One of the most common complaints in streetwear brand communities: "My bulk order came back and the sizing is completely off." Shirts are too narrow, too short, or inconsistent between sizes.
This almost always comes down to one thing: the brand didn't provide a proper size specification to the factory. Here's how to get it right.
Understanding Fit Styles
Before you can write measurements, you need to decide on your fit style. The three most common for modern clothing brands:
| Fit Style | Description | Typical Chest Width (M) | Popular For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slim / Regular | Close to body, follows natural shape | 19–20" | Basics, workwear-casual |
| Relaxed / Classic | Comfortable room, not tight or boxy | 20–22" | Lifestyle brands, versatile appeal |
| Oversized / Boxy | Deliberately wide and dropped shoulder | 24–28" | Streetwear, contemporary fashion |
| Cropped | Shorter body length, various widths | Variable | Women's, fashion-forward brands |
Key T-Shirt Measurements You Must Specify
Every size spec should include these minimum measurements (in inches or cm):
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chest Width (HPS) | 1" below armhole, across front | Primary indicator of how "big" the shirt feels |
| Body Length | From HPS (high point shoulder) to hem | Determines how much of the shirt tucks in or hangs out |
| Shoulder Width | Seam to seam across top of back | Critical for oversized/drop shoulder fits |
| Sleeve Length | From CB neck to cuff | Affects the overall proportion of the shirt |
| Sleeve Opening | Circumference at hem of sleeve | Affects drape and fit around the upper arm |
| Neck Opening | Front to back neckline circumference | Affects ease of wearing and visual appearance |
| Armhole Depth | From shoulder seam to underarm seam | Important for movement and fit feel |
Sample Size Chart: Oversized Streetwear T-Shirt
Here's a reference size chart for a modern oversized streetwear tee (all measurements in inches):
| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 22" | 23" | 24" | 25" | 26" | 27" |
| Body Length | 27" | 27.5" | 28" | 28.5" | 29" | 29.5" |
| Shoulder Width | 19" | 19.5" | 20" | 21" | 22" | 23" |
| Sleeve Length | 8" | 8.5" | 9" | 9.5" | 10" | 10.5" |
| Sleeve Opening | 7" | 7.5" | 8" | 8.5" | 9" | 9.5" |
| Neck Rib Width | 0.75" | 0.75" | 0.75" | 0.75" | 0.75" | 0.75" |
Note: These are reference measurements only. Adjust based on your brand's specific fit aesthetic and target customer body type.
What Is Size Grading?
Size grading is the process of mathematically scaling measurements from one base size to create the full size run. For example, if your base size is M, grading means calculating how much larger L, XL, and XXL are, and how much smaller S and XS are.
Standard grading increments for oversized t-shirts:
- Chest: +1" per size step
- Body length: +0.5" per size step
- Shoulder: +0.5–1" per size step
Some factories handle grading for you once you provide the base size measurements. Always confirm who is responsible for grading in your agreement.
US vs. European vs. Asian Sizing Differences
Different markets have different sizing conventions. Key differences to be aware of:
- US customers typically prefer sizes labeled S/M/L/XL and expect generous measurements for each size
- European customers may prefer more structured fits; EU size numbers (EU 48, EU 50) are also common
- Asian markets typically run smaller — Asian factories may default to Asian sizing if you don't specify
Always specify that your size spec is for US/EU customers when working with Asian factories. This prevents one of the most common sizing mistakes — receiving garments that are 2 sizes too small for your target market.
Get Sizing Right With Storiginator
At Storiginator, we help every new brand develop a size spec that's right for their fit aesthetic and target market. We'll review your measurements, suggest adjustments based on our experience, and confirm fit accuracy at the sample stage before committing to bulk. Let's get your sizing sorted.
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