HOW TO MEASURE A CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT FOR A PERFECT FIT
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Your crew neck sweatshirt has the potential to be the most beloved item in your wardrobe.
Classic, cool and divinely comfortable, it's a wardrobe staple that's made to last. Yet to achieve that Gold-Start status, it has to adapt properly.
Before making a purchase, it's worth taking the time to understand your measurements. Today we bring you a step-by-step guide to choosing the perfect fit for your next athleisure investment. Read on for the sizing guidelines you need.
Step 1: Gather your resources
Always measure yourself with a flexible tape measure at least 36 inches long or longer. Try to avoid using a standard 12-inch ruler or a stiff, retractable tape measure.
If you don't have such a flexible strip, there are myriad sites that allow you to download and print one for free. In addition to your tape, it's also helpful to have a friend nearby who can take your measurements.
Step 2: measure your size
In our online size charts you will notice that most of our items range in size from Small to 3XL. One of the first ways to narrow down your size options is to measure your size.
While there are exceptions, the size-to-size breakdown we follow is detailed below:
- Small: 5'6" to 5'7"
- Medium: 5'8" to 5'9"
- Tall: 5'10" to 5'11"
- XL: 5'11" to 6'1"
- 2XL: 6'1" to 6'2"
- 3XL: 6'2"+
Take this measurement first to give yourself a more appropriate sizing window. Something to note? Our listed measurements are of the actual sweatshirt . These are not body measurements.
Therefore, take a size above if you are between two sizes. Choosing a sweatshirt that has the exact same dimensions as your body will leave you with a too tight fit.
Step 3: measure your chest circumference
After measuring your height, your next step is to measure your chest circumference.
To get this measurement, wrap the tape measure around your armpits. It should be positioned on the widest part of your chest. The tape should be snug enough not to slip down, but not so tight that it restricts your breathing.
As you measure, resist the urge to flex or puff out your chest. This will only skew the measurements and could potentially leave you with a looser sweatshirt than it should be. When you're done, read the measurements and compare them to our size chart, which is as follows:
- Small: 46"
- Medium: 48"
- Large: 50"
- XL: 52"
- 2XL: 54"
- 3XL: 56"
Again, these are sweatshirt sizes and do not reflect body chest measurement. Prune to give you plenty of room to breathe.
Step 4: measure your sleeve length
Next, it's time to measure your sleeve length. Note that this is not always the same as your arm length.
Place your tape measure in the middle of your neck, level with your spine. From there, measure down to the end of your shoulder (the top of your arm). Then measure from that point on your shoulder to the point beyond your wrist where you want the shirt to fit.
To ensure you have enough length, bend your elbow slightly during the measurement. As with your bust measurement, choosing a shirt with sleeves the exact length of your arm will leave you wanting more. Your arms naturally bend a bit, so you'll need to factor that into the size.
Finally, add these two measurements together to get your total sleeve length, rounding up if necessary. Our sleeve length size chart is as follows:
- Small: 33"
- Medium: 34"
- Tall: 35"
- XL: 36"
- 2XL: 37"
- 3XL: 38"
Step 5: measure your body length
In terms of sweatshirt sizing, your body length is the distance from the shirt's neck seam to its bottom hem. You might also hear it called shirt length.
To get these measurements, first place your tape measure at the top of your shoulder, near the middle of your neck. Then bring it back to where you want the shirt to end. Our listed body lengths include:
- Small: 26"
- Medium: 27"
- Tall: 28"
- XL: 29"
- 2XL: 30"
- 3XL: 31"
How should he adapt?
Once you've written down all your important metrics, you're ready to check it out, right?
Before you do, you need to figure out how you want the crew neck sweatshirt to fit. Normally they are looser than dress shirts and even t-shirts. They are designed to be comfortable and relaxed, not tight and restrictive. As mentioned, go up a size if you're on the fence.
As you browse and measure, keep the following size suggestions in mind.
Necklace
A well-fitting crew neck sweatshirt is centered on the collar.
If it's too loose, you might look sloppy while one that's too tight might be uncomfortably restrictive. Look for one that lays flat and gives you enough room to add a collared shirt underneath if you're feeling preppy.
Shoulder
Unless you prefer an ultra-casual look, the shoulder seam of your new sweatshirt should rest on your shoulder bone.
If it comes down to your elbow, your shirt may feel too big for your body. Conversely, if the shoulder seam is very high near your neck, it could cause the seam to be cut in your armpits.
Sleeves
Make sure your sleeve cuffs reach your wrists. Most are designed to fit more tightly around your chest, with a looser, more relaxed fit on the sleeves.
A good way to make sure yours is long enough is to consider how much length you would need to cover your watch if you stretched your arms out in front of you. You should be able to bend your arms without shortening the sleeves.
Lenght
Your new sweatshirt should fit snugly around your hips to keep your body warm and covered. Still, the fabric should fluff more freely around your chest.
Leave a few inches of wiggle room to give you plenty of room to move.
Length
Crop tops are not back in fashion. Keep your sweatshirt on trend by making sure it falls just below your hips. From the front, it should reach mid-length of your zipper.
When shopping for your length, remember that not all fabrics are the same. A thin, low-quality sweatshirt might shrink in the wash, while a high-quality sweatshirt might last for years.
Find your new favorite crewneck sweatshirt
There's never a bad time to wear a crew neck sweatshirt. Dressed up or down, it's the ultimate favorite you'll come back to time and time again.
Before buying, take your measurements and compare them to our online size chart. We know you're going to love your new piece and we want to make sure you're happy with the fit from the start.
Browse our entire collection here to find your new favorite. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to contact us.
