Personalised Apparel Sizing Guide: Measure Your Team Correctly
Last Updated: 16 June 2026
Getting the sizing right is one of the challenges most of our clients complain about. We supply over 160,000 items of apparel every year, and we’ve seen the same sizing mistakes happen repeatedly. But the good news is, we can easily avoid these errors. In this guide, we asked our account managers for their insights and tips on getting your team’s sizing right and why sizing varies between suppliers. and how to avoid these costly mistakes. We also created a table showing the different sizes of our major suppliers to help guide you.
Why Apparel Sizes Vary
Before we dive into measuring, let’s understand why sizing differs between brands. Some common reasons are:
1. Different Suppliers Have Different Standards
There’s no universal clothing size standard. For example, Supplier A measures Small as 38 cm by half chest, while Supplier B measures Small as 42 cm by half chest, and allocates 38 cm for XXS. If you’ve ordered from a different supplier before, you cannot get complacent and use the same sizing for a different supplier.
The reason is that Australian suppliers often use different size charts than Asian or European manufacturers. This is exactly why Wendy Li, one of our account managers with years of experience coordinating large accounts, always emphasises the importance of checking the sizing before placing orders. Suppliers like AS Colour and Fashion Biz always have a sizing guide on all their product pages to avoid sizing errors.
2. Fabric Type Affects Shrinkage
Different fabrics shrink differently. For example, a polyester shirt shrinks less than a cotton shirt. If you order 50 hoodies without accounting for shrinkage rates, you might end up with sizes 1-2 sizes smaller after the first wash. Different fabrics require different care instructions, and different washing frequencies mean different shrinkage outcomes. A hoodie worn daily and washed weekly will shrink more than one worn occasionally and air-dried.
3. Australian vs International Sizing
If you’re sourcing apparel from overseas, sizing runs completely different. Australian sizing tends to be slightly smaller than US sizing and significantly smaller than European sizing. A US Medium might be an Australian Large.
4. Brand Inconsistencies
Even within the same brand, different product lines have different fits. For example, AS Colour classifies its t-shirts by fit: box, relaxed, or regular. One supplier’s jacket might run small, while their t-shirt runs true to size. We always recommend checking individual product fit notes rather than assuming consistency across a range.
How to Measure Your Team (Step-by-Step)
Accurate measurements are the foundation of getting sizing right. Here’s exactly how to measure each key area. We recommend having someone assist with measurements—it’s much easier with two people.
Chest Width (Most Common)
Most of our suppliers measure their shirts by chest width. Ariane Milarpez, one of our account managers, added that while this is true, it’s also important to note that the measurement is for a full or half chest.
- Where to measure: Wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground. The tape should sit across the nipple line (approximately mid-chest), neither too tight nor too loose. Have the person being measured stand naturally with arms at their sides and breathe normally while you measure.
- Why this matters: Chest width is your primary size indicator. Most size charts start with chest measurements.
- Make sure the tape is running horizontally across the broadest part of the torso. Make sure the person keeps their shoulders relaxed—tension throws off the measurement.
- What to record: Measure in both centimetres and inches. Write down the exact number (for example, 96cm or 38 inches).
Sleeve Length
- Where to measure: This one needs precision. Have the person stand with their arm slightly bent at about a 45-degree angle (as if holding a tray). Measure from the centre back of the neck, across the shoulder, down the outside of the arm to the wrist bone. Keep the tape running along the outer arm seam.
- Why this matters: Sleeve length is critical for professional appearance. Too short looks awkward. Too long covers the hands and looks sloppy.
- Start at the centre back of the neck (where the neck meets the shoulders, in the middle of the back). The tape runs across the top of the shoulder and down the outer arm to the wrist bone—that small bump on the outside of the wrist.
- What to record: Record the full measurement from the back of the neck to the wrist in both centimetres and inches.
Men’s, Women’s, and Unisex
Aside from the fit, another thing to consider is that most apparel items are classified between these three categories. Some suppliers also have specific sizing for kids, so you cannot order a regular women’s size if you’re planning to order for kids.
Men’s Apparel Sizing
Men’s cuts are designed with a straight fit from shoulder to hip. The chest is proportionally larger compared to the waist, and sleeve length tends to run longer. Men’s shirts typically have a box-like silhouette.
Key measurements:
- Chest width is the primary sizing indicator.
- Shoulder width matters more in men’s cuts.
- Sleeve length tends to run longer—an average Australian male who wears a chest size of 96cm typically needs a sleeve length of 84-86cm.
Common sizing issue: Women wearing men’s sizes often end up with apparel that’s too loose in the waist and too long overall, even if the chest fits correctly.
