The Complete Size & Fit Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit Every Time
, by Murat Ayata, 7 min reading time
Complete size and fit guide for Print-View branded apparel. Learn how to measure, understand fit styles (classic, modern, slim, athletic), read size charts, and find the perfect fit for polos, tees, outerwear, and more.
At Print-View, we believe the perfect branded apparel starts with the perfect fit. Whether you're ordering corporate polos, athletic jerseys, or custom outerwear, understanding sizing and fit ensures your team looks professional, feels comfortable, and wears your brand with confidence.
How to Measure for the Perfect Fit
Accurate measurements are the foundation of proper fit. Follow these simple steps to measure yourself or your team members:
Chest Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure horizontal and comfortably snug. For the most accurate measurement, wear a thin shirt and keep your arms relaxed at your sides.
Waist Measurement
Measure around your natural waistline (typically where you wear your pants). Keep the tape measure comfortably loose—you should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your body.
Hip Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Sleeve Length
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, down to your wrist. This measurement is crucial for jackets, dress shirts, and long-sleeve apparel.
Inseam
For pants and shorts, measure from the top of your inner thigh down to where you want the hem to fall (typically at the ankle for pants).
Body Length
Measure from the high point of your shoulder (where it meets your neck) straight down to where you want the garment to end.
Understanding Fit Styles
Different fit styles serve different purposes and preferences. Here's your guide to choosing the right fit:
Classic Fit (Relaxed Fit)
Description: Traditional, roomy cut with extra space through the chest, waist, and sleeves. Provides maximum comfort and ease of movement.
Best For:
- Workwear and uniforms requiring layering
- All-day comfort in active environments
- Traditional corporate settings
- Customers who prefer looser-fitting apparel
Popular Items: Work polos, utility jackets, traditional dress shirts
Modern Fit (Regular Fit)
Description: Contemporary cut that's neither too loose nor too tight. Follows the body's natural shape without excess fabric. The most versatile and popular fit style.
Best For:
- Professional corporate environments
- Versatile everyday wear
- Team uniforms across diverse body types
- Most business casual settings
Popular Items: Corporate polos, business casual shirts, team apparel
Slim Fit (Fitted)
Description: Tailored cut that follows the body's contours closely. Narrower through the chest, waist, and sleeves for a streamlined silhouette.
Best For:
- Fashion-forward brands and retail
- Hospitality and customer-facing roles
- Modern corporate environments
- Customers who prefer contemporary styling
Popular Items: Modern polos, fitted tees, contemporary dress shirts
Athletic Fit (Performance Fit)
Description: Designed for movement with room through the shoulders and chest, tapered through the waist. Often features stretch fabrics and moisture-wicking technology.
Best For:
- Sports teams and athletic organizations
- Active work environments
- Fitness and wellness brands
- Performance-focused applications
Popular Items: Performance polos, athletic tees, sports jerseys, active outerwear
Size Charts by Category
Men's Apparel
Polo Shirts & T-Shirts
- Small: Chest 34-36", Waist 28-30", Sleeve 32-33"
- Medium: Chest 38-40", Waist 32-34", Sleeve 33-34"
- Large: Chest 42-44", Waist 36-38", Sleeve 34-35"
- X-Large: Chest 46-48", Waist 40-42", Sleeve 35-36"
- 2X-Large: Chest 50-52", Waist 44-46", Sleeve 36-37"
- 3X-Large: Chest 54-56", Waist 48-50", Sleeve 37-38"
Outerwear & Jackets
- Small: Chest 35-37", Sleeve 33-34"
- Medium: Chest 38-41", Sleeve 34-35"
- Large: Chest 42-45", Sleeve 35-36"
- X-Large: Chest 46-49", Sleeve 36-37"
- 2X-Large: Chest 50-53", Sleeve 37-38"
- 3X-Large: Chest 54-57", Sleeve 38-39"
Women's Apparel
Polo Shirts & T-Shirts
- X-Small: Bust 31-32", Waist 24-25", Hip 34-35"
- Small: Bust 33-34", Waist 26-27", Hip 36-37"
- Medium: Bust 35-36", Waist 28-29", Hip 38-39"
- Large: Bust 37-39", Waist 30-32", Hip 40-42"
- X-Large: Bust 40-42", Waist 33-35", Hip 43-45"
- 2X-Large: Bust 43-45", Waist 36-38", Hip 46-48"
Outerwear & Jackets
- X-Small: Bust 32-33", Sleeve 30-31"
- Small: Bust 34-35", Sleeve 31-32"
- Medium: Bust 36-37", Waist 32-33"
- Large: Bust 38-40", Sleeve 33-34"
- X-Large: Bust 41-43", Sleeve 34-35"
- 2X-Large: Bust 44-46", Sleeve 35-36"
Youth Sizing
Youth Apparel (Ages 6-18)
- Youth Small (6-8): Chest 25-26", Waist 22-23"
- Youth Medium (10-12): Chest 28-30", Waist 24-25"
- Youth Large (14-16): Chest 32-33", Waist 26-27"
- Youth X-Large (18-20): Chest 35-36", Waist 28-29"
Headwear Sizing
Caps & Hats
- Small/Medium: 6⅞ - 7¼ (21.7" - 22.8" head circumference)
- Large/X-Large: 7¼ - 7⅝ (22.8" - 24" head circumference)
- One Size Fits Most: Adjustable (snapback, velcro, or elastic)
Measure around your head just above the ears for accurate cap sizing.
