Taking Hoodie Measurements: A Guide

Whether you're buying or selling a hoodie, it's important to know how to take its measurements. This is because hoodie sizes can vary between brands and styles, so measuring up is the best way to guarantee a perfect fit. To start, lay the hoodie on a flat, hard surface and smooth out any creases or wrinkles. Then, using a flexible fabric tape measure, you can begin to take the following measurements: neck to shoulder, sleeve length, shoulder to shoulder, chest, front length, hem, and sleeve cuff.

Neck to shoulder

To measure the neck-to-shoulder length of a hoodie, first lay the hoodie flat on a hard surface, smoothing out any wrinkles. This will ensure you get accurate measurements. Next, take a flexible fabric tape measure and measure the distance from the middle of the neck to the end of the shoulder, where the sleeve starts. This is the neck-to-shoulder measurement.

The neck-to-shoulder length is crucial for any garment with a fitted shoulder or a sleeve that sits at the point of the shoulder. If this measurement is off, the finished garment may look droopy or ill-fitting. The neck-to-shoulder length is taken along the top of the shoulder, where the front and back of the body meet. It is measured from the neck out to the shoulder point, where the armscye (armhole) sits.

It is important to take this measurement while standing in a normal posture, with your arms slightly out to the side or hanging comfortably. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed, as tensing up can result in an inaccurate measurement. If your shoulders are imbalanced due to physical considerations, measure both shoulders and label the measurements accordingly.

When measuring the neck-to-shoulder length, it is also important to use a flexible fabric tape measure that is at least 36" long. A standard 12" ruler will not be accurate for clothing measurements.

Sleeve length

To measure the sleeve length of a hoodie, first lay the hoodie on a flat, hard surface, smoothing out any wrinkles. Then, using a flexible tape measure, measure from the shoulder to the wrist.

To measure your own sleeve length, first stand with your arms relaxed and by your sides. Slightly bend your arm, as if you were putting your thumb or finger into a trouser pocket. Start the measurement from the backbone at the nape of your neck. Run the tape measure over the top of your shoulder and down your arm to just below the wrist bone. Alternatively, you can measure to the centre of the meaty part of your palm. You can also measure from the middle of the yoke of a shirt, running the tape straight down the sleeve to the end of the cuff.

The sleeve length of a hoodie can also be measured by taking two separate measurements and adding them together. First, measure from the centre back of the neck to the end of the shoulder at the top of the arm. Then, measure from the shoulder to just past the wrist bone. Always slightly bend the elbow when measuring to allow for extra ease.

Shoulder to shoulder

To measure a hoodie, it is important to first lay the garment on a flat, hard surface, smoothing out any wrinkles. This will ensure that you get accurate measurements.

This is the length from one shoulder to the other. It is important to measure across the broadest part of the shoulders, which usually lands roughly 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) below the neckline. The tape measure should follow the natural curve of the shoulders and will not be horizontal.

To measure your own shoulder width, you will need assistance. Stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. The shoulder points are marked by your acromion bones, found at the upper tips of your shoulders, where the shoulder meets the arm. Your helper should position the end of the tape measure flat at the first shoulder point and measure up and over the curve of the shoulder, across the back, and then back down to the outside edge of the other shoulder point.

If you are measuring a shirt, lay it flat and smooth. Measure from the top of one shoulder seam to the top of the second shoulder seam. The tape measure should be flat and horizontal across the shirt.

Chest

To measure the chest of a hoodie, first lay the hoodie flat on a hard surface, smoothing out any wrinkles. Then, take a flexible tape measure and measure the chest width by placing the tape from one armpit area to the other, ensuring the tape is flat across the back. Measure around the fullest part of the chest area, placing the tape close under the arms. This measurement will help ensure the hoodie fits well across the body.

If you are measuring your own chest to determine the correct hoodie size, wrap a measuring tape around the chest, carefully measuring the widest area. This step may be difficult to do alone, so consider asking a friend for help to ensure an accurate measurement.

For a more casual or oversized fit, add a few extra inches to the measurement. It is also important to note that sweatshirts are often cut differently from t-shirts and other clothing, and that sizing varies between brands and styles, so it is always a good idea to check the size chart before purchasing.

Front length

To measure the front length of a hoodie, you must first lay the garment on a flat, hard surface, with the front side facing up. It is important to smooth out any wrinkles, as these can affect the accuracy of your measurements. Next, using a flexible fabric tape measure, stretch it from the highest point of the shoulder to the desired hemline. This is the front length.

It is important to note that the hoodie should be lying flat when you take this measurement. If you are measuring a hoodie that is hanging up, it may stretch and skew your results. It is also important to use a flexible tape measure, as a standard ruler will not be long enough and will result in an inaccurate measurement.

When measuring the front length, it is also a good idea to measure twice to ensure accuracy. If your two measurements do not match, try a third time. You should record your measurement to the nearest 1/4 inch, as anything more specific than this is generally irrelevant.

Finally, it is a good idea to take measurements when you are taking photos of the hoodie. Trying to measure while listing your item at your desk takes a lot more time and energy than doing everything in one go.

Frequently asked questions