Adidas is one of the world's foremost sports brands, constantly reinventing its look to meet the needs and desires of everyone who wears its trainers, tracksuits, shorts, t-shirts and trousers. The label has a carefully-nurtured street cred that's won devotees around the world to the extent that there are those who will wear no other sports brand. Adidas's signature three stripes - reputedly bought from Finnish brand Karhu Sports for two bottles of whisky and the equivalent of £1,200 in 1952 - are sported by everyone from street skateboarders to professional football teams - and those simply in search of a stylish casual look.
Part of the appeal is the heritage of this label. Adidas is derived from the name of one of the label's German founders, Adolf "Adi" Dassler. He and his brother began making spiked running shoes in his mother's house in 1924. These were the first Adidas products. The American track and field athlete Jesse Owens wore a pair to his famous victories in the 1936 Olympics. A legend was born, one whose subtle style continues to this day.
Adidas sizing is generally true to size. The label themselves advise that for a more loose feel, you should go up a size or, for a more snug fit, try a size smaller. These are, after all, relaxed sports-oriented pieces that need to fit your particular lifestyle. If in any doubt, always think of ordering both your usual size and a size lower or higher to find the fit that's right for you.
Adidas sizing notes
- Adidas's large range means there's always a size for everyone, generally fitting true to size
- For a more relaxed fit, go a size up. For a more snug feel, go a size down
- If in doubt, why not order two sizes to check for the ideal fit in the comfort of your home?
Adidas size charts
Trousers and shorts
| Your usual size | Adidas size |
| 27" - 29" | XS |
| 30" - 32" | S |
| 32" - 35" | M |
| 35" - 39" | L |
| 39" - 43" | XL |
| 43" - 47" | 2L |
| 48" - 53" | 3XL |
Tracksuits
| Your usual size | Adidas size |
| 31" - 33" chest / 27" - 29" waist | XS |
| 34" - 37" chest / 30" - 32" waist | S |
| 37" - 40" chest / 32" - 35" waist | M |
| 40" - 44" chest / 35" - 39" waist | L |
| 44" - 48" chest / 39" - 43" waist | XL |
| 48" - 52" chest / 43" - 47" waist | 2L |
| 53" - 58" chest / 48" - 53" waist | 3XL |
Shirts and t-shirts
| Your usual size | Adidas size |
| 31" - 33" chest | XS |
| 34" - 36" chest | S |
| 37" - 40" chest | M |
| 40" - 44" chest | L |
| 44" - 48" chest | XL |
| 48" - 52" chest | 2L |
| 53” - 58" chest | 3XL |
Shoes
| Your usual size | Adidas size |
| 6 | 6 |
| 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 9 | 9 |
In the market for new sneakers? Read our Axel Arigato sizing guide to find your fit in the Swedish streetwear label's kicks.
