How to Find Out Someone's Size for a Gift Without Asking

The easiest way to find out someone's size without asking is to read it off something they already own: the tag inside a shirt they wear often, the inside of their shoes, or a ring they wear on the right finger. If you can't get to their things, ask someone who can, or bring sizes up naturally while shopping together. Then write the size down so you never have to find it out again.

Clothing: read the label of something that fits

• Choose an item they wear often and that clearly fits — not the oversized sweater they sleep in.
• Check the care label at the neck, side seam or waistband, and note the brand: sizes vary between brands.
• For trousers, many labels give waist and inseam, for example 32/32.
• No label? Lay the item flat, measure straight across the chest or waist, and double it.

Shoes: look inside the tongue or on the insole

Most shoes print the size inside the tongue or on the insole, often in several systems at once — US, UK, EU and centimeters. Write down all of them, along with the brand. Sneakers and dress shoes from the same person can differ by half a size.

Rings: borrow, trace or ask an accomplice

Rings are the hardest, because a wrong size means a resize. The quickest options are to borrow a ring they wear on the same finger and have it measured, or to trace its inside on paper. Our guide to finding a ring size secretly covers each method and includes a conversion chart.

Ask someone who knows

A partner, sibling, parent or close friend often knows the size, or can check without raising suspicion. Offer to return the favor when their turn comes.

Create a natural moment

• Shop together and notice which size they pick up.
• Offer to order something for them: "What size should I get?" sounds like an errand, not a surprise.
• Bring up an upcoming season: "Do you need new boots this winter? What size are you?"

When you can't confirm the size

Choose gifts where fit matters less — a scarf, a bag, jewelry other than a ring — or include a gift receipt so an exchange is easy.

Write it down once

Sizes rarely change, so finding out once can last for years — if you record it. Sotto has 23 size and measurement fields, including body measurements, shoe size and a ring size for every finger, plus custom fields for anything else, such as a shirt size. It converts shoe sizes between US, EU, UK, Japanese and centimeter sizes, and ring sizes between seven systems, so a size read off a European label still makes sense in an American store.