How Do I Know My Size in Hoodies? A Practical Guide for Ireland

When you’re standing in a shop in Grafton Street or scrolling through an online store like Penneys or Primark, sizing a hoodie can feel like a guessing game-especially in Ireland’s damp, unpredictable weather. You don’t want a hoodie that’s too tight when you’re walking the cliffs of Moher in a breeze, or one so baggy it swallows you whole on a chilly night in Galway. Knowing your true hoodie size isn’t about fashion trends-it’s about comfort, warmth, and actually being able to move in it. And here in Ireland, where layering isn’t optional, getting it right matters more than you think.

Why Hoodie Sizing in Ireland Is Different

Ireland’s climate doesn’t play by the rules. Rain, wind, and sudden drops in temperature mean most of us wear hoodies as a daily layer, not just for gym days or weekend lounging. You need something that fits under a waterproof jacket without pulling at the seams, and still lets you reach for your coffee cup without the sleeves riding up. Brands designed for warmer, drier climates often cut their hoodies slim-think American brands like Nike or Adidas. But in Ireland, you’re better off with a slightly roomier fit to accommodate thermal layers underneath.

Take Claddagh Cashmere, a Dublin-based brand that makes hoodies with a relaxed, Irish-cut silhouette. Their hoodies are designed with extra room in the shoulders and chest because, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t going to strip down to a t-shirt before stepping out the door in November. Even Superdry, which markets itself as ‘Japanese streetwear,’ has adapted its Irish stock to be slightly larger than its US versions-something you’ll notice if you’ve bought the same style in Dublin and London.

How to Measure Yourself Accurately

Stop guessing. Grab a soft tape measure-maybe the one you used for your last pair of jeans-and follow these steps. Do this while wearing a thin base layer, like a long-sleeve thermal or a cotton tee, because that’s what you’ll wear under your hoodie most days in Ireland.

1. Chest: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Keep it level and snug, but not tight. Write this number down.
2. Shoulder Width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other. This tells you if the hoodie’s shoulder seam will sit right or dig into your neck.
3. Length: Start at the base of your neck, where the collar meets your spine, and measure down to where you want the hoodie to end-usually just below your hip bone. Most hoodies in Ireland are cut to hit mid-hip for better coverage in rain.
4. Sleeve Length: Measure from your shoulder seam to your wrist bone. Hoodies that are too short make you feel like you’re always pulling them down.

Once you have these numbers, compare them to the size chart on the brand’s website. Don’t trust the ‘S/M/L’ labels-those vary wildly. A medium at Primark might be a small at Decathlon, and a large at Mountain Equipment could be a 2XL at ASOS.

What Size Should You Buy? The Irish Rule of Thumb

Here’s a simple trick locals use: buy one size up from your usual t-shirt size. If you wear a medium in a t-shirt from Penneys, grab a large in a hoodie. Why? Because hoodies are meant to be worn over layers, and Irish winters don’t give you a choice-you’ll be wearing a fleece, a thermal, and maybe even a lightweight sweater underneath.

Also, look for hoodies with a slightly longer body. Brands like Kathmandu (popular among hikers in Wicklow and the Dingle Peninsula) and Patagonia (widely worn in Donegal and Connemara) design their hoodies to stay tucked in when you’re bending over to pick up a dropped glove or adjusting your backpack. A hoodie that rides up in the wind isn’t just annoying-it’s cold.

Brands That Actually Fit Well in Ireland

Not all hoodies are created equal here. Some brands get it right because they’ve been selling in Ireland long enough to learn what works.

• Claddagh Cashmere - Made in Galway, their hoodies have a relaxed fit, thick cotton blend, and a hood that stays up even in Atlantic winds. Perfect for students in UCD or commuters on the Luas.
• Decathlon - Their Quechua line offers affordable, functional hoodies with wind-resistant fabric. Great for weekend walkers in the Wicklow Mountains.
• Penneys - Their ‘The Basics’ hoodie range is consistently sized across stores. If you’ve bought one before and it fit, stick with the same size.
• Mountain Equipment - Their hoodies are built for Irish hillwalking. They’re trimmer in the arms but roomy in the torso, and the hood fits over a beanie.
• Superdry - Their Irish stock is slightly larger than elsewhere in Europe. Still check the chest measurement though-some styles are cut narrow.

What to Avoid

Steer clear of hoodies with:

• Very tight cuffs or hems-they trap heat but make it impossible to layer.
• Thin, flimsy fabric-Irish rain doesn’t care how stylish you look. You need at least 300gsm cotton or a fleece blend.
• Short lengths-hoodies that end at your waist won’t cover your lower back when you’re leaning into the wind on a ferry from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead.
• Unlined hoods-without a soft inner lining (like brushed cotton or fleece), the hood will feel scratchy against your neck after an hour in the rain.

And don’t fall for the myth that ‘oversized’ means ‘bigger than you need.’ Oversized hoodies are meant to be worn with intention-like a slouchy fit with slim pants. If you’re not going for that look, a regular fit with extra room for layers is smarter.

Try Before You Buy-Or Know the Return Policy

If you’re shopping in person, try the hoodie on with a jumper underneath. Walk around the store. Raise your arms. Sit down. Does it pull? Does the hood stay put? If you’re buying online, check the return policy. Most Irish retailers-Penneys, Primark, ASOS, Boots-offer free returns within 28 days. Use that. Order two sizes if you’re unsure. Return the one that doesn’t work. It’s cheaper than living with a hoodie that’s too tight for six months.

Real-Life Example: A Dublin Student’s Hoodie Mistake

Last winter, a student in Trinity College bought a slim-fit hoodie from a fast-fashion brand online. She thought it looked cool in the photos. But when she wore it to class under her winter coat, the sleeves were too short, the chest was tight, and the hood couldn’t cover her ears in the wind. She ended up buying a Claddagh Cashmere hoodie from their Temple Bar store-same price, but it lasted the whole season, kept her dry, and still looked good on Zoom calls. She didn’t buy another hoodie that winter.

Final Tip: Measure Once, Save Money

Write your measurements down. Keep them in your phone notes. Next time you’re shopping for a hoodie-whether it’s in Cork, Belfast, or online from a brand you’ve never tried-you’ll know exactly what size to grab. No more returns. No more cold shoulders. No more hoodie regrets.

In Ireland, your hoodie isn’t just clothing. It’s your shield against the weather, your comfort blanket on long bus rides, your uniform for coffee runs and pub nights. Get the size right, and it’ll last you years. Get it wrong, and you’ll be back in the store again next autumn-wishing you’d just measured first.

If you’re still unsure, take your favorite hoodie that fits well and lay it flat. Measure its chest, length, and sleeve. Use those numbers as your personal sizing guide. No brand can replace your own experience.