Products & Sizing
How do I choose the right size?
Each Sub Zero garment has its own sizing and measurements, so we recommend checking the relevant size guide before ordering. Sizing can vary between different product ranges and between brands.
Visit our Size Guides section to find the correct measurements for your garment. If you're still unsure which size to choose, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
How should Sub Zero clothing fit?
Sub Zero performance clothing is designed to work as part of a layering system, so the ideal fit depends on the type of garment.
Base layers should generally fit close to the body so they can manage moisture effectively and provide insulation without unnecessary bulk. Mid layers can be worn slightly looser to allow room for a base layer underneath, while outer layers need enough space for the clothing worn beneath them.
Check the individual product description and relevant Size Guide for more specific sizing information.
Should I get the next size up if I want to layer your garments?
Usually, no. Our base layers and mid layers are designed to be worn together as part of a layering system.
For example, if you wear a Large in a Factor 1 Plus base layer, you would normally also choose a Large in a Factor 2 mid layer. The garments are designed with the intended layering position and fit already taken into account.
Our jackets are also sized to allow room for a base layer and mid layer underneath, so you shouldn't normally need to size up simply because you're layering.
If you intend to wear additional layers, particularly a thick jumper or bulky insulating layer, you may prefer the next size up. We recommend checking the product's individual size chart before ordering.
You can also compare the measurements with a similar garment you already own that fits you well. If you're unsure, contact us on +44(0)116 2402634 or sales@subzero.co.uk and we'll be happy to advise.
Why do the size charts not match my usual sizing?
Clothing sizes aren't standardised across the industry, so a Small, Medium or Large from one brand may fit differently from the same labelled size from another.
Measurements can also vary between different styles and garments. For this reason, we provide product-specific size charts wherever possible rather than recommending that you rely solely on your usual clothing size.
Where a size chart is available, you'll find a link to the relevant size chart directly on the individual product listing, so you can check the measurements before ordering.
We recommend checking your measurements against the size chart for the particular product you're buying. You can also measure a similar garment that you already own and that fits you well, then compare those measurements with ours. This can often give you a better idea of which size and fit will suit you.
You can also browse all of our available charts in the Size Guides section.
If you're between sizes or unsure which size will give you the best fit, contact us on +44(0)116 2402634 or sales@subzero.co.uk and we'll be happy to advise.
What is the difference between a base layer and a mid layer?
A base layer is worn next to the skin and forms the first part of a layering system. Its job is to help manage moisture while providing insulation without unnecessary bulk.
A mid layer is worn over the base layer and provides additional insulation by trapping warm air. The amount of insulation you need will depend on the temperature, weather conditions and your level of activity.
Sub Zero produces different weights of base layers and mid layers so they can be combined to suit different conditions and activities.
Where are Sub Zero products made?
Many Sub Zero products are manufactured in our own factory in Fleckney, Leicestershire, where we have been manufacturing performance clothing for more than 50 years.
Some of our products, including certain merino garments, gloves and socks, are manufactured for us locally by specialist manufacturers.
A small number of Sub Zero products are manufactured elsewhere in Europe where UK manufacturing is either not commercially viable or the specialist manufacturing expertise we require is no longer available in Britain.
We believe in being clear about where our products are made. Products manufactured in Britain are identified in the technical information on the individual product listing and, where applicable, by the Made in Britain logo.
We also sell carefully selected products from other outdoor brands, so not every product sold by Sub Zero is made in Britain. Individual product listings state where products are manufactured wherever applicable.
You can find more information on our Made in Britain page.
How should I wash and care for Sub Zero clothing?
Washing and care instructions vary depending on the fabric and type of garment, so always check the care label and the specific washing instructions for your product.
As a general rule, performance clothing should be washed carefully using suitable detergents and temperatures to help maintain the properties of the fabric. Avoid assuming that the same washing method is suitable for every Sub Zero garment.
We provide detailed washing and cleaning guides for different product ranges in our Help & Advice section.
Will my Sub Zero garment shrink when washed?
A small amount of shrinkage can occur during the first wash, depending on the fabric and garment. For many of our ranges this is typically around 1–2%.
The fabrics used in our Sub Zero garments are tested for shrinkage as part of our quality-control process before production. Fabric that doesn't meet our required tolerances is rejected.
After the initial wash, the fabric should remain relatively stable when the garment is washed and dried according to its care instructions.
