The question we get asked most isn’t about colours or patterns – it’s about Romanian blouse sizing. And for good reason: too small and the blouse doesn’t drape well; far too big and it looks borrowed. In this guide you’ll find the full size chart for women’s blouses and men’s Romanian shirts, how to measure yourself in two minutes and what to do if you’re between sizes.
How a Romanian blouse should fit
A traditional Romanian blouse (ie) isn’t meant to be fitted. It’s cut loose, with wide sleeves, so it falls naturally and shows off the embroidery. So don’t compare it with your t-shirt size – compare your bust measurement with the blouse’s chest width, in centimetres. The blouse should be a few centimetres wider than you.
Size chart – women’s Romanian blouses
| Size | Blouse chest (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 100 | 63 |
| M | 105 | 64 |
| L | 110 | 65 |
| XL | 116 | 67 |
| XXL | 120 | 68 |
| 3XL | 125 | 70 |
Measurements may vary by 1–2 cm between styles.
Size chart – men’s Romanian shirts
| Size | Shirt chest (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 110 | 70 |
| M | 115 | 71 |
| L | 120 | 72 |
| XL | 125 | 73 |
| XXL | 130 | 75 |
| 3XL | 140 | 77 |
Here too, measurements may vary by 1–2 cm between styles.
How to measure yourself (2 minutes)
All you need is a tape measure. Measure over a thin top, in front of a mirror or with someone’s help.
1. Bust or chest
Run the tape under your arms, over the fullest part of your bust. Keep it level and don’t pull tight. Then pick the size whose chest width in the chart is a few centimetres bigger than your measurement.
2. Length
Measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the neck, down to where you want the blouse to end. Compare it with the chart, especially if you’ll wear it untucked.
3. The easiest way: measure a top that fits you well
Lay a blouse or shirt you love wearing flat on a table. Measure from armpit to armpit and double it. Compare that number directly with the “chest” column in the chart.
A real example
Say your bust is 98 cm. In the women’s chart, S is 100 cm and M is 105 cm. In S you’d have only 2 cm of ease, so the blouse would sit close to the body. In M you get 7 cm of ease and the blouse drapes loosely, the way it should. The right choice: M.
Between two sizes?
Go for the larger one. Both the blouse and the men’s shirt are worn loose, and one size up almost always looks better than one that’s too tight. Still unsure? Message us your bust measurement and height and we’ll recommend a size.
Common sizing mistakes
- Going by your size in other clothes. One brand’s “M” isn’t another’s. For a Romanian blouse, trust the centimetres.
- Matching the blouse exactly to your measurement. If the numbers are identical, it will feel tight. Leave a few centimetres of ease.
- Forgetting the length. If you’re tall or plan to wear it untucked, check the length too.
Sizing FAQ
Do the blouses shrink in the wash?
Cotton can shrink slightly at high temperatures. Wash the blouse gently at a low temperature and check the label first.
What if the size isn’t right?
You have 14 days from delivery to return it.
Are women’s and men’s sizes the same?
No. Men’s shirts are cut wider: a men’s S is 110 cm at the chest, compared with 100 cm for a women’s S blouse. Use the right chart.
Can I buy one as a gift without knowing the exact size?
Yes. Quietly measure one of their tops (method 3 above) or go one size up. And if it doesn’t fit, it can be returned within 14 days.
Curious why Romanians wear the blouse on National Day? Read The Romanian blouse for 1 December: the story of the altiță blouse and how to choose one.