Figuring out your sizing can be one of the most frustrating parts of buying from your favorite brands on line. Are you a 34 or a 36? Will a brand's "tailored fit" look like yoga pants, or does their "relaxed fit" fit like 1992? Do you even know how to determine what your fit should be?
A few simple tips can make your experience buying online a more enjoyable one, and assure you that what you receive will, in fact, fit (most of the time).
1. Know your measurements.
This seems basic, but it's effective. Despite the effect of Vanity Sizing, Men’s apparel is still based on actual body measurements such as chest, waist, and inseam. So get out a measuring tape or some yarn and a ruler/phone and figure out your waist, chest, inseam and any other part that has been tricky to fit like your shoulders or thighs. Here are a few basic tips on how to get the actual body measurements brands use to size apparel.
Measurement guides for body measurements:
- Shoulder- Measure at the top of the back from shoulder tip to shoulder tip.
- Chest- Measure at the fullest part of the chest one inch under the armpits.
- Waist- Measure at the narrowest part of the waist just above the belly button.
- Hips- Measure across the shirt hem opening from one side to the other.
- Sleeve length- Measure from center back under collar to end of cuff.
2. Check The Size Charts
Few people have the exact measurements to make them a perfect M or L in a brand. This is why most brands offer size charts with actual body measurements. Some brands will even offer actual garment measurements. Take the body measurements that you just saved on your phone and compare them to the brand's chart to find your best size. Follow the garment measurement guidelines below.
- Shoulder- Measure from the top of the back from shoulder tip to shoulder tip. A well-fitted shirts shoulder seam should hit right at the tip of your shoulder bone
- Chest- Measure at the fullest part of the chest one inch under the armpits. A tailored shirt should have about an inch and a half to two inches extra space from your body.
- Waist- Measure the narrowest part of the waist just above the belly button. A tailored shirt should have about an inch-and-a-half to two inches extra space from your body. The shirt should not be too tight that the buttons pull, and not so loose that it is billowy.
- Hips- Measure across the hem opening from one side to the other. Shirts designed to be worn untucked should hit near the bottom of your fly.
- Sleeve length- Measure from center back under collar to end of cuff.
Guides for the perfect fitting pant:
- Pant Waist- Measure around the waist just below belly button. Well-fitted pants should have a finger of space at the waist
- Hips- Measure around the widest point just below your pelvic bones. Well, fitted pants should have an extra inch and a half to two inches here and there should be no visible pull lines at the fly.
- Inseam- Measure from the crotch seam or center of the gusset to the bottom of the leg or ankle. Standard length pants are just long enough to break once on the top of the shoe.
Western Rise offers both body measurements and actual garment measurements for most of our items to make your life easier. To check product measurements, scroll down to the Fit Tab on each product page. For tips on how Western Rise Shirts and Pants are fitted, see our body measurement charts on our Size/Fit Page.
If you have any questions about sizing and fit please send us a note, help@westernrise.com!
