How to Measure and Determine Your Correct Size for Custom Clothing - It's a 2-Step Process

Take the guesswork out of sizing. The first step to any good fit is having the right measurements. We offer size and fit charts on most of our products -you can find them under our Size & Fit tab. (see the example to the right)

Our size charts offer a basic guideline for fitting while the garment measurements are specific to that product. A size chart applies to your actual body measurements. The Fit Guide explains how your custom garment is going to fit you.

Step 1. What's Your Size?

Most custom clothing manufacturers use different sizing specifications based on their target audience. The custom clothing products on our web site have product specific size charts based on individual brands and can be found by clicking on the size tab in the product description detail pages. A size chart generally refers to the "size" you might want based on your actual body measurements. You should use this as a general guideline because you might want a tighter or looser fit. (See Step 2. to determine your best fit)

You can get your accurate body measurements using the following steps:

• Get a friend to help if possible

• Use a cloth tape measure and keep the tape taut but not stretched

• Measure your body over properly fitting undergarments while standing
  tall and without shoes

• Measure the areas needed such as: chest, neck, waist, hips, sleeve, inseam and head based upon the guidelines below

Adult Sizes

Chest/Bust - With arms down at sides, measure around the upper body, under arms and over the fullest part of the chest/bust.

Neck - Measure around the base of the neck, inserting a finger or two between the tape and neck for comfort. If you have a shirt with a collar that fits you well, lay the collar flat and measure from the center of the collar button to the far end of the buttonhole. The number of inches will be your size.

Sleeve - Place hand on hip. Start at the center of the back of the neck and measure across the shoulder, to the elbow, and then down to the wrist. The number of inches will be your size.

Waist - Measure around your waist, over a shirt (not pants) at the height you normally wear your pants. Keep one finger between the tape and body. If you have a favorite pair of pants/shorts that fit you best, lay them flat, measure across the waistband and double the measurement.

Inseam - Stand in a comfortable position wearing shoes with a standard heel. Measure the leg from the underside of the crotch (known as the top inseam point) to the bottom side of the ankle (the lowest inseam point). This measurement will be your inseam. If you have a pair of pants that fits well and is the desired length, measure from the crotch seam to the hem.

If garment dimensions are not noted in the Size & Fit area, you can use the measurements you've just taken in Step 1 to help determine what size to order. Keep in mind, these are your exact body measurements and don't allow for room for movement. When in doubt, if you fall between sizes, order a size up.

Step 2. What's Your Best Fit?

Using garment dimensions is the best way to determine how an item will fit you. Different activities will often dictate your personal fit preference - swinging a golf club probably requires a looser fit than sitting at a concert. The garment dimensions listed are the actual size of the garment laid out flat. If you have a garment that you like the way it fits, you can measure it based on the steps below and then determine what the best size to order will be.

1. Lay the garment flat
2. Measure the following:
    a. Chest - Measure across the chest one inch below armhole when laid flat
    b. Body Length - Measure from the high point of the shoulder from the front to the hem
    c. Sleeve Length - Start at center of neck and measure down shoulder, down sleeve to hem
3. Double these measurements to the circumference
4. Compare the garment measurements to your actual body measurements (done in step 1) and allow for movement
5. Once you have your measurements, ignore the "size" chart and look for this "measurement" in the garment dimensions section of the Size & Fit tab on the
    products page
6. Note: Most manufacturers accept a tolerance of + or - 1" from their published specs
7. When in doubt, if you fall between sizes, order a size up

If you need help in determining the best fit for you, call one of our trained customer service representatives at 877.535.5646.

Types of Fits

Below is a description of the fits we carry. Remember, if you are not sure, please contact one of our Customer Service Representatives and we can help you select what fit will work best for you.

Classic Fit
• Longer sleeves
• Full cut
• Shorter length

Athletic Fit
• Tighter sleeves
• Regular fit in the shoulders
• Tailored at the waist

Slim Fit
• Tapered through the torso
• Creates the illusion of broad shoulders
• Fitted

Juniors Fit
• Shorter sleeves
• Longer in length
• Slimmest of the ladies t-shirts

Plus
• Proportionally adjusted
• Roomier fit
• Sizes start at 3XL

Big & Tall
• Big (5'8" to 6'0"): fits full waist average height
• Tall (6'2" or taller): fits longer than average torso & sleeve length, hips & chest equal width
• For Big & Tall apparel visit: www.bigtallapparel.com