Excessive shrinkage can occur if a garment is washed at a higher temperature than recommended or exposed to excessive heat during tumble drying, so always follow the washing and care instructions for the individual product.
If you believe your garment has shrunk significantly despite following the correct care instructions, contact us at sales@subzero.co.uk and we'll be happy to look into it.
Why are there no temperature ratings for Sub Zero garments?
It isn't possible to give clothing a reliable temperature rating for everyday outdoor use because thermal comfort depends on many different factors.
These include air temperature, wind, humidity, activity level, individual metabolism and the other layers of clothing being worn. A garment that keeps one person comfortable in a particular temperature may therefore be too warm or too cold for someone else.
Laboratory tests such as ASTM F1291 can be used to measure and compare the thermal insulation of clothing under controlled conditions, but these results don't translate into a simple minimum temperature at which a garment will keep every wearer warm.
We therefore recommend choosing clothing as part of a layering system that can be adjusted according to the conditions and your activity level.
If you're unsure which Sub Zero garments are suitable for your activity, contact our team on +44(0)116 2402634 or sales@subzero.co.uk and we'll be happy to help.
Can I get my Sub Zero product repaired or altered?
Yes. We offer a repair and alteration service for Sub Zero products where the work is practical for us to carry out.
As every repair or alteration is different, we need to assess the work before we can provide a price.
Please email sales@subzero.co.uk with details of the repair or alteration you require, together with clear photographs of the garment and the area concerned. Our team will review it and provide a quote where we're able to carry out the work.
Please don't send your garment to us until we've confirmed the work with you.
Is my Sub Zero product covered by a warranty?
Yes. Sub Zero garments are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
If a garment fails during this period because of a defect in materials or workmanship, we will assess it and, at our discretion, repair the garment without charge or provide a replacement.
If the original style, colour or size is no longer available, we'll do our best to provide the closest suitable alternative.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, improper care, negligence or normal wear and tear, and does not apply to products originally sold as sub-standard or seconds.
Before returning anything, please contact us on +44(0)116 2402634 or sales@subzero.co.uk so we can assess the issue and explain the next steps. We may ask you to provide photographs. Any garment returned to us for inspection must be clean; soiled garments may be returned without being processed.
This warranty is in addition to, and does not affect, your statutory consumer rights.
Why does Sub Zero sell products from other brands?
We have always stocked products from trusted outdoor brands alongside our own Sub Zero ranges.
Historically, this developed as an additional service for our expedition and military customers, allowing us to supply other specialist equipment they needed alongside Sub Zero clothing.
More recently, the closure of many independent outdoor shops has led to customers asking us to offer a wider selection of outdoor equipment in one place.
We therefore carefully select products from established specialist brands that complement our own ranges, particularly in areas where we don't manufacture the product ourselves.
This allows customers to buy Sub Zero clothing alongside other equipment they may need for walking, camping, travel and outdoor activities.
How are Sub Zero products packaged?
Sub Zero products ordered online may be packaged differently from products supplied for display in retail stores.
Individual garments are generally packed in recyclable protective bags with the product swing ticket attached, rather than in our printed retail cartons. Depending on the size of the garment, many of the individual product bags we use are also compostable.
This allows us to fold garments more compactly, reducing the volume of packaging required and making smaller orders more likely to fit through a standard letterbox.
For delivery, our outer plastic mailing bags are made from recycled material and can also be recycled.
We continually review our packaging with the aim of reducing unnecessary material, increasing the use of recycled materials and using recyclable or compostable alternatives wherever practical.
Orders & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept a range of secure payment methods when ordering through our website, including major debit and credit cards, Shop Pay and PayPal.
The payment options available for your order will be displayed at checkout.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Yes. We use Orderify to allow customers to make changes to eligible orders after they have been placed.
If your order has not yet been fulfilled, you may be able to edit or cancel it using the order management options provided with your order.
Because we process and dispatch orders quickly, these options may no longer be available once your order has progressed too far through fulfilment. If you cannot make the change you need, please contact us as soon as possible.
How do I know if my order has been received?
Once you have successfully placed your order, you will receive an order confirmation by email.
Please check the order details carefully to make sure your delivery address and the items ordered are correct. If you notice anything that needs changing, use the order management options provided with your order as soon as possible.
If you haven't received your confirmation email, check your spam or junk folder before contacting us.
Can I place an order over the phone?
Yes. If you're unable to order through our website, you can place an order by calling us on +44(0)116 2402634.
