NHS national uniform sizing

[DollyBrolly]

Boring thread alert:
Our trust is changing to the new non-gendered uniforms in the new year so we've all been asked to submit our requests, but I can't understand the sizing.
I'm 5'6, usually a size 8, pear shaped with a bit of mum tum. I've put in my measurements and it's suggested a size called U3. Google tells me this equates to a L/XL. I'm not after bodycon scrubs 😂 But also don't want to be drowning in them or have the neckline yawning open every time I bend down / crouch down in front of a patient.
Anyone already have these and know what the sizing is like??

Are you sure you haven't mixed up cm and inches somewhere? How can a size 8 be an L/XL?

Non gender means they fit men and don’t work for curvy women - yay, such fun 🙄

When I was a size 10 I had to wear scrubs and the trousers are straight up and down (men’s style or women with no curvy bum). I have a curvy bum and hips so had to go for xl. They were massive on my thighs and waist but they have a pull cord so I had to tighten them.

We have this with safety gear. 'Non gendered' means nothing more than 'fits men but not women' because when have men ever been expected to wear clothing that isn't designed for their proportions?

I would refuse to give sizing and ask for items to try on because it's impossible to work out what size will fit from size guides and who knows what the cut will be like anyway? I'd also be complaining to my union about the change to a uniform that isn't designed for the likely majority of the workforce.

I was thinking that! What size will people have to order then as a curvy size 16/18?!

And they are unisex, what size will a large man have to order?!

The hospital I worked in did this, they went to tunics and trousers, and the trousers were a bloody nightmare! They were cut to fit men not women. On me they were massive around the bum and legs but tight on my tummy - the waist sat uncomfortably high as well, the legs were also ridiculously long!! I hated wearing them.

This was my first thought also - that I'd mixed up cm and inches, but nope!

I think PP may be correct that they're just designed to fit men. The guidance given later in the process was that the recommended size would fit my frame "loose" around the chest, "very loose" around the waist, and "regular" around the hips. So it is just that it's cut for men straight up and down and needs to be massive to accommodate my massive hips 🙄

@Bjorkdidit There has already been quite a bit of pushback, mostly around the waste involved, but looking at the supplier's website this morning I see that the gender-neutral cut has been subject to extensive trials, very well received, and is going to enable us all to be our true selves. Apparently my true self likes wearing a shapeless sack that flashes my boobs whenever I lean forward - who knew?? 🤷🏼‍♀️
Definitely no option to try them on beforehand. The instructions in the email said it was our responsibility to input our measurements correctly and ensure we get the correct size, as we would need to cover the cost of returning items if they don't fit.

I’d be emailing whoever sent the request saying that you’ve looked at the size guide but no size is suitable and you require a cut suitable for your shape, and just what the guide says about the measurement fit. Ask what they suggest for this given that you can’t wear uniform that is too loose around the waist or too tight around the hips.

I know, I hate all this androgynous gender neutral stuff. So pointless. What are they even doing it for, is it supposed to be a cost saving exercise or something?

U3 is small
U5 is about a 16

But who even wants gender-neutral uniform? Obviously not the women, & I wouldn’t have thought transpeople either because it wouldn’t be affirming. So who? Non-binary people?

I tried them on and liked them.

Thank you @ToriMJ - that's reassuring 😊

I'm in Wales where we're have had scrubs for a long time now.

I'm a 12/14, large bust. I wear a small top. Medium trousers.

Too baggy and they get too hot!