How to Find Your Hoodie Size in Ireland: No More Guesswork

If you've ever tried shopping for hoodies in Ireland, you know it’s a bit of a gamble. One brand’s large feels like another’s medium. Even in shops on Grafton Street, you can’t count on sizes lining up with what you see on the tag. It’s not just you—Irish sizing charts bounce around more than the weather in Cork.

Here’s what throws people off: a lot of hoodies you’ll find in Irish stores are sized by UK or European standards, not strictly Irish ones. So, a medium in one shop (like Penneys) might feel a size up or down in another (think Elvery’s or Lifestyle Sports). Plus, US brands stocked at Brown Thomas or JD Sports tend to run big. Knowing this mix is key before you waste money or get stuck queuing at the post office for a return.

Grab a tape measure if you’ve got one lying about. Getting your own chest and arm length sorted makes a world of difference when looking at size guides online (most Irish retailers like Life Style Sports, O'Neills, or even the GAA shop list them). And don’t just look at the numbers—think about how you’ll wear it. Want it baggy for evenings watching the Late Late Show? Or fitted, so you’re not drowning in fabric when the wind picks up by the Liffey?

• Why Irish Sizing Is a Headache (and How to Fix It)
• Measuring Up: What You Need and What to Ignore
• Where to Shop in Ireland (and Who Sells True-to-Size Hoodies)
• Trying On vs. Buying Online: Local Tips Nobody Tells You
• What If It Still Doesn’t Fit? Exchanges, Returns, and Sneaky Hacks

Why Irish Sizing Is a Headache (and How to Fix It)

If you’ve ever tried on three different hoodies in Irish shops and ended up in three totally different sizes, you’re not alone. Irish retailers don’t follow just one size standard. There’s the UK system, the European one, and even American sizes sneaking onto shelves, especially at places like JD Sports or Brown Thomas. Each has its own quirks.

For example, a UK large is often more snug than a US large, and EU sizing can swing either way depending on the brand. Most Irish people end up ignoring the tag and just trying everything on, which is grand until you’re buying online off websites like Life Style Sports or O’Neills and you can’t touch the hoodie until it lands at your door.

Size Label	UK Chest (cm)	EU Chest (cm)	US Chest (inches)
Small	91-97	88-94	34-36
Medium	97-104	94-102	38-40
Large	104-112	102-110	42-44
X-Large	112-117	110-116	46-48

It doesn’t get much easier for women, either. Even for hoodie sizes Ireland can be hit or miss, because sometimes what’s on the label doesn’t match the reality of Irish frames. Brands like Penneys might call something a 'medium' but it’s tiny compared to an American medium. This is why a medium from Superdry can fit more like a small, while a large from O’Neills might drown you if you don’t check the numbers.

Want to avoid the sizing headache? Here’s what helps in Ireland:

• Check the country of origin—UK, EU, or US. This gives a clue which chart to read.
• Look for Irish-specific size guides—some local brands like O’Neills have better charts than international ones.
• See what real shoppers say in reviews. Folks often report if a hoodie "runs small" or comes up baggy.
• Don’t trust the size alone. Check the measurements in centimetres or inches against your own.
• When in doubt, size up. Irish weather favours layering anyway, and a looser hoodie is rarely a bad shout.

Measuring Up: What You Need and What to Ignore

If you just guess on size by asking for your usual, you might end up looking like you borrowed your hoodie from a younger cousin. The trick is knowing exactly what parts of your body matter for sizing, and which ones you can skip stressing over. Lucky for us, you only really need a few numbers to nail down your best fit in Irish hoodie shops or websites.

• Chest (inches or cm): This is the main one. Put a soft tape measure around the widest part of your chest, under your arms – no puffing out your chest or holding your breath. This number tells you whether a medium in Penneys or a large from Life Style Sports is more likely to work.
• Length (shoulder to hem): Most Irish brands list this in the size chart. It’s handy if you’re tall or don’t like hoodies riding up when you sit down.
• Sleeve length: If you’ve ever found sleeves that nearly cover your hands, this one’s for you. Measure from the middle of your neck, over the shoulder and down to your wrist bone.
• Fit preference: Fancy a relaxed style for layering, or something more fitted for wearing out? Brands here generally don’t list 'oversized' or 'regular' as clearly as in the US, so check photos and reviews if you can.