Wherever possible, we recommend ordering online. It's usually quicker and allows you to check your product choices, sizes, delivery address and other order details before completing your purchase. You'll also have access to the online order management options available after your order has been placed.
If you need advice before ordering, our team is also happy to help by phone.
Can I order without creating an account?
Yes. You can place an order through our website without creating a customer account.
Please make sure the email address and delivery details you enter at checkout are correct, as these will be used for your order confirmation and delivery information.
Creating an account is optional, but it can make it easier to access your order information and manage your details for future purchases.
My discount code isn't working. What should I do?
Our discount codes are case sensitive and may also have an expiry date, so first check that you've entered the code exactly as it was provided.
Enter the code in the Discount code box at checkout and click Apply. Make sure the discount has been applied to your order before completing payment.
Some discount codes may only apply to specific products, collections or promotions, and certain offers may have additional conditions.
If you've checked the code and it's still not working, please contact us on +44(0)116 2402634 or sales@subzero.co.uk and we'll be happy to help.
How do I know that the Sub Zero website is secure?
Our online store is hosted by Shopify and uses secure HTTPS connections to protect information transmitted between your browser and our website.
Shopify uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption and currently supports TLS 1.2 and higher. Depending on your browser, you can usually confirm that your connection is secure from the security information displayed alongside our website address.
Our Shopify store and checkout are covered by Shopify's Level 1 PCI DSS compliance. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is the security standard used to protect payment-card information.
Shopify's checkout also supports 3D Secure authentication where required, providing an additional layer of authentication for online card payments.
Sub Zero does not store customers' full card details on our website.
If you place an order with us by telephone and provide card details for payment, those details are used only to process the transaction and are not retained by us afterwards.
Delivery
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery charges depend on the destination, packed weight of your order and the delivery service selected.
Standard UK delivery is free on orders over £50. For orders under £50, the available delivery services and exact charges are shown at checkout.
We also ship internationally, with charges calculated according to the destination and weight of the order.
Full delivery rates and information can be found on our Shipping & Delivery page.
How quickly will my order be dispatched?
We aim to process and dispatch orders as quickly as possible from our warehouse in Leicestershire.
Royal Mail collections take place each working day, and we also make additional Post Office drop-offs on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings to help keep orders moving.
Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding UK Bank Holidays. Delivery times shown for standard services are estimates unless you have selected a guaranteed delivery service.
Once your order has been dispatched, tracking information will be provided where applicable.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Where tracking is available, we'll send you tracking information once your order has been dispatched.
You can use the tracking details to follow the progress of your delivery directly with the carrier.
Please allow time for the carrier's tracking system to update after you receive your dispatch confirmation. If your order appears to be delayed or you have a problem with the delivery, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes. We ship orders to many countries around the world.
International delivery charges depend on the destination and packed weight of your order, with the available options and charges shown at checkout.
Some products cannot be shipped internationally because of carrier restrictions, particularly certain liquids, chemicals and insect-repellent products.
Orders delivered outside the UK may also be subject to local import VAT, customs duties, handling fees or other charges. Unless specifically stated otherwise, these charges are not included in our prices and are the responsibility of the recipient.
See our Shipping & Delivery page for further information.
What happens if I miss my delivery or don't collect my parcel?
If a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the carrier may leave instructions for arranging redelivery or collecting your parcel from a local collection point.
Please follow the carrier's instructions and collect or rearrange delivery within the time allowed.
If an order is returned to us because delivery was refused, collection was not arranged or the parcel was not collected, any original delivery charges are not refundable. Additional costs incurred in returning the parcel to us may also be deducted where applicable.
If you're having difficulty receiving your order, please contact us as soon as possible.
Returns & Exchanges
Can I return an item if I change my mind?
Yes. Most items can be returned within 180 days of purchase, provided they are unused and returned with their original tags and packaging.
Before returning anything, please contact us at sales@subzero.co.uk, quoting your order number and the item you wish to return. Please don't send items back without contacting us first.
Unless an item is faulty or incorrect, you are responsible for the cost of returning it to us.
Full details can be found on our Returns page.
Can I exchange an item for a different size or product?
If you need a different size or would like to change an item, please contact us at sales@subzero.co.uk before sending anything back.
We'll advise you on the best way to arrange the return and replacement. Any replacement will be subject to availability.
Items being returned for an exchange should be unused and have their original tags and packaging, unless the item is faulty.
Please see our Returns page for full return conditions.
What should I do if my item is faulty or incorrect?
