Finding your colleague's size without getting caught
Six discreet exercises, workout-sheet style, to guess a t-shirt size without asking. You become the measuring unit.
Buying a colleague a t-shirt is easy. Knowing their size is not. Ask them? Too risky: the surprise is ruined and the chat by the coffee machine gets awkward.
So here are six discreet exercises, laid out like a workout sheet, from the safest to the least advisable. The idea: you become the measuring unit. Warm up, and above all, act natural.
If you are still unsure after training, a cap, a mug or a poster will do just as well. Error degree: zero.
Exercise 1
The forearm standard
In a meeting, casually rest your forearm on the table next to theirs. You are now the reference unit. Compare: longer, shorter, same. Take a mental note; do not bring a ruler.
Exercise 2
The door frame
Stand by the meeting-room door, one hand on the frame at your head height. When they walk through, see where their head reaches compared with your hand. Do not stare at the door for too long: it looks odd.
Exercise 3
The tag on the chair
Their hoodie is hanging on the back of the chair. The tag is right there, eight inches away. Glance at it as you walk by, no stopping, no touching. If anyone sees you, say you were looking for the charger.
Exercise 4
The conference t-shirt
The whole team got the same conference t-shirt, in size L. Ask innocently whether it fit. "It is baggy": take M. "It is tight": take XL. "I sleep in it": stop asking.
Exercise 5
The video call
How much of their video tile do their shoulders take up? Never mind: at 720p, everyone looks like a medium. Useless method, but at least you tried.
Exercise 6
Calling HR
Do not do that.