How do I read a size chart?

Measure a garment you already own and love, flat on a table, and compare its numbers to the chart rather than trusting the letter size. The measurements that matter most: chest (pit to pit, doubled) and shoulder for tops; waist, rise, thigh, and leg opening for trousers; and sleeve length. Match those to your best-fitting piece and the guesswork mostly disappears. Then check broad user consensus on whether the brand runs large or small — we report that as consensus. When a chart lists a real measurement and the marketing lists a fit name, believe the measurement; the fit name is the rougher of the two.