If you've received a faulty or incorrect item, please contact us at sales@subzero.co.uk before returning it.
Include your order number, details of the problem and, where helpful, photographs showing the fault or incorrect item. This will help us deal with the issue as quickly as possible.
Where an item is faulty or has been supplied incorrectly, you will not be responsible for reasonable return costs.
Your statutory rights are not affected.
How long will it take to receive my refund?
Once we receive your return, we'll check the item and process your refund as quickly as possible.
Refunds are made to the original payment method used for the order. After we have processed the refund, your bank or payment provider may take additional time to show the money in your account.
Original delivery charges are not normally refunded under our standard 180-day returns period, although different rules may apply where you exercise your statutory cancellation rights or where an item is faulty or incorrect.
See our Returns page for full details.
Do I have to pay to return an item?
If you're returning an item because you've changed your mind, you are normally responsible for the cost of returning it to us.
We recommend using a suitable postal service and keeping proof of postage until your return has been received and processed.
If an item is faulty, damaged or has been supplied incorrectly, please contact us before returning it. Where appropriate, you will not be responsible for reasonable return costs.
See our Returns page for full details.
Account & Website Help
Do I need an account to shop with Sub Zero?
No. You don't need to create an account to place an order with Sub Zero. You can complete your purchase as a guest through our normal online checkout.
Creating or signing into an account can, however, make it easier to access your customer and order information.
Whether you use an account or guest checkout, please make sure the email address and delivery details entered with your order are correct.
I've forgotten my password. What should I do?
If you use a password to access your Sub Zero customer account and have forgotten it, use the password reset option on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your email address.
If you don't receive the email, check your spam or junk folder and make sure you're using the same email address associated with your account.
If you're still unable to access your account, please contact us for assistance.
Why haven't I received an email from Sub Zero?
Order confirmations, dispatch notifications, password resets and other account emails are sent to the email address provided with your order or customer account.
If you're expecting an email and haven't received it, please check your spam or junk folder first. It's also worth checking that the email address entered with your order or account is correct.
If you still can't find the email, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
How do I update my account details?
Sign in to your Sub Zero customer account to view and manage the information available within your account.
If you need to change information relating to an order you've already placed, use the order management options provided with your order where available.
If you're unable to make the change yourself, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
I'm having a problem using the website. What should I do?
If something isn't working as expected, try refreshing the page or closing and reopening your browser first. You may also find that trying another browser or device resolves the problem.
If you're still having difficulty placing an order, accessing your account or using part of the website, please contact us and let us know what happened.
Where possible, include the page you were using and a brief description of the problem so we can investigate it.
Factory Shop & Contact
Can I visit the Sub Zero factory shop?
Yes. Our factory shop is located at the same premises as our offices, warehouse and manufacturing facility in Fleckney, Leicestershire.
You can visit the shop to browse and purchase Sub Zero clothing and a selection of the outdoor equipment and accessories we sell online.
Our normal opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30am–4:30pm, and Friday, 7:30am–2:30pm. We are closed at weekends, and opening times may vary around Bank Holidays and Christmas.
See our Factory Shop page for directions and the latest information before travelling.
Where is Sub Zero located?
Sub Zero is based in Fleckney, Leicestershire, where our offices, warehouse, manufacturing facility and factory shop are located.
Sub Zero Technology Ltd
2 Churchill Way
Fleckney
Leicester
LE8 8UD
You can find directions and a map on our Factory Shop page.
How can I contact Sub Zero?
You can contact our team by email at sales@subzero.co.uk or by telephone on +44(0)116 2402634.
You can also send us a message using the form on our Contact Us page.
If you're contacting us about an existing order, please include your order number so we can find the details more quickly.
Can I collect an online order from the factory shop?
Yes. You can place your order online and choose collection from our Fleckney factory shop where the collection option is available at checkout.
Please wait until you have received confirmation that your order is ready before travelling to collect it.
Collection is from our factory shop at 35 Churchill Way, Fleckney, Leicester, LE8 8UD during our normal opening hours.
See our Factory Shop page for opening times, directions and further information.
Can I get product or sizing advice before I buy?
Yes. If you're unsure which product or size is right for you, our team is happy to help.
You can contact us by email or telephone, or visit our factory shop in Fleckney where you can see products in person and speak to our team.
We also provide individual Size Guides for many of our clothing ranges, which are worth checking before ordering online.
For more detailed product questions, please contact us and we'll help you choose the most suitable option.