You have found the hoodie. You love the print. Then the size buttons appear and the doubt kicks in: M or L? Your usual size, or one up for that relaxed look? Ordering online means you can't try it on first, so the right size comes down to two numbers: your chest measurement and the fit you want. Get those two right and you will rarely send anything back.
This guide walks you through measuring yourself, reading a size chart and choosing between a regular, relaxed and oversized fit, using the real measurements of the hoodies, sweatshirts and tees we sell.
How do I know what size hoodie to get?
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, compare that number with the body measurements in the size chart, and then decide whether you want a regular fit (your size) or a looser fit (one or two sizes up). Your usual size in high-street shops is a useful starting point, but sizes differ between brands, so the chart is always more reliable than the letter on the label.
How to measure yourself in two minutes
All you need is a soft measuring tape and a mirror. Wear a thin t-shirt so the numbers stay accurate.
- Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Keep it horizontal and snug, but not tight.
- Length: measure from the highest point of your shoulder, right next to the collar, down to where you want the hem to end.
- Sleeve: measure from the top of your shoulder down to your wrist bone.
No tape at home? Take a hoodie that already fits you well, lay it flat and measure it from armpit to armpit and from shoulder to hem. Comparing a garment you know with the garment measurements in a size chart is the most accurate trick there is.
How to read a hoodie size chart
Most size charts, including the ones on our product pages, show two tables. It helps to know the difference:
- Body measurements tell you which size is designed for your chest. Use this table with the number you just measured.
- Garment measurements show the hoodie itself, laid flat. The width is measured from armpit to armpit, so it is half the total circumference. Use this table to compare with a hoodie you already own.
Here is what that looks like for our premium pullover hoodie, the Cotton Heritage M2580 used for pieces like Patu VI and Peeling Paint:
| Size | Fits chest (cm) | Hoodie width, flat (cm) | Hoodie length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 96.5 to 104 | 51 | 68.5 |
| M | 106.5 to 114.5 | 53.5 | 71 |
| L | 117 to 124.5 | 58.5 | 73.5 |
| XL | 127 to 134.5 | 63.5 | 76 |
| 2XL | 137 to 145 | 67.5 | 78.5 |
| 3XL | 147.5 to 157.5 | 71 | 81.5 |
Measurements come from our supplier and can vary by a few centimetres per piece. The full chart is on every product page under the size guide.
Regular, relaxed or oversized: which fit do you want?
The same hoodie can look completely different depending on the size you pick. Decide on the look first, then choose the size.
Regular fit: take your size
The shoulder seam sits on your shoulder, the hem ends around your hips and the cuffs stop at your wrist. This is the cleanest look and the easiest to layer under a jacket. If you plan to wear a coat over it most days, regular is the safe choice.
Relaxed fit: one size up
The shoulder drops a little, the body has room to move and the sleeves bunch slightly at the cuffs. This is the everyday streetwear fit most people are after, comfortable without looking borrowed.
Oversized fit: two sizes up
The shoulder seam drops well down your arm, the hem sits low and the sleeves stack at the wrist. It looks best with slimmer trousers or shorts to balance the volume. For outfit ideas, read how to style an oversized hoodie.
Does this hoodie run small?
Yes, a little. Our supplier notes that the premium pullover hoodie and the premium crewneck sweatshirt both run small, and recommends ordering one size larger than your usual size for a comfortable regular fit. So if you are normally an M in high-street brands and want the hoodie to fit the way your other hoodies do, take an L. Want it properly oversized? Go for XL.
Our t-shirts, the Bella + Canvas 3001 used for tees like Patu V, are true to size with a regular unisex cut. Take your usual size for a classic fit, or one up if you like a boxier tee.
Hoodie vs sweatshirt vs t-shirt sizing
- Hoodies need a bit of extra room because you often wear a tee underneath. Size up one for a regular fit.
- Sweatshirts like Lisimbein have a ribbed hem and cuffs that pull the shape in, so they can feel tighter than a hoodie in the same size. The same advice applies: one up for a regular fit. Not sure which one suits you? See hoodie vs sweatshirt.
- T-shirts are true to size. Keep in mind that a tee meant for layering under a hoodie works best in your regular size, so it doesn't bunch up underneath.
Will my hoodie shrink in the wash?
Cotton-rich fabrics can shrink slightly when washed hot or tumble dried. Wash on 30 degrees, inside out, and let it air dry, and the size you bought is the size you keep. Our full care guide explains how to protect the print as well. Fabric weight matters too; hoodie weight explained covers why a heavier hoodie keeps its shape longer.
Quick size cheat sheet
- Measure your chest.
- Find your size in the body measurements table.
- For our hoodies and sweatshirts: add one size for a regular fit, two for oversized.
- For our tees: stick with your size, or add one for a boxy look.
- Between two sizes? Take the bigger one. A hoodie that is a little roomy always looks better than one that pulls across the chest.
Why getting the size right matters to us
Every Zieck piece is printed on demand, made for you once you order. That means no overstock, but it also means the best thing you can do for yourself and the planet is to order the right size the first time. The designs sit on the back, so a good fit also keeps the print where it belongs: flat and centred between your shoulders. Ready to choose? Browse the shop and check the size guide on each product page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I size up for an oversized hoodie?
Yes. For an oversized look, order two sizes above your usual size. For a relaxed fit that still looks tidy, one size up is enough. Remember that Zieck hoodies already run slightly small, so one size up gives a regular fit and two sizes up gives a relaxed to oversized fit.
Do Zieck hoodies run small?
Yes, slightly. Our premium pullover hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts run small, so we recommend ordering one size larger than your usual size for a regular fit. Our t-shirts are true to size.
How do I measure my chest for a hoodie?
Wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your arms, keeping it horizontal and snug. Compare that number with the body measurements in the size chart on the product page.
What size hoodie should I get if I am between sizes?
Choose the larger size. A hoodie with a little extra room looks relaxed and leaves space for a t-shirt underneath, while one that is too tight pulls across the chest and shoulders.
Are hoodies unisex sized?
Most streetwear hoodies, including all Zieck hoodies, use unisex sizing based on a classic men's cut. If you usually shop in women's sizes, go one or two sizes down from your women's size for a regular fit, or keep the same letter for a relaxed fit.
Will a cotton hoodie shrink?
A cotton-rich hoodie can shrink a little if you wash it hot or tumble dry it. Wash it inside out at 30 degrees and let it air dry to keep its size and protect the print.
