothing is sized to the body that will wear it, not to a generic S, M or L. The label gives the measurements of the soldier the garment was cut for, in centimetres. That makes NATO sizing more precise than high-street sizing once you know how to read it.
You will usually see the code printed on a label inside the collar or waistband, often alongside a longer NATO Stock Number. Only the size code matters for fit.
How do I read a NATO size on a jacket, smock or shirt?
Tops carry two numbers separated by a slash: height/chest.
- The first number is the wearer's height in centimetres. It controls body length and sleeve length.
- The second number is the chest measurement in centimetres, taken around the fullest part of the chest.
So 170/104 is cut for a person around 170 cm tall with a 104 cm chest, and 190/112 is for someone around 190 cm tall with a 112 cm chest. Height codes usually step in 10 cm bands (160, 170, 180, 190), so pick the one nearest your own height.
NATO jacket and smock size chart
The chart below converts common height and chest codes to feet, inches and approximate UK chest sizes. Conversions are rounded.
| Height code (cm) | Approx. height |
|---|---|
| 160 | 5ft 3in |
| 170 | 5ft 7in |
| 180 | 5ft 11in |
| 190 | 6ft 3in |
| 200 | 6ft 7in |
| Chest code (cm) | Approx. chest (inches) | Rough high-street equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 88 | 35in | Small |
| 96 | 38in | Small to Medium |
| 104 | 41in | Medium to Large |
| 112 | 44in | Large to XL |
| 120 | 47in | XL to XXL |
High-street equivalents vary between brands, so treat that column as a guide only. Measure your chest and use the centimetre figure where you can.
Should I size up for layering?
Often, yes. Outer layers such as smocks and waterproofs are designed to go over other clothing. If you plan to wear a thick fleece or a Buffalo thermal smock underneath, choosing the next chest size up gives room to move. Close-fitting layers like shirts and jumpers and fleeces are best bought at your true chest size. Our cold weather layering guide explains how the layers fit together.
How do I read NATO sizes on combat trousers?
Trousers carry three numbers: leg/waist/seat, all in centimetres.
- Leg is a length code for the inside leg. It is not a direct inside-leg measurement, so use the conversion table below.
- Waist is the waist measurement in centimetres.
- Seat is the measurement around the widest part of the hips and bottom.
For example, 80/88/104 is a 30in leg, a waist of about 35in and a 104 cm seat. On Raid Supply listings you will see the inch sizing first with the NATO code in brackets, for example "35W 30L (80/88/104)", so you do not have to convert it yourself.
NATO trouser leg length chart
| NATO leg code | Inside leg (inches) | Typical description |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 28in | Short |
| 80 | 30in | Regular |
| 85 | 32in | Long |
| 90 | 34in | Extra long |
NATO trouser waist size chart
| NATO waist (cm) | Approx. waist (inches) |
|---|---|
| 72 | 28in |
| 76 | 30in |
| 80 | 31.5in |
| 84 | 33in |
| 88 | 35in |
| 92 | 36in |
| 96 | 38in |
| 100 | 39in |
| 104 | 41in |
| 108 | 42.5in |
| 112 | 44in |
Figures are the centimetre value divided by 2.54 and rounded. If you are between sizes, check the seat number too: a larger seat suits a fuller build and gives more room when kneeling or climbing.
What size combat trousers should I buy?
Measure your natural waist and inside leg with a tape rather than relying on the size on your jeans, as high-street waist sizes are often generous. Match the waist to the nearest NATO waist figure, then pick the leg code for your inside leg. For current-issue trousers, see the MTP PCS combat trousers or browse all trousers.
How are British Army boots and belts sized?
Boots do not use NATO codes. They are sold in standard UK sizes with a Medium or Wide fitting. If you have broad feet, or plan to wear thick socks, Wide is usually the better choice. Browse combat boots, or read our combat boots guide.
PLCE webbing belts come in three sizes:
| PLCE belt size | Fits waist up to |
|---|---|
| Small | 40in |
| Medium | 45in |
| Large | 50in |
Measure over the clothing you will wear with the belt, as webbing sits over smocks and jackets. More detail is in our PLCE webbing guide.
For a single reference page, bookmark the NATO size guide, and check the sizing and condition guide for how each grade is described.
Frequently asked questions
What does 180/96 mean on an army jacket?
It is a NATO size in centimetres. The 180 is the wearer's height, about 5ft 11in, and the 96 is the chest measurement, about 38in. It fits a person of roughly that height and chest, with a little room for a thin layer underneath.
What does 80/88/104 mean on army trousers?
It is leg/waist/seat in centimetres. The 80 is the leg code, equal to a 30in inside leg. The 88 is the waist, about 35in. The 104 is the seat, measured around the widest part of the hips. Raid Supply lists this as 35W 30L.
How do I convert NATO sizes to inches?
Divide the centimetre figure by 2.54. A 96 cm chest is about 38in and an 88 cm waist is about 35in. Trouser leg codes are the exception: use the chart, where 75 is 28in, 80 is 30in, 85 is 32in and 90 is 34in.
Is the first number height or chest on NATO sizing?
On jackets, smocks and shirts, the first number is always height in centimetres and the second is chest. On trousers, the first number is the leg code, followed by waist and then seat. All the numbers are centimetres.
Do British Army clothes run big or small?
They are cut to the measurements on the label rather than to a fashion fit, so they fit as the numbers say. Outer layers are designed to go over other clothes and can feel roomy on their own. Measure yourself rather than relying on high-street sizes.
Do army boots use NATO sizes?
No. British Army boots use standard UK shoe sizes, sold in Medium or Wide fitting. Choose Wide if you have broad feet or will wear thick boot socks. Leather boots also soften and mould to your foot with wear.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.