Does The North Face Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like & What’s Worth Buying?

T

he North Face is one of the most iconic outdoor brands on the planet—trusted by mountaineers, hikers, city commuters and streetwear fans alike. Whether you’re eyeing the Nuptse puffer, a waterproof shell, or a pair of tech joggers, one question keeps popping up: Does The North Face run big or small?

📌 Here’s what matters most: Tellar.co.uk matches your exact body measurements to The North Face—and 1,500+ brands—with one quick, free setup. You’ll even receive a free tape measure, and we’ve already analysed their sizing charts and fit data. No guesswork, no returns—just the perfect size, every time.

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About The North Face

Founded in San Francisco in 1966, The North Face is renowned for high-performance outdoor apparel that transitions seamlessly into urban wear. Core product categories include:

• Iconic outerwear like the Nuptse, 1996 Retro, and McMurdo Parka

• Waterproof and insulated jackets for extreme weather

• Street-style hoodies and fleeces

• Technical base layers and hiking trousers

• Performance footwear and accessories

But with varying cuts between outdoor technical gear and lifestyle pieces, sizing can be inconsistent—unless you know how to match your body to the product.

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So, Does The North Face Run Big or Small?

Short answer: The North Face runs small in jackets and base layers, but true to size or roomy in fleeces, hoodies, and joggers.

For Outerwear:

• Puffer jackets (e.g. Nuptse, Himalayan): Cut short and boxy—tight at the shoulder and chest

• Shell jackets & waterproofs: Athletic fit, made to layer

• Fit tip: Size up if layering or broad-shouldered

For Fleeces & Hoodies:

• Denali and Glacier fleece: Regular fit—roomy through the torso

• Fit tip: True to size or size down for a tailored look

For Trousers & Bottoms:

• Cargo joggers, hiking trousers: Mid-rise with tapered legs

• Fit tip: True to size—size up if you’re muscular in thighs

For Base Layers:

• Tight compression fit with minimal give

• Fit tip: Size up unless you prefer performance-level snugness

Want to match your body to exact product sizing? Use Tellar here

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The North Face UK Sizing Guide

The brand uses UK and US sizing, but some product lines—especially jackets—are labelled in S, M, L, XL. Cut can vary depending on whether the item is designed for sport, layering, or casual wear.

📏 Tellar.co.uk handles these conversions instantly—and recommends your size by fit category (not just labels).

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How North Face Fabrics & Functions Affect Fit

🧥 Insulated Puffers (Nuptse, Himalayan)

• Synthetic or down-filled

• Designed for warmth—not stretch

• Fit tip: Boxy but short—size up if you’re tall or broad

🌧️ Waterproof Shells (DryVent, Futurelight)

• Light and breathable

• Slim technical fit to reduce weight

• Fit tip: Size up for jumpers/fleeces underneath

🧶 Fleeces & Cotton Hoodies

• Soft, midweight—ideal for casual wear

• Fit tip: Roomier cut—true to size or size down

🏃‍♂️ Base Layers & Technical Tops

• Polyester/spandex compression

• Close to skin for warmth and moisture-wicking

• Fit tip: Size up if you don’t like a skin-tight feel

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Bestselling North Face Items & How They Fit

1. Nuptse 1996 Retro Jacket

A cult classic in streetwear and hiking circles.

➡️ Fit tip: Boxy in shape but short and snug at chest—size up for layering or length

2. Denali Fleece

Retro zip fleece with nylon paneling—great for layering.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size, slightly relaxed fit

3. DryVent Waterproof Shell

Hiking and all-weather shell with zipped ventilation.

➡️ Fit tip: Runs small in shoulders—size up for freedom of movement

4. Canyonlands Joggers

Stretchy tapered joggers for city-to-trail versatility.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size, slim leg

5. Himalayan Down Parka

Extreme warmth in alpine conditions.

➡️ Fit tip: True to size, but heavy and bulky—check chest measurements

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The North Face vs Other Outdoor Brands

🧭 Use Tellar to compare all brands here

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Common Fit Complaints (and How Tellar Solves Them)

❌ “The Nuptse jacket fit my body but was too short in the torso.”

Tellar considers your height when recommending puffer jackets.

❌ “I couldn’t wear a hoodie under the waterproof shell.”

Tellar includes layering logic in your size recommendation.

❌ “My joggers fit at the waist but were tight on the calves.”

Tellar maps your waist and leg proportions to product cut—so no more second-guessing.

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Why Use Tellar Before Buying The North Face?

Tellar.co.uk is designed for real-world sizing accuracy, across everything from city puffers to alpine parkas. With it, you’ll get:

• ✅ Matched sizing for The North Face and 1,500+ brands

• ✅ A free soft tape measure in the post

• ✅ One-time profile setup—no charts, no conversions

• ✅ Layer-aware sizing for jackets, fleeces, base layers

• ✅ 100% free to use—no paywalls, no surprises

🎯 Create your free Tellar profile now

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Related Sizing Guides from Tellar

• Napapijri Fit Guide

• Mountain Warehouse Fit Breakdown

• Columbia Sportswear Sizing

• Berghaus vs North Face Comparison

• How to Measure Yourself for Outdoor Gear

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Follow Tellar for Outdoor Style, Gear & Sizing Advice

• 📍 Instagram @Tellarsizing

• 📍 Twitter (X) @TellarSizing

• 📍 Pinterest

• 📍 Facebook

We post weekly sizing reviews, outdoor gear drops, and comparison guides.

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Final Thoughts: The North Face Is Reliable—But Often Runs Small

The North Face combines performance and streetwear appeal—but many of its jackets run short and slim, especially if you’re layering or have a broader build. If you're unsure whether to size up or down, it’s time to stop guessing.

Let Tellar.co.uk handle it. We match your body to The North Face product data—so your next fleece, parka, or shell jacket fits exactly right the first time.

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“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”

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