Choosing the right size in Pro Elite apparel is the difference between a singlet that flies with you down the track and one that chafes, shifts, or kills your aerodynamics. Unlike retail sportswear, Pro Elite kit from Nike, adidas, ASICS and other top brands is built around a true competition fit pattern engineered for professional athletes: second-skin compression, flat-lock seams and ultra-lightweight technical fabrics. In this complete guide we explain exactly how to measure yourself, how to read international size charts and which size to pick for every type of garment so you nail the fit on the first try.
Why Pro Elite Sizing Is Not the Same as Retail Sizing
Pro Elite apparel is designed around one core principle: less fabric, less weight, less air resistance. That means a Nike Pro Elite singlet in size M is not the same as a Nike Dri-FIT M T-shirt off the shelf. The competition fit pattern is one to two sizes tighter than its retail counterpart, and high-performance fabrics like Aeroswift, Dri-FIT ADV and adizero have very limited stretch in order to hold their aerodynamic shape from gun to tape.
As a general rule, if you wear a size M in retail Nike, you’ll probably need an L in Nike Pro Elite for training and an M only if you want a strict race-day fit. This difference comes down to three pattern decisions: a shorter torso length in Pro Elite, a narrower chest cut, and a higher hip cutaway on singlets to reduce friction at race pace.
How to Take Your Measurements Correctly Before You Buy
Before you even glance at a size chart, you need four key measurements taken with a soft tape measure, wearing only underwear, with the tape relaxed (not pulled tight) and your arms loose at your sides. These four numbers are the foundation for sizing any Pro Elite garment, regardless of brand.
The 4 Key Measurements
- Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, passing it just below your armpits.
- Waist: measure the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the navel.
- Hips: wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and glutes.
- Inseam: from the crotch down to the floor, barefoot and standing straight.
Record every measurement in centimeters. The official charts from Nike, adidas and ASICS all use centimeters as their primary reference, and converting to inches almost always introduces rounding errors that can cost you a full size.
Men’s Pro Elite Size Chart
The table below is the reference chart we use at Elite Athletics Clothes to advise our customers. It’s a weighted average of the official Nike Pro Elite, adidas adizero and ASICS Elite Kit size charts, valid for men’s singlets, T-shirts and competition tops.
| Size | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Recommended Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 84-88 | 70-74 | 86-90 | 165-170 |
| S | 89-93 | 75-79 | 91-95 | 170-175 |
| M | 94-98 | 80-84 | 96-100 | 175-180 |
| L | 99-103 | 85-89 | 101-105 | 180-186 |
| XL | 104-110 | 90-96 | 106-112 | 186-192 |
Women’s Pro Elite Size Chart
The women’s Pro Elite pattern runs noticeably tighter at the waist and features a higher hip cutaway on singlets. Elite female athletes usually order their normal European retail size — not one up — because women’s Pro Elite fabrics offer greater elastic recovery.
| Size | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Recommended Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 78-82 | 60-64 | 84-88 | 155-160 |
| S | 83-87 | 65-69 | 89-93 | 160-166 |
| M | 88-92 | 70-74 | 94-98 | 166-172 |
| L | 93-97 | 75-79 | 99-103 | 172-178 |
| XL | 98-104 | 80-86 | 104-110 | 178-184 |
How to Choose the Right Size for a Pro Elite Singlet
The singlet is the most size-sensitive piece in your kit because it works directly against the skin at race pace. Too loose and it flaps, killing your aerodynamics; too short and it rides up mid-stride, leaving your lower back exposed. The practical rule is simple: size to your chest measurement, not your height.
For a true competition singlet, aim for a second-skin fit — snug, but you should still be able to touch your opposite shoulder without the fabric pulling. When in doubt between two sizes, always size down. Nike’s Aeroswift and adidas’ adizero P.R.O. fabrics have very little horizontal stretch, so a size that feels loose at first won’t tighten up after a few washes.
Training Singlets vs. Competition Singlets
If you’re buying a singlet for long runs or easy training sessions, size up one size from your competition fit. You’ll get more freedom of movement, better ventilation, and no nipple chafing on long miles. For interval work, fartlek and race day, stick with the true competition fit.