Fit Tips by Product Category
Polo Shirts
Ideal Fit: Shoulder seams should sit at the edge of your shoulders. Sleeves should end mid-bicep. The hem should fall just below your belt line, allowing the shirt to be worn tucked or untucked.
Too Small: Pulling across the chest, tight armholes, sleeves riding up
Too Large: Drooping shoulders, baggy body, sleeves past mid-bicep
T-Shirts
Ideal Fit: Comfortable across the chest without pulling. Sleeves should end mid-bicep. Length should cover your waistband with arms at your sides.
Fit Preference: Athletic builds often prefer athletic or modern fit. Casual wear customers may prefer classic or relaxed fit.
Outerwear & Jackets
Ideal Fit: Room to layer a shirt or light sweater underneath. Sleeves should end at your wrist bone. The hem should cover your belt line. You should be able to zip or button comfortably without pulling.
Layering Consideration: If you'll wear the jacket over thick layers, consider sizing up.
Dress Shirts
Ideal Fit: Collar should allow one finger between your neck and the collar when buttoned. Shoulder seams at the edge of shoulders. Sleeves should end at your wrist bone. Enough room in the chest to button comfortably.
Sweatshirts & Hoodies
Ideal Fit: Relaxed through the body with room for layering. Sleeves should end at your wrist. Hem should fall at or just below your hip.
Style Note: Many customers prefer to size up in sweatshirts for a relaxed, comfortable fit.
Special Sizing Considerations
Between Sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes:
- Size up if you prefer a relaxed fit or plan to layer
- Size down if you prefer a fitted look or the item runs large
- Order samples in both sizes to compare (we're happy to help!)
Brand Variations
Different brands may fit differently even in the same size. Nike tends to run athletic, Port Authority offers classic fits, and Bella+Canvas runs more fitted. We provide brand-specific sizing guidance with every quote.
Fabric Considerations
- 100% Cotton: May shrink slightly after first wash—consider sizing up if between sizes
- Cotton/Poly Blends: Minimal shrinkage, true to size
- Performance Fabrics: Often have stretch—follow size charts closely
- Fleece: Typically runs true to size with room for layering
Decoration Impact
Embroidery and decoration don't significantly affect fit, but consider:
- Large embroidered areas may feel slightly stiffer initially
- Full-back screen prints add minimal weight
- Proper sizing ensures decoration is positioned correctly
Ordering for Teams
When ordering for multiple people:
1. Collect Individual Measurements
Provide a measurement guide to your team and collect chest, waist, and preferred fit style from each person.
2. Order Samples
Get samples in common sizes (M, L, XL) so team members can try on before placing the full order.
3. Plan for Size Distribution
Typical team orders include: 10% S, 30% M, 35% L, 20% XL, 5% 2XL (adjust based on your team)
4. Order Extra Sizes
Keep a few extra common sizes on hand for new team members or replacements.
Still Not Sure?
We're here to help! Print-View offers:
- Free Samples: Try before you buy with sample garments in your sizes
- Sizing Consultations: Our team provides personalized sizing recommendations
- Brand Expertise: We know how each brand fits and can guide your selection
- Fit Guarantees: We'll work with you to ensure your team gets the right fit
Download Our Sizing Resources
For your convenience, we offer downloadable sizing guides:
- Printable measurement guide for team distribution
- Brand-specific size charts
- Fit style comparison sheets
- Team sizing collection forms
Contact us to request these resources for your next order.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?
With the right measurements, fit style, and sizing guidance, your Print-View branded apparel will look professional, feel comfortable, and represent your brand with confidence.
Contact us today to discuss sizing for your project. We'll provide samples, answer questions, and ensure every person on your team gets the perfect fit.
Because the right fit makes all the difference.
