More returns happen because of sizing than almost any other reason — and most of that comes down to guessing rather than checking. Here's how to actually get it right the first time.
Start With a Piece You Already Own and Love
Before checking a size chart, measure a shirt you already own and like the fit of — chest width (measured flat, armpit to armpit, then doubled) and length (collar seam to hem). This single measurement will tell you more than guessing based on the size label alone, since sizing varies meaningfully between brands.
Chest, Not Just Size Label
"Medium" means different things across brands. What doesn't change is your actual chest measurement in centimetres. Always check the chest measurement on a product's size chart against your own — measured around the fullest part of your bust, kept snug but not tight — rather than defaulting to whatever size you usually buy elsewhere.
Shoulder Width Matters More Than People Think
Shoulder seams that sit even slightly past your natural shoulder point make a shirt look boxy rather than relaxed — the two are easy to confuse when shopping online. If a size chart lists shoulder width, check it against a well-fitting shirt's shoulder seam-to-seam measurement.
When to Size Up
Size up if you prefer an oversized or relaxed silhouette, if you plan to layer the piece over something else, or if you're between two sizes and the fabric is a woven (like cotton poplin or linen) rather than a stretch knit — wovens don't give the way knits do.
When to Size Down
Size down only if a specific product's description mentions an oversized or boxy fit as the design intent — in that case, the brand has already built extra room into the pattern, and true-to-size or one size down usually lands closer to a standard fit.
Read the Product Description, Not Just the Chart
A size chart tells you measurements. The product description tells you fit intent — "relaxed fit," "true to size," "model is wearing a size S, usually wears XS." That second piece of information is often more useful than the chart alone.
Find Your Size
A few extra minutes with a measuring tape saves the cost and hassle of an exchange later.
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