The Ultimate Sitka Gear Sizing Guide (UK Edition)
Stop guessing. Start layering.
Sitka Gear is not designed like traditional shooting jackets or high street fashion. It is a technical System. Whether you are stalking in the Highlands or waiting in a pigeon hide in the Midlands, getting the right fit is critical to the performance of GORE-TEX® and Primaloft® technologies.
This guide clarifies Sitka’s unique “System Sizing,” explains the difference between their three fit profiles, and provides accurate conversion charts for UK hunters.
1. The Golden Rule: Trust “The System”
The most common question we get is:Â “Do I need to size up for my outer layers?”
The Answer: No.
Sitka engineers their gear so that a Large base layer fits perfectly under a Large mid-layer, which fits perfectly under a Large outer shell.
- If you are a size Large, order a Large across the board.
- The grading is built into the garment. You do not need to calculate the space for insulation; Sitka has already done it for you.
2. Understanding the Fit Profiles
Sitka items fall into three distinct fit categories. Knowing which one you are buying is the key to avoiding returns.
P/F: Performance Fit (Athletic/Next-to-Skin)
- What it is:Designed to hug the body. This minimizes “dead air” space to maximize moisture-wicking and thermal efficiency.
- Feels like:A base layer or technical runner’s top.
- Sizing Tip:Do not size up unless you prefer a loose, baggy feel. If you are on the borderline of a size, the Performance Fit will feel tight.
- Examples: Core Lightweight Hoody, Ascent Series.
S/F: Standard Fit (Versatile)
- What it is:The “Goldilocks” fit. Cut with just enough room to accommodate a light mid-layer underneath, but not baggy.
- Feels like:A comfortable jumper or a standard softshell jacket.
- Sizing Tip:True to size. This is the most forgiving fit in the range.
- Examples: Jetstream Jacket, Stratus Series.
E/F: Expedition Fit (Outer Layer)
- What it is:Designed for maximum layering in extreme conditions. These are cut significantly roomier to fit over puffy insulation.
- Feels like:A parka or heavy waterproof shell.
- Sizing Tip:Do not size up. These will feel huge if you wear them with just a t-shirt, but they are perfect once you have your layers on underneath.
- Examples: Incinerator Aerolite, Hudson Jacket.
3. How to Measure (The UK vs. US Difference)
Crucial Note for UK Buyers: Sitka uses body measurements, not garment measurements.
The “Sleeve Length” Trap
In the UK, we often measure sleeves from the shoulder seam to the cuff. Sitka measures from the centre back of the neck.
- How to do it:Bend your elbow slightly and place your hand on your hip. Measure from the centre of the back of your neck, along the shoulder, over the elbow, to the wrist bone.
- If you measure from the shoulder seam only, the Sitka chart will look 10 inches too long. Use the method shown in the diagram below.
Chest
Measure under the armpits, around the fullest part of your chest and shoulder blades. Do not puff your chest out; stand relaxed.
Waist
Measure around your natural waistline (where you normally wear your trousers). Keep the tape loose enough to fit one finger between the tape and your body.
Inseam (Leg Length)
Sitka offers Tall sizes in many trousers. Getting the right length is crucial for coverage over boots.
- Regular:Fits inseams 30″–32″ (76–81 cm)
- Tall:Fits inseams 33″–35″ (84–89 cm)
4. Men’s Sizing Chart (UK/US Conversions)
Sitka is an American brand, but the sizing generally translates directly to UK sizes (e.g., US Large = UK Large). Use this chart to confirm your body measurements.
| Size | Chest (Inches) | Chest (cm) | Sleeve (Inches) | Waist (Inches) |
| Small | 36 – 38″ | 91 – 96 | 33″ | 28 – 30″ |
| Medium | 39 – 41″ | 99 – 104 | 34″ | 31 – 33″ |
| Large | 42 – 45″ | 106 – 114 | 35″ | 34 – 37″ |
| XL | 46 – 49″ | 116 – 124 | 36″ | 38 – 41″ |
| XXL | 50 – 53″ | 127 – 134 | 37″ | 42 – 45″ |
| 3XL | 54 – 57″ | 137 – 144 | 38″ | 46 – 49″ |
Men’s Trouser Sizing
Sitka trousers are often sold by waist size (e.g., 34R, 36T).
- If you are between waist sizes (e.g., a 33″),size up to the 34″. Technical fabrics do not stretch like denim.
5. Women’s Sizing Chart
Sitka’s women’s range is anatomically engineered, not just “shrunk down” men’s gear.
| Size | Chest (Inches) | Waist (Inches) | Hips (Inches) |
| XS | 33 – 34″ | 25 – 26″ | 35 – 36″ |
| Small | 35 – 36″ | 27 – 28″ | 37 – 38″ |
| Medium | 37 – 39″ | 29 – 31″ | 39 – 41″ |
| Large | 40 – 43″ | 32 – 35″ | 42 – 45″ |
| XL | 44 – 47″ | 36 – 39″ | 46 – 49″ |
6. Glove & Headwear Sizing
Gloves
Measure the circumference of your hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb).
- Medium:8 – 8.5″ (20 – 21.5 cm)
- Large:9 – 9.5″ (23 – 24 cm)
- XL:5 – 10″ (24 – 25.5 cm)
Caps & Hats
- One Size Fits Most (OSFM):Fits head circumference 22″ – 23.5″ (56 – 60 cm).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am between sizes (e.g., 41.5″ chest). Should I go Medium or Large? A: If you are buying a Performance Fit item (base layer), stick to the smaller size for moisture management. If you are buying a Standard or Expedition Fit (jacket), size up to the Large to ensure full range of motion while shooting.
Q: What if I have long arms? A: Look for the “Tall” designation in jackets (e.g., Large Tall). This adds approximately 2 inches to the sleeve length and 1.5 inches to the torso length—perfect for keeping covered while raising a gun or drawing a bow.
Still Unsure?
We know that investing in premium gear like Sitka requires confidence in the fit. If you need help comparing specific items, please contact our team. We can measure specific garments in-store to give you peace of mind.
