The most common question asked by prospective Pattern Room clients is what the critical difference between “size” and “fit” is and how to ensure consistency is maintained across apparel offerings.
During extensive conversations with sportswear and fashion design companies, a lot of time is spent iterating that size and fit are two completely different concepts of measurement, which very rarely go hand in hand.
While “size” is defined by classes, typically numbered or lettered, into which garments are divided according to how small or large they are, “fit” constitutes the way an article of clothing hangs or molds to the wearer’s body shape and is generally categorized by six distinctly different terminologies:
Compression fit mainly caters to athletes wanting to mitigate or eliminate any drag or resistance from sporting attire. Proper compression fit wears like a second skin, with muscle definition visible through garment material.
A tight fit is preferred by most amateur athletes. It’s snug enough to minimize excess material getting in the way of performance, but not so much that close movement or agility is affected. This fit still highlights body tone, but it is much less specified than compression fit.
Slim fit is understood to be the fit that defines and outlines shape by accentuating features but also keeping the mystery alive. Usually, we find that sporting enthusiasts and weekend warriors typically gravitate to this fit first.
A Regular fit is the vanilla ice cream of fits. It’s true, trusted, and dependable. Predictably comfortable, a regular fit is your “every day” T-shirt or pair of pants. Whether they’re worn walking down the street or to a backyard barbecue (once we’re allowed to have social gatherings again), you always know what you’re going to get from a regular fit.
Loose fit is the near ultimate relaxation fit. There is very little garment structure at all, and wearers feel no restrictions from the material. Loose fit lives on the couch at home or on long-haul flights when comfort is king.
An oversized fit is the ultimate relaxed fit. Very loose-fitting, the garments have no shape against the body, meaning no restriction at all. This is the fit which is often used in streetwear, where shape gives way to form.
When considering fit versus size, the key for understanding is that a person will be able to wear the same size (e.g., large) in each of the six fits.
However, each will provide a different shape to the wearer (the fit), for various purposes. The sleeve length, the collar, the hem length, etc. will all be reflective of the size.
FAQs
Size is your actual measurement (think waist, inseam, neck, etc.). Fit is more about the shape and cut of the garment. There's Modern Fit, Slim Fit, Classic Fit and many others. You need to consider both when ordering garments.
Why is sizing system important? ›
The variation in growth patterns will result in variations of body sizes and shapes [21]. Without having a good sizing system that caters to all of the different size ranges it will eventually be difficult to choose the right clothing that fits [22,23].
What does "true to size" mean? ›
True to size or regular fit means that you can order the garment in the size you usually wear. To be safe, always compare your measurements to the size chart anyway as sizes may still differ.
How do you know what size fits? ›
To help choose the right size, you will need to measure your bust, waist and hip. Use a tape measure over your underwear or form fitting clothing and compare your body measurements with those on our size chart, choosing the size that closest matches your measurements.
What is the difference between shape and size? ›
Shape is the appearance ,the figure or what form it has , is it a triangle (3 sides) , a square ( 4 equal sides) , a rectangle ( 4 sides) etc.. Size is the measurement ( or the dimensions) . Since , the shape of the notebook is rectangle, the size can be specified by the length and breadth .
Why is size important in design? ›
Size plays a crucial role in design as it helps establish visual hierarchy, create emphasis, and convey meaning. By varying the size of elements, designers can guide the viewer's attention, communicate the importance of specific elements, and create a sense of balance and harmony within a composition.
Why is sizing necessary? ›
Sizing in weaving production serves to protect the warp yarns during the weaving process. Protective sizing agents help the yarn to withstand high mechanical stress during weaving. They do this by improving the wear resistance of the warp threads and by reducing fiber abrasion.
What are the main objective of the sizing? ›
Sizing improves the surface strength, printability, and water resistance of the paper or material to which it is applied. In the sizing solution, optical brightening agents (OBA) may also be added to improve the opacity and whiteness of the paper or material surface.
Is Nike true to size or? ›
Despite being notorious for running small, Nike shoes actually run true-to-size across the board. Its sizing may differ from specific brands but overall, its scheme is quite close to the average. You can see the comparisons of the most common men's and women's sizes in the table below.
Are jeans true to size? ›
Jeans from Frame tend to fit true to size or slightly smaller to size so we suggest you take your usual size, or a size up from your usual.
Vertical torso measurements, which include the back (neck-waist) length, the shoulder-waist length (not the same as the back length, due to the slope of the shoulder), the bust-shoulder length, the bust-waist length, and the two hip-waist lengths.
What is the measurement of fit? ›
Most often, measures of fitness involve these key areas: Aerobic fitness, which involves how well the heart uses oxygen. Muscle strength and endurance, which involve how hard and long muscles can work. Flexibility, which is how able joints are to move through their full range of motion.
What is fit model size? ›
Women's sizes typically break out much further into subgroups that include misses, juniors, plus sizes, petites and maternity, among several others. Among women's sizes, the generally accepted size for a fit model is a standard US size 8 (or 10 in some regions outside of a fashion metropolis such as New York City).
What is the fit of clothes mean? ›
“Fit refers to how clothes fit the body—words like tight, structured and loose describe fit, while style refers to the way the item is made—think flowing cuts or the cut of a pair of jeans.” — Stylist, Tyler S.
What does fit to all size mean? ›
A one-size-fits-all piece of clothing is designed to fit a person of any size. disapproving. (intended to be) suitable for everyone or every purpose: a one-size-fits-all approach to education. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.
