Should size charts show body measurements or garment measurements?

Best practice is to show garment measurements because they show exactly what the customer will receive. However, include a 'How to Choose Your Size' guide that helps customers compare their body measurements to the garment. Some brands show both.

How do I convert body measurements to garment measurements?

Add ease to body measurements. For a comfortable fit, add 2-4 inches to chest, 1-2 inches to waist. For slim fit, add 0-2 inches. For relaxed fit, add 4-6 inches. The exact ease depends on garment type and desired fit.

What is 'ease' in clothing measurements?

Ease is the extra room added to body measurements to create the garment measurement. Negative ease means the garment is smaller than body measurements (stretchy fabrics). Positive ease means extra room for comfort and movement.

Why are my garment measurements different from my body measurements?

Garments need extra room (ease) for comfort and movement. A 36-inch chest might wear a shirt with 40-inch chest measurement. The difference is the ease built into the design for the intended fit style.

How do customers use garment measurements?

Customers should measure a similar garment they own that fits well, then compare those measurements to the size chart. This is more accurate than body measurements because it accounts for their preferred fit.

Body Measurements vs Garment Measurements: What's the Difference?

The Key Difference

📏 Body Measurements

Measurements taken around the human body.

• Measured on the person
• Circumference measurements
• Used to determine size range
• Example: "36 inch chest"

👕 Garment Measurements

Measurements of the actual clothing item.

• Measured on the garment (flat lay)
• Usually half circumference
• Shows exactly what customer receives
• Example: "20 inch chest width"

Diagram showing how ease works - body measurement plus ease equals garment measurement — Body + Ease = Garment Measurement

Understanding Ease

Ease is the extra room added to body measurements to create comfortable, wearable garments.

Fit Type	Chest Ease	Description
Tight/Compression	-2" to 0"	Negative ease, stretchy fabrics
Slim Fit	0" to 2"	Close to body, minimal room
Regular Fit	2" to 4"	Standard comfortable fit
Relaxed Fit	4" to 6"	Roomy, comfortable
Oversized	6"+	Very loose, boxy silhouette

Which Should Your Size Chart Show?

✅ Best Practice: Garment Measurements

Show garment measurements because they tell customers exactly what they're getting. A customer can measure a garment they own and compare directly.

Include a note: "For best results, measure a similar garment you own that fits well."

FAQ

Should size charts show body or garment measurements?

Garment measurements are preferred—they show exactly what the customer receives. Include a sizing guide to help customers compare body to garment measurements.

How do I convert body to garment measurements?

Add ease: 2-4" for comfortable fit, 0-2" for slim fit, 4-6" for relaxed fit. Exact amount depends on garment type and desired fit.

What is "ease" in clothing?

Ease is extra room added to body measurements. Negative ease = smaller than body (stretchy fabrics). Positive ease = extra room for comfort.

Why are garment measurements different from body?

Garments need extra room for comfort and movement. A 36" chest might wear a 40" shirt—the 4" difference is the design ease.

Should I measure garments flat or circumference?

Most charts show flat (half circumference). Always specify which. Flat × 2 = circumference.

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