Now, let’s be real about what not to worry about. Waist size – forget it. Hoodies aren’t like jeans, so unless you’re buying a cropped women’s style, you won’t need that number. Also, Irish hoodies rarely come in odd in-between sizes; you’re stuck with the standards (S, M, L, XL), but double-check size charts since brands vary by as much as two cm.

Here’s a handy cheat sheet for common Irish hoodie sizing, based on well-known retailers:

Size	Chest (cm)	Chest (inches)
Small	92-97	36-38
Medium	98-103	39-40.5
Large	104-109	41-43
XL	110-115	44-45.5

If there’s one big takeaway, it’s this: always check the actual size chart for where you’re buying. The hoodie sizes Ireland uses can shift from one shop to the next, so measuring up beats winging it any day. That tape measure in your kitchen drawer might be your best mate when shopping for a new hoodie.

Where to Shop in Ireland (and Who Sells True-to-Size Hoodies)

Figuring out where to buy a hoodie that actually fits can be a headache in Ireland. But some places do it better than others. If you want a safe bet, head for big-name Irish stores with reliable sizing. Penneys is the go-to for loads of locals; their hoodies are cheap, and the sizing is pretty steady. Just watch out for shorter sleeve lengths if you’re tall.

Next stop: Life Style Sports. These guys sell hoodies from Irish, UK, and international brands. They’re one of the few who actually put proper size charts on their website, and their in-store staff won’t hesitate to point you to the right fit. Elverys Sports focuses more on sportswear, including county GAA gear. If you’re snapping up an O’Neills hoodie, the sizing is usually spot-on, but always try it on if you can—especially if you’re picky about length.

Brown Thomas and Arnotts carry more expensive brands, often US-based like Nike or Adidas. US sizes run bigger than Irish, so don’t be shocked if a medium swamps you. TK Maxx is all about bargains, but their rails are a lucky dip—the same size tag can mean wildly different fits between brands.

Want something from homegrown businesses? Irish brands like Gym+Coffee and Fresh Cuts stock hoodies made for the Irish body shape. Their sizing is true-to-size for most people, and lots of Dubs rate them for comfort and style. They’re also good for exchanges if you get it wrong.

If you’re shopping outside Dublin, Blanchardstown and Liffey Valley shopping centres have loads of sporty and casual options. In Galway, Eyre Square Shopping Centre offers a nice mix of local shops and main brands. Down in Cork, Mahon Point is stacked with high-street options.

Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest Irish retailers, what sort of sizing you’ll get, and their returns policy:

Retailer	Typical Fit	Key Brands	Returns Policy
Penneys	Pretty true-to-size, short sleeves for some sizes	Penneys (Primark) own	28 days (with receipt)
Life Style Sports	True to chart, European sizes	Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, O'Neills	30 days (free in-store)
Elverys	Accurate, especially for sports brands	O'Neills, Nike, Canterbury	30 days (free in-store)
Brown Thomas/Arnotts	US sizes run large	Nike, Adidas, premium brands	28 days (online or in-store)
Gym+Coffee	True-to-size, great for layering	Gym+Coffee own	30 days (free returns)

If you’re shopping at Christmas markets in Dublin or Cork, keep in mind that local creators sometimes follow their own sizing—it’s always cool to ask the maker directly. For anything you buy online, double check those size guides and don’t be afraid to send a message for advice. Irish shops are usually grand about swapping sizes if you keep the tag on and don’t wait too long.

Trying On vs. Buying Online: Local Tips Nobody Tells You

Walking into a shop in Ireland and trying hoodies on the spot is still the safest way to dodge disappointment, but let’s face it—shopping online is easier, especially if you live outside Dublin or you’re just not into crowds. Here’s what makes things tricky if you stick to online shopping for hoodie sizes Ireland searches: Irish shops follow different sizing charts than some global brands, and product photos can be misleading. That ‘relaxed fit’ hoodie on your screen might actually be snug once you pull it over your jumper.

