British Army Trouser Size Guide (NATO to Inches)
British Army Trouser Size Guide (NATO to Inches)
One of the most confusing aspects of buying British Army Surplus is understanding the label. Unlike civilian clothing (e.g., "34 Regular"), military kit uses Metric NATO sizing.
The label will always show three numbers (e.g., 80/88/104). Reading this correctly is the key to getting the right fit.
How to Read the Label
The numbers always appear in this order: Leg / Waist / Seat.
(All measurements on the label are in Centimeters)
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1st Number (Leg): The inside leg (inseam) measurement.
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2nd Number (Waist): The circumference of the waist.
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3rd Number (Seat): The size of the hips/bum (this is usually proportional to the waist and less critical for fitting).
Example: 80 / 88 / 104
80cm Inside Leg (= 31.5")
88cm Waist (= 34.5")
104cm Seat
1. Waist Conversion Chart
Find your standard civilian waist size below to see which metric number you need.
| NATO Size (Label) | Waist (Inches) | Fit Notes |
| 72 | 28" | Small |
| 76 | 30" | Medium (Slim) |
| 80 | 31" - 32" | Medium |
| 84 | 33" | Medium/Large |
| 88 | 34" - 35" | Large |
| 92 | 36" | Large (Generous) |
| 96 | 37" - 38" | XL |
| 100 | 39" | XL (Generous) |
| 104 | 41" | XXL |
| 112 | 44" | XXXL |
Pro Tip: Most British Army trousers (CS95 and MTP) have button adjusters on the waist. This allows you to tighten the waist by about 1-2 inches. It is safer to size up and use the adjusters than to size down.
2. Leg Length Conversion Chart
Match your height or standard inseam to the NATO leg length.
| NATO Size (Label) | Leg (Inches) | Civilian Equivalent | Height Guide |
| 70 | 27" - 27.5" | Extra Short | Up to 5'6" |
| 72 | 28" | Short | 5'6" - 5'7" |
| 75 | 29" - 29.5" | Regular / Short | 5'7" - 5'9" |
| 80 | 31" - 31.5" | Regular | 5'9" - 6'0" |
| 85 | 33" - 33.5" | Long | 6'0" - 6'2" |
| 90 | 35" - 35.5" | Extra Long | 6'2" + |
Common Combinations (Quick Lookup)
Here are the most common sizes we stock and their "street" translation:
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75/80/96: 29" Leg / 31" Waist (Short Medium)
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80/80/96: 31" Leg / 31" Waist (Regular Medium)
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80/84/100: 31" Leg / 33" Waist (Regular Large)
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85/88/104: 33" Leg / 34-35" Waist (Long Large)
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80/96/112: 31" Leg / 38" Waist (Regular XL)
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85/104/120: 33" Leg / 41" Waist (Long XXL)
Important Fitting Advice
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Don't Trust the "Seat": Many customers mistake the third number (Seat) for the Waist size because it is the largest number. Always look at the middle number for the waist.
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High Rise: Military trousers often have a higher rise (the distance from the crotch to the waistband) than modern jeans. They are designed to sit at your navel, not your hips. If you wear them low on your hips, you may need a slightly smaller leg length than usual.
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Blousing: If you plan to "blouse" your trousers (tuck them into boots or use twists), a slightly longer leg is better than a shorter one.
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