NATO sizes are made up of 6 digit numbers which represent metric cm sizing for different parts of the body. This is how many army products are sized in Europe, so it’s worth being aware of the conversions. They are structured as below.
NATO / British Army Jackets & Shirt Sizes
With shirts and jackets, NATO sizes will be displayed as ‘xxx/yy’ where ‘xxx’ is your full height in cms (not the length of the garment) and ‘yy’ is your chest size in cms.
NATO / British Army Trouser Sizes
Trousers are sized as ‘xx/yy/zz’ where ‘xx’ is your waist size in cms, ‘yy’ is inner leg size in cms and ‘zz’ is seat size in cms.
British Army Uniform – An overview
The British Army uniform is made up of sixteen categories. The most common of these categories is the Number 8 Combat Uniform made up of a multi-terrain pattern smock, jacket and trousers. Before 2011, there were additional designs suited for desert and more tropical uses; however these have since been replaced with the one Combat Uniform – designed to blend in with a range of environments. With hats, there are different coloured berets for the different regiments. These then have a regiment or corps badge attached when wearing number 8 combat uniform.
NATO / British Army Clothing, Footwear & Accessory Size Chart