What is Sizing Like at Berghaus?

Berghaus sizing is broadly true to standard UK sizing — but there's a catch, and it's an important one. Depending on which garment you're buying and what you plan to wear underneath it, you may well need to size up. I've bought Berghaus myself over the years and, trust me, getting this wrong on a hillside in the Peaks in November is not a vibe.

A Quick Word on the Brand

If you're not already familiar, Berghaus is a North East of England outdoor brand, founded in 1966. They make serious kit — Gore-Tex waterproofs, down jackets, fleeces, softshells, technical base layers, hiking boots — the lot. It's one of those brands that straddles genuinely technical outdoor performance and everyday wearability better than most. You'll see it on everything from Snowdonia summits to the school run on a wet Tuesday, and it holds up in both settings.

For women, the range runs from UK 8 to UK 20 across most lines, which is a solid inclusive offering for a technical outdoor brand.

The Three Fits You Need to Know

Here's where Berghaus gets a bit more nuanced than your average high street brand. They actually use three distinct fit categories across their women's range:

Technical fit — Close and ergonomic, designed for active pursuits. Think: trail running, climbing. Cut to account for layering, but fitted to your body so it doesn't flap about. This one tends to feel snugger, especially across the chest and shoulders.
Active fit — The middle ground. Not close-fitting, not baggy. Sits off the body just enough to feel comfortable for hiking, cycling or general adventuring without restricting movement.
Relaxed fit — Classic cut with extra room. Ideal if you want space to layer a thick mid-layer underneath, or just want to feel a bit less packaged in.

Always check which fit category a garment falls into before you buy. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people order a Technical fit waterproof expecting room for a chunky fleece and wondering why it's pulling across the back.

Sizing by Garment Type

Waterproof Jackets (Shell & Gore-Tex)

This is where things get interesting. Berghaus waterproof shells — like the iconic Paclite range and the Deluge Pro — are cut generously in the body and sleeves precisely because they're designed to go over layers. If you're buying a shell jacket purely as a rain layer over a fleece or down mid-layer, stick with your usual UK size. However, if you're buying a Gore-Tex hardshell like the Rothley or RG Alpha and want to comfortably fit a hoodie or thicker mid-layer underneath, size up one. Customer reviews back this up consistently — a lot of women who are typically a UK 12 go for a 14 in the hardshell range to get that comfortable layering fit. Equally, if you're buying it purely as a lightweight packable layer over a base layer, your true size is absolutely fine.

Fleeces

A word of warning from personal experience — Berghaus fleeces can run generously. I ordered my usual size in the Prism fleece a couple of winters ago and swam in it a bit. The fit is not as tailored as, say, a Patagonia. If you're between sizes in fleeces, I'd go down rather than up. If you want that relaxed, classic outdoors fleece look, true to size is perfect. For something a bit more fitted, size down one.

Base Layers & T-Shirts

These are generally true to size, no dramas. The technical base layers have a closer fit by design but aren't uncomfortable in your usual size. No need to overthink it here.

Trousers & Softshells

Berghaus trousers run true to size. The softshell trousers (like the Ortler) have a generous cut for movement rather than a fashion-forward slim fit — so bear that in mind if you're used to more tailored hiking trouser brands. They're made for function, and the fit reflects that.

A Practical Tip Before You Buy

Whenever I'm buying technical outdoor kit, I always think about the layering system I'll actually be using the jacket with. If it's spring/summer hiking — your usual size. If it's winter hill walking with a chunky mid-layer — size up. And if you're ever genuinely unsure, Tellar's Store Size Lookup tool will match your measurements against Berghaus's specific sizing logic instantly, so you can shop with confidence rather than guesswork.

Berghaus Alternatives — Where Else to Shop

Berghaus is brilliant, but if you're looking to build out your outdoor wardrobe a bit further, here's where I'd point you depending on your budget:

High Street & Mid-Range

Barbour — The quintessential British outdoor brand. Their wax jackets and quilted gilets are enduringly stylish and the sizing is reliable. Great if you want something that works for country walks and city streets equally.
Fat Face — Fantastic for casual outdoor layering. Their fleeces and waterproof-lined jackets are well-made, great value and size generously and inclusively. Very flattering on a range of body shapes.
Seasalt Cornwall — One of my absolute favourites for outdoor-inspired womenswear. Their waterproof macs and smocks are brilliant quality, the sizing is true to size and the prints are genuinely beautiful. Not ultra-technical, but perfect for everyday adventuring.
Joules — Known for their printed wellies but their outerwear is seriously underrated. The waterproof jackets are well-cut, size true, and come in gorgeous colours. Great high street alternative to Berghaus for lighter outdoor use.
Superdry — Their mountain sport range is much more technical than the brand's streetwear side. Good quality waterproofs at a mid-range price. Sizing runs slightly small in their technical pieces, so size up one.
Timberland — For footwear especially, Timberland is a solid outdoor brand with great quality and true-to-size boots. Their outerwear also holds up well against the elements.
Lands End — Massively underrated for outerwear. Incredibly durable, well-priced and sized inclusively up to very large sizes. Brilliant if you want warmth and waterproofing without the premium price tag.

Premium

Sweaty Betty — If you want a more fashion-forward take on technical outdoor and active wear, Sweaty Betty is exceptional. Their trail and run jackets are sleek and well-fitted. Sizes run true to size with a slightly athletic cut.
Lululemon — Premium performance layering and technical fabrics, sizing true to UK size but cut for an athletic silhouette. Worth considering for base layers and mid-layers alongside a Berghaus outer shell.

Independent Picks (Fresh Finds)

Finisterre — A Cornish brand built around cold-water surfing and coastal adventure. Their women's waterproofs and fleeces are outstanding quality, sustainably made, and sized true to UK sizing. A genuinely brilliant independent alternative to the big outdoor names, and the design aesthetic is far more considered than most technical brands.
Passenger Clothing — A UK sustainable outdoor brand that's quietly become one of the best-kept secrets in women's adventure wear. Organic materials, ethically made, relaxed fits that size true. Brilliant for layering and genuinely one to know about if you love functional, beautiful kit.

Never Guess Your Size in Berghaus Again

Berghaus sizing can vary across collections — and getting it wrong means a cold, uncomfortable hike or an expensive return. That's exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists.

Tellar is the UK's leading free clothing sizing tool — your body matched instantly to over 1,500 brands, including Berghaus. No downloads, no subscriptions, no guessing.

Measure once using bust, waist or hip — or simply enter your size in a brand you already know
Get your precise Berghaus size in seconds, matched to the specific garment type
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to find your size across 1,500+ brands — COS, Reiss, The North Face & more
Completely free, works in-browser, no account needed

Plus, head to the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of honest, unsponsored style advice from our team of expert stylists. No ads, no brand deals. Just genuinely good advice, always free.

Find My Size at Berghaus Store Size Lookup Tool