Let’s face it - shopping for shorts can be tricky. Trying different sizes of something can be frustrating and buying clothes online could feel a little risky.
You may have seen the UNDERDOCK limited edition shorts on social media or on the website, you may have been tempted to order a pair but unsure of the fit and sizing. Or you may have just stumbled upon this on your search for cool summer shorts. Either way – you might have questions about sizing and fit. So, I wanted to put together a little guide about the sizing of the different designs, how to make sure that you order the right size for you. And besides, this guide may be useful when shopping for any shorts and trousers in future.
WAIST SIZE OR HIP SIZE?
Shorts, jeans and trousers tend to show their size in inches but different brands and designs may indicate the same size, yet fit the same person differently. This would depend on the design – if the waist is supposed to sit on the waist itself or perhaps the design is a low rise – so the ‘waist’ would actually sit more towards the hips.
VANITY SIZING
Over the years I have invested in clothing that would range between UK size 10 and UK size 16 and all this clothing would fit me at the same time. Some brands size their clothing with a smaller number that doesn’t necessarily mirror the measurement of your waist. This is because we are all likely to feel happier if we fit a size smaller than we thought we would fit. So, you may have a waist of 34” but fit 30” trousers. This is known as vanity sizing. Ultimately the best thing you can do to make sure that things fit is to check the actual measurements for the garment against the measurement of your own waist. After all – if something we wear gives us comfort and confidence – we would feel happy no matter the size! When it comes to clothes that fit comfortably – having a little wiggle room us key.
UNDERDOCK SHORTS
Using existing clothing as cloth means that it is a rarity to find the same design of a second-hand piece over and over again. And using existing clothes that originally came from different brands means sizing could vary. So, imagine my excitement when I got multiple items with the same properties! Taking existing utility trousers as a starting point has enabled me to create cool shorts designs with one of a kind striped trim made from existing shirts. There are 3 main designs to choose from and each has a slightly different fit. They also come in different availability in sizing.
The navy shorts design has a couple of pleats on either side at the front. Size availability is in 28”, 30”, 32” and 34”. Having measured the waistlines for these I can confirm that sizing does reflect the actual measurements – there is no vanity there. In fact – I would suggest that if you own a measuring tape – measuring your waist and making sure you order a size that’s slightly bigger would be a better option. For example - if your waist if 30” or slightly over – investing in a size 32” could be better. If you are a 28" or 29" - then waist size 30" shorts are the ones to go for.
The original trousers used to make the shorts are unisex utility items, so the hip area was not specifically designed for women’s hips. The slightly larger size would ensure that you have enough room for moving not only around the waist but also at the hip area. Having a little room to move would give you comfort and will keep the pleated details closed – which would be more flattering around the tummy area. Each pair of shorts comes with a fabric belt to keep things in place (and besides – it does look pretty cool).
The indigo/cobalt blue shorts design has a couple of pleats on either side at the front and a little pocket to one side. Size availability is in 33” 34” and 35”. Having measured the waistlines for these I can confirm that sizing does reflect the actual measurements here too. Ordering the size of your waist measurement or one size larger is recommended. The hip and legs areas on these shorts are larger than the other two designs, so very comfy. Again – ordering a size bigger would still be fine and using the fabric belt will keep things in place.
The light blue shorts design has no pleats. The back varies – some with a pocket and some without. There’s a line of piping at the centre of each front leg which give it a cool detail. Size availability is in 28”, 30”, 35”, 38” and 40”. Having measured the waistlines for these I can confirm that sizing does reflect the actual measurements given. Measuring your waist and making sure you order a size that’s slightly bigger would be the best option – the original trousers are unisex, so the hip area is narrower than usual. For example - if your waist is 28” or slightly over – investing in a size 30” would fit better.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR WAIST FOR UNDERDOCK SHORTS?
Bend to one side until you see a crease on the side of your waistline. This shows where your natural waist is. This is where your waist is at its smallest. I suggest that you measure around and keep the measuring tape a little looser by a couple of centimetres. This is the ‘wiggle room’ you need. Check against the sizes available and try to order shorts with the waist measurement you have just taken as a minimum. Going a size up with ensure your new shorts will be comfy.
I hope this guide has been helpful. There is no such thing as one fit for all, so do get in touch if you need any extra help before placing an order.
And as always – keep sailing forward!
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