Getting the right barrister robe size comes down to two numbers: your height and your chest. Barr’s robes come in pre-set sizes, not made-to-order, so there’s no tailor’s fitting or weeks-long wait. Pick a Gender, a Size based on your height, and a Fit. The robe that ships is the robe you’ll wear. Here’s how to measure for a robe accurately, plus what to do if your numbers fall between two sizes.
How to Measure Yourself for a Barrister Robe
You need two measurements: height and chest. Both take about two minutes with a soft tape measure, a wall, and (ideally) a second pair of hands.
Height. Stand against a wall with your shoes off, heels touching the baseboard, and look straight ahead. Have someone mark the wall level with the top of your head, using a book or a flat ruler held horizontally for accuracy. Measure from the floor to that mark. This is the number that determines your Size, because Barr’s sizing runs by height range rather than chest measurement alone.
Chest. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, roughly under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape level and snug, not pulled tight. Measure over a shirt similar in weight to what you’d wear under the robe on the day, not bare-chested. That gives a more realistic reading of how the robe will sit over your court dress. Breathe normally while you measure. This number won’t change your Size, but it tells you whether Slim, Regular, or Full is the better call.
If you can, get a second person to hold the tape. Measuring your own chest solo tends to pull the tape crooked or too tight, which throws the reading off by an inch or more.
Barr’s Gender, Size & Fit System
Barr’s robes are sized in three steps, in this order:
- Gender: Men’s or Women’s. Pick this first, since the height ranges for each size differ between the two.
- Size: set by your height, using the ranges below.
- Fit: Slim, Regular, or Full, based on your chest measurement and how much room you want through the shoulders and sleeves.
Men’s Sizing (by Height)
| Size | Height Range |
|---|---|
| XS | 5’4″ – 5’6″ |
| S | 5’7″ – 5’9″ |
| M | 5’10” – 6’0″ |
| L | 6’1″ – 6’3″ |
| XL | 6’4″ – 6’6″ |
Women’s Sizing (by Height)
| Size | Height Range |
|---|---|
| XS | 5’0″ – 5’2″ |
| S | 5’3″ – 5’5″ |
| M | 5’6″ – 5’8″ |
| L | 5’9″ – 5’11” |
| XL | 6’0″ – 6’2″ |
Once your Size is set by height, choose your Fit:
- Slim: a closer, more tailored cut through the shoulders and body.
- Regular: the standard barrister cut, and the right default for most first-time buyers.
- Full: extra room through the chest and sleeves, useful if you’re layering over a heavier waistcoat or you just prefer a roomier gown.
For a quick lookup without the measuring steps, Barr’s full interactive size guide has the same tables broken out by Men’s and Women’s tabs.
What If I’m Between Sizes?
If your height falls right on the line between two ranges, size up. A robe that’s slightly long moves comfortably over a waistcoat and wing-collar shirt. One that’s slightly short won’t. The same logic applies to fit. If your chest measurement puts you between Regular and Full, choose Full when you know you’ll wear the robe over a waistcoat for the call-to-bar ceremony. The extra room lets you layer without the gown pulling across your shoulders.
Still not sure after measuring? Contact us with your height and chest measurement, and we’ll tell you which Size and Fit to order.
FAQ
Does Barr make custom or tailored robes?
No. Barr’s robes are pre-set sizes chosen by height, not made-to-order. That’s a deliberate trade-off. You get a robe shipped in days rather than weeks, at a lower price than a fully tailored gown. The height-range system covers most buyers accurately.
What if I don’t know my exact height?
Measure it. Guessing height is the single most common sizing mistake. Most people are less confident about their own height than they think, and it’s easy to round up an inch or two without noticing. Two minutes with a wall and a tape measure removes the guesswork.
Should I pick Slim, Regular, or Full?
Regular is the right choice for most buyers. Pick Slim for a tailored line, if your chest measurement runs small for your height range. Pick Full if you’re layering over a waistcoat, want extra room, or your chest measurement runs large for your height range.
What if the size I order doesn’t fit?
Barr accepts exchanges for a different Size or Fit within 30 days of delivery, as long as the robe is unworn with tags attached. Contact us before sending anything back so we can confirm the exchange and get the replacement moving.
Can I use a shirt or jacket size to figure out my robe size?
Not reliably. Shirt and jacket sizing is based on chest and neck measurements, using brand-specific fit models. Barr’s robe Size is based on height instead. Use the height-range table above rather than converting from another garment’s size label.
Once you know your Size and Fit, you’re ready to order. Shop Barr’s barrister robes and select your Gender, Size, and Fit on the product page.