This is part three of a three part blog series about the Adept Universe T-shirts.
Like numerous other T-shirts, the fitted T-shirts I’ve chosen for the Adept Universe Merch fit small. Achieving good, flattering fit is possible, but only if you are willing to pull out a measuring tape and possibly disregard the gender designation on the sizing chart included on each sales page.
For example, both Elizabeth (who designed the logos and models the T-shirts on the blog sales page) and I normally wear a medium size (say in a T-shirt from Banana Republic), but in the Adept Universe designs we both wear a Female XL. As you can see by the picture below, even an extra large is fairly fitted on Elizabeth (as it is on me).
How you want your clothing to fit depends on how much positive or negative ease you would like built into the item. I like to wear my T-shirts fitted, but not tight, so I choose a size that gives me small amount of positive ease.
To figure out what that size is, I measure my chest across the widest part, getting 37 inches. Then I consult the sizing chart that Amazon offers for the T-shirt I want to buy:
The women’s XL is 18 3/4 wide (measured from underarm to underarm). That’s 37.5 inches total. Technically, giving me only half an inch of ease. So, before I even purchase the T-shirt, I know that a Women’s XL will fit me snuggly but it shouldn’t pinch.
Now if I wanted a slightly looser fit I could go into the Men’s medium. 20 x 20 inches is 40 inches total. Which would give me 3 inches of ease. Because the T-shirt style is naturally slim fitting, I know this would look roomy but not too boxy on me.
Straightforward, yes? Yes!
The second option for achieving a good fit is to pull out a favourite T-shirt that fits you well and measure it from underarm to underarm. Double this number, and find the nearest corresponding size on the sizing chart.
So my example (above) is my Smart Ass University T-shirt, which fits me fairly tightly and measures 18 inches from underarm to underarm. According to the sizing charts above I could purchase a Men’s small. Personally I’d stick with the Female XL, because I wouldn’t mind a slightly looser fit.
Makes sense, yes?
Meghan, I normally wear a woman’s large, I ordered an xl and after washing even in cold, it is now too small! Also be careful if you put it in the dryer, even on low. If I order again I will go with a men’s size, and air dry. It is to nice a design to not be able to wear it☹️.
Yeah, if you are trying to go by sizes, not actual measurements, it seems two sizes up is better. I’m a medium so I buy an extra large. I delicate wash and delicate dry. 😊
Okay, this is going to sound stupid, maybe, but the sizing you have listed in this post is the not the same as the sizing listed on Amazon’s website when I click on the size chart. Based on your sizing, I think I need a men’s medium (my comfy t-shirts are between 19-21 inches across). Amazon’s size chart is telling me that a women’s XL is up to 43 inches in the chest measurement. I’m thinking your sizing chart is more accurate, do you think this is a correct assumption?
Yes! I’m using the chart on the actual sales page under the images (clicking the sales chart link takes you to some other generic chart??). Plus I have actually physically measured my XL shirts that I own (granted they’ve been washed a bunch) that I purchased through Amazon. I’d go up a size unless you like your shirts fitted. 😊
I really, really want Kandys shirt. I do bite! It just makes me smile! I always think of her smile-non smile look. It just makes you wonder, right?. Love it when she’s bad ass! I would love it in green because that’s her color!! Any color would be fine. I’m thinking Men’s size 3x. I like them loose.
Hey just bought my 3rd one of your t-shirts, all xl ladies and it fits completely different than my first 2. Just an FYI not a complaint, amazon is taking my return….also totally enjoying archivist 1 🙂 I guess I am interested if anything changed with the Bella brand you use or if you have any suggestions on how to order.
I’m sorry. I have no idea why the T-shirts would have changed. Except if it was a mistake.