Oversized sweatshirt, how many sizes should you go up

Short answer: For an oversized sweatshirt, most people go up one to two sizes from their usual. How much depends on how loose you want it and how the style is cut, so measure and check the shoulders, sleeves and length before you choose.

What oversized really is

Oversized means the sweatshirt is deliberately cut larger than your body, with wider shoulders, longer sleeves and more room around the waist. It is a particular fit and not simply a jumper that is too big. That is why you cannot always work out what will happen by going up a size in an ordinary style.

Start with your usual size

First look at which size you normally wear in sweatshirts, and check whether the style is already described as oversized or relaxed. If it is, your usual size is often enough for a relaxed fit. If you want it extra big, go up a size, and read the size notes on the item.

One size up or two

One size up gives a clear but still manageable looseness. Two sizes up gives a very big, almost blanket like shape, where the sleeves and body grow past you. Think about where you will wear it and how much fabric you want around you. Many end up sticking to one size up.

Shoulders and sleeves

The shoulder seam may fall below your shoulder, which is part of oversized, but it should not hang down the upper arm. The sleeves may be long, but if you need your hands, push them up or choose a size where the cuff still reaches the wrist without covering the whole hand.

Length and waist

The sweatshirt may reach mid thigh, but notice whether it gets too long when you sit. If you are shorter, a style that is too big can swamp you, and then a smaller size is better. The hem band should still sit calmly so it does not pull the sweatshirt up or hang flat.

Put it together with the rest

A big top often looks best against a quieter bottom half, for instance a slimmer fit below. You can look at bamboo sweatpants for women, which work as a contrast to a big sweatshirt. It is not a rule, only an idea if you want a calm whole.

Choose the style, not only the size

Two sweatshirts in the same size can fit very differently, depending on cut and fabric. You will find the choice among bamboo sweatshirts for women, and read the fit description before you decide. If you have a sweatshirt you already love, measure its width and length and compare with the new ones.

Washing, shrinking and socks

Wash the sweatshirt as the care label says, and expect it may settle a little in the first washes, so one size more is wise if you want it big. For cold days you can also look at socks for women, so the whole everyday outfit feels soft from top to toe.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go up one or two sizes for oversized?

Most people choose one size up from their usual. Two sizes give a very big, blanket like shape, so think about how loose you really want it, and feel free to measure a sweatshirt you already own.

What if it turns out too big?

Choose a smaller size next time, or look at styles already cut loose. Check shoulders, sleeves and length, because they most often decide whether oversized feels right.

Does a sweatshirt shrink in the wash?

Fabric can settle a little in the first washes, especially if tumble dried hot. Follow the care label, wash at a low temperature and rather air dry if you want to keep the fit.

See our range of men's bamboo sweater.