The number one frustration for HR personnel, administrative staff, and team leaders when ordering custom apparel is: "The shirts arrive, and several employees complain they are too tight or too loose, leading to costly single-piece reorders." The reality is that sizes like S, M, L, and XL are not standardized across garment factories or brands. A size L from one brand can easily match a size M from another! In this guide, Chiangrai Clothing provides a clear, foolproof method to measure chest sizes and collect whole-team measurements accurately on the very first try.
Rule #1: Actual Body Chest vs. Garment Chest
Understanding the 2 Types of Chest Measurements
The most frequent mistake is wrapping a tape measure tightly around someone's chest and ordering that exact number. For instance, if your chest measures 38 inches and you order a 38-inch shirt, the shirt will be skin-tight with strained buttons!
- Body Chest Measurement: The snug measurement around the fullest part of your bare or lightly clothed chest.
- Garment Chest Measurement: The actual circumference of the finished shirt fabric, which must always include "Ease Allowance" for movement and breathing.
Ease Allowance by Silhouette & Garment Type
Scroll horizontally to view full table
| Fit Style | T-shirts / Polos | Shirts / Workshirts | Jackets | Track jackets | How It Feels on the Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slim Fit | +2 inches | +4 inches | +6 inches | +8 inches | Form-fitting, hugs body contours |
| Regular Fit | +4 inches | +6 inches | +8 inches | +10 inches | Comfortable ease, effortless movement |
| Relaxed Fit | +6 inches | +8 inches | +10 inches | +12 inches | Roomy, easily worn over inner layers |
Shirts, workshirts, jackets and track jackets are usually worn over another layer, so they need more room than tees and polos. Jackets go over thicker layers, so they get 2 inches more again, and track jackets, worn over a full school or sports outfit, get the most room of all. To skip the maths, use the "Which size fits me?" finder on our size chart page; it uses the same numbers as this table.
Pro Tip: Measure from Your "Favorite Shirt" (100% Accurate)
No Tape Measure for Your Body? Use Your Best-Fitting Shirt!
If taking body measurements feels tricky or prone to error, our master tailors recommend this foolproof technique:
- Pick your favorite shirt: Take a polo or t-shirt from your closet that fits you best and feels most comfortable.
- Lay it flat on a table or bed: Button it up and smooth out the fabric flat without stretching it.
- Measure under the armpits: Using a ruler or tape measure, measure straight across from the left armpit seam to the right armpit seam (this gives the "Half-Chest" width).
- Multiply by 2: Double this number to get your preferred "Garment Chest Size". Match this exact number with our factory size chart!
Unisex / Men's Straight Cut vs. Women's Tapered Cut
Selecting the Right Pattern for Every Body Type
Chiangrai Clothing offers dedicated cuts tailored to different silhouettes for maximum comfort and style:
- Unisex / Men's Cut (Straight Silhouette):
- Cut straight from chest down through the hem.
- Standard full length that can be worn tucked in or casually untucked.
- Roomy armholes, suitable for men and women who prefer a relaxed, non-tight fit.
- Women's Cut (Tapered Waist Silhouette):
- Tapered at the waist by 1–2 inches to accentuate natural curves.
- Slightly shorter body length designed to sit cleanly at hip level without bunching.
- Feminine sleeves tailored for a flattering upper arm profile.
4-Step Checklist for HR & Team Size Coordinators
1. Share the Actual Size Chart
Never just ask "What size do you wear (S/M/L)?" Always distribute our chart with exact "Chest Inches".
2. Clearly Separate Men & Women
Include a field on your order sheet for employees to choose Straight (Unisex) or Tapered (Women).
3. Size Up for Outerwear
Shirts and workshirts need +4 to +8 inches of chest ease (+6 for a regular fit), jackets +6 to +10 inches (+8 for a regular fit) and track jackets +8 to +12 inches (+10 for a regular fit), so they fit comfortably over an inner layer. For track jackets, you can order the same size as your t-shirt or one size larger.
4. Order a Few Popular Spares
Add 5–10% extra shirts in common sizes (such as L and XL) to accommodate new hires or emergency swaps.
View Full Size Charts or Borrow a Fitting Kit
Explore complete size specifications for all garment styles—including polo shirts, workwear, jackets, and tracksuits—on our Size Chart Page. For corporate orders, Chiangrai Clothing offers a Free Physical Sizing Kit so your team can try sample shirts before production begins!
View All Size Charts