Do not convert a Patagonia size into a The North Face size, or the other way around. Measure your body, use the chart for the right category, check the specific model's fit and try the layer you plan to wear underneath.
| Comparison point | Patagonia | The North Face | How to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body-size guide | The men's chart gives chest, hip and arm reference measurements by size | The men's chart gives chest and hip ranges, plus a sleeve length | Compare centimetres with centimetres, not letters with letters |
| How chest is listed | One reference measurement per letter size | A measurement range for each letter size | Neither format describes the finished jacket's volume |
| Example model | Torrentshell 3L: listed as Regular fit | Antora: the product page reviewed lists a standard fit | Use the current product page and fit advice |
| Layering | Check the fit with the layer you intend to wear | Check the fit with the layer you intend to wear | Test the same fleece or jumper under both jackets |
| Between sizes | Identify the measurement at the limit | Identify the measurement at the limit | Do not add sleeve and body length if only the chest needs room |
What this guide compares
We focus on men's waterproof jackets and use two specific products to make the comparison concrete: the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and The North Face Antora. They are examples for reading size charts and fit notes, not a buying recommendation or a conversion for every jacket from either brand.
Women's, unisex and kids' ranges have their own charts and proportions. Do not transfer these figures to a different category. Product listings and stock change too, so reopen the page for the exact colour and model you are considering before you buy.
What the official charts say
Patagonia's men's size guide lists body measurements for tops. Chest is usually the best indicator; if your hip measurement is larger, Patagonia advises considering the size for your hip. The guide also explains four fits: fitted, slim, regular and relaxed.
The The North Face chart for jackets and shirts lists chest and hip ranges by letter size, plus sleeve length. Product pages may add fit advice for a particular model. Check the chart and product page together.
The figures below are body measurements in centimetres published in the men's charts reviewed. They are not measurements of a jacket laid flat.
Patagonia: chest reference measurements
| Size | Chest reference |
|---|---|
| S | 94 cm |
| M | 102 cm |
| L | 112 cm |
| XL | 119 cm |
The North Face: chest ranges
| Size | Chest range |
|---|---|
| S | 89–96 cm |
| M | 97–104 cm |
| L | 105–112 cm |
| XL | 113–121 cm |
The difference in format matters. For example, a 100 cm chest falls within The North Face's published M range; Patagonia lists 102 cm as its M chest reference. That helps you read each chart, but it does not mean two M jackets have the same volume or will fit alike. Check the model and try it on.
Torrentshell 3L and Antora: fit belongs to the model
The Spanish Torrentshell 3L product page lists it as Regular fit and links to the size guide. It also states the photographed model's height and worn size. Those details help you picture the proportions, but they do not replace your measurements.
The Antora page reviewed describes a standard fit and says it is true to size. Check the current listing: colours, stock and regional product pages can change, as can product recommendations.
Regular and standard may sound similar, but they are not a shared unit between brands. Compare each garment's description and look at shoulder, chest, length and sleeve. The label alone cannot tell you how much room a specific jacket has.
Take your measurements before opening the chart
Measure over a thin shirt while standing, with the tape level around your body. For chest, measure around the fullest part without pulling tight; write the result in centimetres. If the chart asks for hips or arm length, follow its own diagram or instructions. Measure again if you are close to a boundary.
Use the right section: men's, women's, unisex or kids'. Note what you were wearing when you measured and what you plan to wear under the jacket. Do not convert a US, EU or letter size directly into the other brand's size; each chart belongs to its own patterns.
If your measurements point to different sizes, reread the brand's advice about which area to prioritise. Then check whether the jacket is described as closer, regular or roomy. Do not choose only because a letter matches a size you already own from that brand.
Try the same layer under both jackets
If you can try them on, use the same fleece or jumper for both. Zip the jacket, raise your arms, reach forward, cross your arms and turn your torso. Check that the back does not pull, the shoulders feel comfortable and the sleeves do not shift excessively.
Relax your arms and check again. The inner layer should not bunch up and push the cuffs or hem out of place. Test the hood too: when you turn your head, it should move with you without dragging the whole collar. If you wear a backpack, try the jacket with your usual straps.
If you cannot try it on, look for information about the same model, version and fit. A review for another colour may help if the construction is unchanged; a photo of a similar jacket cannot show ease or sleeve length.
If you are between sizes
Start with the measurement at the limit. If it is your chest, ask whether the next size solves that area without making the shoulders, sleeves and body too large. If it is your arm, a larger size may lengthen the whole pattern without fixing the proportion. If the jacket only pulls over a fleece, make sure that is how you will usually wear it.
Compare the cut, not just the letter. If the smaller size limits movement and the next one is clearly too big, try a different model or fit. If the brand gives specific advice for people between sizes, use it alongside your fitting test; do not replace it with a generic “always size up” rule.
Before removing the tags, check the return policy and try the jacket indoors. Save the layer combination that worked. For more context, read how to choose a rain-jacket size for layering, what to do between two sizes and how to read EU, UK and US sizes.
Make the final decision step by step
Before choosing between the brands
- Measure your chest and any other area listed in the chart.
- Check that you are using the right category and comparing centimetres with centimetres.
- Read each chart's instructions: one lists reference measurements, the other ranges.
- Check the fit notes for the exact model.
- Choose the layer you will wear and try it under both jackets.
- Test your arms, back, cuffs, hem and hood.
- Save the model, size, layer and fit notes in SIZES.
The better choice does not come from turning one M into another. It comes from your measurements, the fit stated for each model and a test that reflects how you will wear the jacket. For a practical companion, read our guide to rain-jacket sizing and layers.
Frequently asked questions
Do Patagonia and The North Face jackets fit the same?
Do not assume they do from the letter size. Compare your measurements with each brand's chart and check the specific model's fit.
How do the chest charts differ?
In the men's charts reviewed, The North Face publishes chest ranges by size, while Patagonia lists body-measurement reference points. Neither format gives the finished garment dimensions.
Do the Torrentshell 3L and Antora have the same fit?
Their product pages describe different fits: Patagonia lists the Torrentshell 3L as Regular fit, while The North Face describes the Antora as standard fit. Check the current product page before buying.
Should I size up to wear layers?
Not automatically. Try the jacket with your planned layer and check the chest, shoulders, sleeves and movement before changing size.