Size UATAC garments by the centimetre measurements in the chart on the product page, not by the letter you wear in civilian clothing. The sizing follows general European standards. You need height, weight, chest and waist; for trousers, waist and hips.
Why «my usual size» goes wrong here
The typical outcome: someone wears M in civilian clothes, orders M in tactical, and the kit closes on bare skin but will not fasten in winter once a thermal layer and a fleece go underneath. Or the trousers fit well until a plate carrier goes on: the waistband rides up and the knee pads end up below the knee.
The reason is that a tactical cut is calculated around a system, not a body: base layer, mid layer, gear. So the size is chosen from body measurements with an allowance for layers, rather than from a familiar letter.
Which measurements you need
| Garment | Required measurements | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Trousers | Waist, hips, height | Inseam length and where the knee pad sits |
| Jacket | Chest, waist, height | Room for a fleece and wear over gear |
| Combat shirt | Height, weight, chest | Must sit under a plate carrier without tension across the back |
Measure against the body, in underwear, without pulling the tape tight. Write the numbers down rather than estimating — with actual figures our team can give you a definite answer in one message.
If you are between two sizes
Send us your measurements and describe how you plan to wear the garment: under a plate carrier, with a thermal layer, or in summer over a T-shirt. The waistband of each item adjusts by roughly five centimetres from the chart value, so a small difference at the waist is solved by adjustment — but chest circumference and inseam length are not.
Inseam length
Some models come in Short, Regular and Long. The rule of thumb: if trousers usually need turning up at your height, look at Short; if your ankle shows when you squat, look at Long. The knee pad should align with the kneecap when the leg is bent.
Common mistakes
- Ordering by the letter from another brand without checking the chart.
- Measuring over clothing, which adds several centimetres.
- Sizing up because your size is out of stock: the knee pads then sit below the knee.
- Looking only at waist circumference and ignoring inseam length.
- Forgetting that two more layers go under a jacket in winter.
What the chart cannot solve
A chart gives garment measurements; it cannot account for individual proportions. Two people with identical waist and chest figures can have very different shoulders and hips. If you are on the border, writing to us is more reliable than guessing.
Sizing also differs between models: lines from different generations and different garment types are not identical, so always use the chart of the exact model you are buying.
Pre-order checklist
- Take measurements in underwear, without tightening the tape.
- Open the chart on the page of the model you want.
- Account for layers: thermal, fleece, gear.
- Check inseam options if the model offers them.
- If you are between sizes, send us the numbers.
- Confirm that size exists in the colour you want.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a UATAC size?
By the centimetre measurements in the chart on that product page. You need height, weight, chest and waist; for trousers, waist and hips.
Do UATAC sizes follow European standards?
Yes, the grading follows general European standards, but you should still check the centimetre measurements rather than rely on the letter.
Should I size up if my size is unavailable?
We do not recommend it. In oversized trousers the knee pads end up below the kneecap and stop doing their job.
How much does the waistband adjust?
By roughly five centimetres from the chart value. That covers a difference at the waist but not in chest circumference or inseam length.
What if I am between two sizes?
Send your measurements and describe how you will wear the garment — under armour, with a thermal layer, or in summer. We will advise with the layers taken into account.
Author: Serhii Vynnyk, founder and CEO of UATAC. Updated: 16 September 2026.