How to Choose the Right Size for a Pro Elite Speedsuit
The speedsuit is the most demanding garment in the entire Pro Elite catalogue when it comes to sizing. Because it’s a single piece combining top and short, any sizing mistake affects both areas at once. You can’t simply size to your chest here — your chest, waist and inseam all need to fall within the same size range simultaneously.
If your chest measurement lands in one size but your hips or inseam push into the next, size up. A speedsuit that’s too short in the inseam compresses uncomfortably and restricts your stride; a speedsuit that’s slightly roomy in the chest can be hidden under a race bib and won’t affect performance.
Speedsuits from NN Running Team and national federations tend to use a longer pattern than generic Nike or adidas models, designed for medium-to-tall European athletes. If you stand under 170 cm, always order one size below your chest-equivalent size.
How to Choose the Right Size for a Pro Elite Tracksuit
Official tracksuits (jacket and pants) fit far more relaxed than competition pieces because they’re designed for warm-ups, podium ceremonies and travel. That said, they still carry the streamlined cut of Pro Elite brands and tend to run one size tighter than a typical retail tracksuit.
For the jacket, size by your chest measurement and pick a size that lets you wear a technical T-shirt underneath without straining the zipper. For the pants, prioritize your waist over your hip measurement: the Pro Elite pattern usually features an elastic waistband with up to 3 cm of give. When in doubt, size up — especially on tapered-ankle models like adidas adizero or Nike Storm-FIT.
Sizing Differences Between Nike Pro Elite, adidas and ASICS
While all three brands share a competition fit philosophy, there are pattern differences worth knowing before you cross brands. Nike Pro Elite tends to run small in the torso and tight in the shoulders — if you’re coming from adidas, size up one. adidas adizero P.R.O. and Team Issued kit runs true to size but with longer sleeves; the pattern is built for European-frame athletes. ASICS Elite Kit and Asian federation models (Japan, China) run clearly small: if you wear M in Nike, you’ll likely need an L in ASICS.
Kit from European federations like Germany, the Netherlands and Italy is usually manufactured by adidas or Puma under license and follows the parent brand’s sizing. Professional team kits such as NN Running Team keep the Nike pattern but use their own internal labeling.
What to Do When You’re Between Two Sizes
The single most common question we get at Elite Athletics Clothes is what to do when your measurements fall between two sizes. The answer depends on the intended use and the type of garment. For competition singlets and speedsuits, always size down: the aerodynamics will thank you and the fabric will give just enough after a few uses. For training T-shirts, long-sleeve tops and warm-up gear, size up to gain comfort on sessions over an hour long.
If this is your first Pro Elite singlet and you’ve never worn a genuine competition fit before, prepare for a noticeably tighter feel than you’re used to — it’s normal and part of the design. What matters is that the fabric shouldn’t pucker horizontally at the chest or sag at the lower back.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Pro Elite Sizes
- Ordering the same size as retail: competition fit runs one to two sizes tighter.
- Sizing by height alone: height charts are only a guide — chest measurement is king.
- Buying a loose competition singlet for training: instead, buy a dedicated training singlet.
- Assuming all brands fit the same: ASICS and Asian federations run clearly small.
- Skipping the tape measure: 80% of size-related returns are avoided with a quick measurement at home.
Exchange and Return Policy for Sizing
At Elite Athletics Clothes we accept size exchanges on all unworn items with original tags within the timeframe stated in our return policy. If you have any doubts before buying, message us on WhatsApp with your measurements and the specific item you’re interested in — we’ll recommend a size in under 24 hours. Getting it right the first time saves you time, saves you shipping fees, and helps us keep our prices competitive.
Conclusion: The Right Size Is Part of Your Performance
Choosing the right size in Pro Elite apparel isn’t just a cosmetic detail — it directly affects aerodynamics, freedom of movement and the durability of the garment. Measure yourself before you buy, cross-check against each brand’s specific chart, and when in doubt size down for competition pieces and up for training or warm-up gear. With this guide as your reference, you should nail the fit on your next singlet, speedsuit or tracksuit on the first try. Explore the full catalogue at eliteathleticsclothes.com and race with the confidence of wearing exactly the size your body needs.