Sweatwear when you have become broader across the shoulders

Short answer: When your shoulders have become broader, choose sweatwear by the shoulder seam and chest, not by the size you usually take. Try one size up if the sleeves feel tight, and check that the length still suits your body so the top sits calmly.

The shoulders decide the fit

If you have trained or put on width across the shoulders, they decide whether a sweatshirt sits well. The seam should land at the outer edge of the shoulder, not up on the upper arm or down at the side. If it sits wrong, the whole top pulls crooked, and you notice it with every movement.

Why your old size no longer fits

Many people reach for the size they have always worn, but the body changes and the clothes do not. If your back and shoulders have grown broader, your old size can become tight across the upper body and short at the same time. Treat the number on the label as a starting point, not as a fact.

How to measure yourself

Measure around the widest part of your chest and shoulders while standing relaxed with your arms down. Use a soft tape and let it lie flat without pulling. Write the number down and compare it with the size chart for the top you are considering. Do it in the evening, when your body is at its usual size.

Signs the sweatshirt is too tight

It is too tight if the sleeves pull when you raise your arms, or if the fabric forms creases across your back. If you cannot cross your arms without resistance, it is too small as well. A sweatshirt should feel soft and leave room, not remind you of a compression top.

When one size up is too big

Some find that one size up gives sleeves that are too long and a body that hangs. In that case a relaxed fit may work better, with the cuff folded back. Sweatwear differs from a shirt, since it is allowed to sit a little loose without you drowning in it.

The hoodie as a good starting point

The hood and pouch pocket make a hoodie easy to put on and take off, and the loose shape forgives small changes in your body. You can browse the bamboo hoodie for men. Choose by the shoulders first, then check the length so it covers your waistband when you bend over.

Washing without losing the fit

Wash the sweatshirt following the care label, usually at a low temperature and without too hard a spin. Turn it inside out so the surface stays nice. Let it dry flat or hanging, not on a hot radiator, so it keeps its shape and does not shrink more than necessary.

The rest of the wardrobe follows

When your upper body changes size, it is worth looking at the whole routine. The sweatshirt does not stand alone, and soft everyday pieces underneath make it more comfortable. You can read more about bamboo sweatwear, and a pair of soft socks for men rounds off the day without anything pinching.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose one size up when I have become broader?

Often yes, if the shoulders or chest feel tight. Measure yourself, compare with the size chart, and check that the sleeves and length do not become too big when you go one size up.

Where should the shoulder seam sit on a sweatshirt?

At the outer edge of the shoulder, where the arm begins. If the seam hangs down on the upper arm, the sweatshirt is too big, and if it sits close to the neck, it is too small or too narrow.

Can I wash the sweatshirt without it losing its shape?

Yes, if you wash at a low temperature following the care label and let it dry flat or hanging. Avoid heat and a hard spin, since they are what most often change the fit.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.