If you’re shopping in-store, check these quick wins:

• Bring a light jumper or T-shirt—try the hoodie with how you’ll actually wear it.
• Move your arms around, zip it up, sit down—this is not a time to be shy about testing wearability.
• Don’t just trust the “standard fit” label, especially in Penneys or Dunnes—they interpret ‘standard’ their own way.
• If you’re in sports shops like Elverys, try on both men’s and unisex options; Irish women often find a better fit this way.

Buying online? Here’s what keeps returns to a minimum:

• Use the sizing tool many Irish sites now have (Elverys and Life Style Sports will show you where each size lands on a real person, not just a mannequin).
• Stick to brands you’ve already tried on, or ones you know run true to Irish sizes—O’Neills or Superdry Ireland rarely surprise you with huge or tiny fits.
• Read the product reviews—Dubliners and Cork lads are not shy about warning people if the sizing is way off.
• Check the returns policy before buying. Some Irish retailers offer free returns; others make you pay for postage back, which can sting.

Switching between online and in-person shopping? Here’s the local knowledge:

• Online deals are often a few euro cheaper, but don’t forget delivery times. If you need a hoodie for a weekend in Donegal, click-and-collect (available at Arnotts, Debenhams, or JD Sports) is quickest.
• Dublin and Belfast stores often have “online only” sizes in-stock for try-ons if you ask—a trick few people know.
• If in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit—most Irish sites allow this, and it saves endless trips to the post office.

Here’s how Irish shoppers split their hoodie purchases these days:

Method	Percentage of Shoppers (2024 Survey)
In-store Only	28%
Online Only	33%
Mix of Both	39%

So, there’s no real winner—just a better system for figuring out what fits before you click buy. In Ireland, a little local know-how goes a long way, whether you're picking up a hoodie for a chilly GAA match or lounging with friends at a cafe in Galway.

What If It Still Doesn’t Fit? Exchanges, Returns, and Sneaky Hacks

It happens to everyone—your new hoodie arrives, you try it on, and straight away you know it’s not right. Maybe the sleeves hang past your fingertips or it’s riding way too high above the jeans. Don’t panic, getting the right fit in hoodie sizes Ireland isn’t always simple, but you’ve got options.

First thing, most Irish shops are pretty sound about returns, but always read the small print. Here’s a quick breakdown on what you’ll usually get from popular retailers:

Shop	Return Window	Online to In-Store?	Restocking Fee
Penneys	28 days	No (in-store only!)	None
Life Style Sports	30 days	Yes	None
O'Neills	14 days	Yes	None
GAA.ie Shop	30 days	Yes	None
JD Sports	28 days	Yes	None

For online orders, you’ll often need your order number and proof of purchase. Most sites will cover return postage within Ireland, but always check—some smaller shops might make you pay the postage yourself. If you bought something in a face-to-face shop (say, at Blanchardstown Centre), hold onto the receipt. Even if the tags are off but it’s clearly unworn, Irish shops are usually decent about exchanging sizes.

If you’re caught out, try these tried-and-tested fixes:

• Too short in the body? Wear a longer tee underneath and pretend it’s a style choice (nobody’s judging).
• If the sleeves drown you, one quick hem by a local alterations shop (most towns have one—just ask at your local dry cleaner) can sort it for a tenner.
• Baggy fit? Shrink it gently: wash at 40°C and tumble dry low. Keep an eye though or you’ll end up with a hoodie fit for your little cousin.
• If it’s just a bit tight, try stretching it after a warm wash. Lay it flat and gently pull at the fabric while it’s damp.
• Re-gift to a mate, donate to a charity shop in town, or swap at a clothes swap event—there are loads popping up in Dublin and Cork these days.

One last thing: always check return policies before you rip off the tags or chuck away the packaging. And if you’re ever unsure, staff at most Irish stores will go out of their way to help—especially if you’re polite and have your receipt ready.