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Howell & Tracy Size Guide
At Howell & Tracy, we want your clothing to look good, feel comfortable, and fit the way you expect.
Because our collections include garments from a variety of designers, manufacturers, and international brands, sizing may vary from one product to another. A size marked XL from one manufacturer may not have the same measurements as an XL from another.
For the best fit, we recommend using your actual body measurements rather than relying only on the size printed on the label.
Always Check the Product Size Chart
When a product-specific size chart or measurements are provided, use those measurements as your primary sizing guide.
Product-specific measurements take priority over general U.S. sizing conventions or the size you normally purchase from another brand.
You may encounter:
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U.S. sizing
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European sizing
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UK sizing
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Asian sizing
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Letter sizing such as XS–7XL
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Numbered waist and inseam measurements
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Manufacturer-specific sizing
This is normal for a collection sourced from designers and manufacturers around the world.
How to Measure Yourself
For the most accurate results, use a flexible measuring tape. Keep the tape comfortably against your body without pulling it excessively tight.
Wear lightweight clothing or undergarments while measuring whenever possible.
Chest / Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your chest or bust.
Keep the measuring tape level across your back and comfortably beneath your arms.
Waist
Measure around your natural waistline, usually the narrowest portion of your torso.
Do not pull the measuring tape tightly or hold in your stomach while measuring.
For pants worn below the natural waist, also compare your measurements with the specific garment measurements provided on the product page.
Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
Keep the tape level around your body.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch seam down the inside of your leg to the point where you would like your pants to end.
For the easiest measurement, you can also measure the inseam of a pair of pants that already fits you well.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the shoulder down your arm to your wrist.
Some manufacturers measure sleeves differently, so always compare your measurement with the instructions or size chart supplied for the particular garment.
Neck
Measure around the base of your neck where a shirt collar would normally rest.
Leave enough room for a comfortable fit.
Jackets, Suits & Formal Wear
For suits, tuxedos, sport coats, and tailored jackets, chest, waist, and shoulder measurements are especially important.
Do not assume that your usual jacket size will fit identically across different manufacturers.
When purchasing a multi-piece suit, review the measurements for the jacket, vest, and trousers whenever they are provided.
Some tailoring may be necessary to achieve a traditional custom-fitted appearance.
Dresses
For dresses, compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements with the product's size chart.
If your measurements fall into different sizes, select the size based on the area where the garment is most fitted.
For example, a fitted dress may require greater attention to bust and hip measurements than a loose or flowing style.
Pants & Trousers
Whenever possible, compare both your waist and inseam with the product measurements.
Some trousers use traditional waist measurements, while others use letter sizes or manufacturer-specific sizing.
For fitted trousers, also consider hip and thigh measurements when provided.
Shoes
Footwear sizing may be listed in U.S., UK, European, or manufacturer-specific sizes.
Whenever a foot-length measurement is provided, we recommend using it rather than relying solely on a converted shoe size.
To measure your foot:
Place your heel against a wall while standing on a sheet of paper. Mark the end of your longest toe and measure from the edge of the paper at your heel to the mark.
Measure both feet and use the measurement of the larger foot when selecting your size.
International & Asian Sizing
Some Howell & Tracy merchandise is manufactured for international markets.
Asian sizing in particular may run smaller than typical U.S. sizing. An item labeled 2XL, 3XL, or 5XL should not automatically be assumed to correspond to the same U.S. letter size.
Always compare the manufacturer's actual measurements before ordering.
The measurements matter more than the letter on the label.
Between Two Sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the garment's intended fit and fabric.
For a fitted or non-stretch garment, the larger size may provide a more comfortable fit.
For garments containing stretch material or designed for a relaxed fit, you may have greater flexibility.
When in doubt, consult the product-specific measurements before ordering.
A Note About Fit
Terms such as Slim Fit, Regular Fit, Relaxed Fit, Oversized, Tailored Fit, and Athletic Fit describe how a garment is intended to fit and do not necessarily indicate its actual size.
Two garments carrying the same labeled size may fit differently because of their cut, fabric, or design.
Need Help?
If you're uncertain about which size to order, please contact Howell & Tracy Customer Service before placing your order.
When contacting us about sizing, please include the name of the product you're considering and your relevant body measurements. We'll be happy to help you interpret the available sizing information.
Our Best Sizing Advice
Measure first. Check the product's size chart second. Order by measurements—not simply by the size you normally wear.

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