Women’s Apparel Sizing
Women’s cuts are tailored differently. They’re fitted at the waist and designed with curves in mind. The torso tends to be shorter than men’s, and sleeves run shorter. Women’s sizes also tend to run smaller than men’s equivalents—a woman’s Medium is typically smaller than a man’s Medium from the same supplier.
Key measurements for women’s apparel:
- Chest width is still primary, but bust fit matters.
- Waist measurement becomes important in women’s cuts.
- Sleeve length runs noticeably shorter—an average Australian woman who wears a chest size of 88cm typically needs a sleeve length of 76-78cm (compare this to the men’s example above)
Best for: Teams with predominantly women, or when you want a more tailored, professional look.
Australian women’s sizing note: Australian women’s apparel sizing can be particularly tricky because some suppliers use Australian sizing (6, 8, 10, 12) while others use international sizing (XS, S, M, L). Always ask your supplier which system they use.
Unisex Apparel Sizing
Unisex cuts are designed to fit a broad range of body types without tailoring to either men’s or women’s proportions. They’re typically straight-cut, relaxed, and roomy. Unisex sizing usually falls between men’s and women’s proportions.
Key measurements:
- Chest width is the primary indicator.
- Sleeve length is moderate—not as long as men’s, not as short as womens
- Overall fit is looser and less tailored.
Advantage: One size range works across more body types, reducing the complexity of ordering multiple cut styles.
Disadvantage: It won’t fit anyone perfectly. Some men will find it loose, while women will find it too long.
Sizing Comparison from Our Main Suppliers
The same size label means completely different things for different suppliers. In fact, some suppliers do not even use the conventional sizing: Small, Medium, Large. Other suppliers use numbers like 00, 1, 2, 4, etc. This is why we always recommend specifying measurements rather than sizes.
Below is a breakdown of how t-shirt sizing varies across our major suppliers, Ramo, Fashion Biz, Shiny, and AS Colour.
Men’s Sizing (cm)
| Size |
Fashion Biz Full chest |
Shiny Full chest |
AS Colour Half chest |
Ramo Half chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 87 | — | — | — |
| XS | 92 | — | — | 50 |
| S | 97 | 86–88 | 47 | 52 |
| M | 102 | 90–96 | 52.1 | 54 |
| L | 107 | 98–104 | 56.5 | 56.5 |
| XL | 112 | 106–112 | 61 | 59 |
| 2XL | 117 | 118–120 | 64.1 | 62 |
| 3XL | 122 | — | 67.9 | 65 |
| 4XL | 127 | 126–128 | 74.3 | 68 |
| 5XL | 132 | 134–136 | 78.7 | 71 |
| 6XL | 137 | — | — | 73.5 |
| 7XL | — | — | — | 76 |
| 8XL | — | — | — | 78.5 |
| 9XL | — | — | — | 81 |
Women’s Sizing (cm)
|
Size |
Ramo Half chest |
Shiny Half chest |
Fashion Biz Full bust |
AS Colour Full Chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | — | 77–80 | 75–77 / 78–82 | — |
| XS | 42 | 82–85 | 83–87 | 45.7 |
| S | 44.5 | 87–90 | 88–92 | 48.3 |
| M | 47 | 92–95 | 93–97 | 50.8 |
| L | 49.5 | 97–100 | 98–102 | 52.7 |
| XL | 52 / 54.5 | 102–105 / 107–110 | 103–108 | 55.2 |
| 2XL | 57 | 112–115 | 109–114 / 115–119 | 57.8 |
| 3XL | 59.5 | 117–120 / 122–125 | 120–124 / 125–129 | 60.3 |
| 4XL | — | 127–130 / 132–135 | 130–134 / 135–139 | — |
| 5XL | — | 137–140 | 140–144 | — |
Unisex (cm)
| Size |
Fashion Biz Half chest |
Ramo Half chest |
Shiny Half chest |
AS Colour Full chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 48 | — | — | — |
| 2XS | — | — | 48.5 | — |
| XS | 50.5 | 50 | 51 | 43 |
| S | 53 | 52 | 53.5 | 47 |
| M | 55.5 | 54 | 56 | 52 |
| L | 58 | 56.5 | 58.5 | 56.5 |
| XL | 60.5 | 59 | 61 | 61 |
| 2XL | 64 | 62 | 63.5 | 64 |
| 3XL | 71 | 65 | 66 | 68 |
| 4XL | 74.5 | 68 | — | 75 |
| 5XL | 78 | 71 | — | 80 |
Kids Sizing (cm)
| Size |
Ramo Half chest |
Shiny Half chest |
AS Colour Full Chest |
Fashion Biz Half chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 27.5 | — | — | — |
| 0 | 30 | — | — | — |
| 2 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | — |
| 4 | 35 | 35 | 36 | 38 |
| 6 | 37.5 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 38 |
| 8 | 40 | 40 | — | 40 |
| 10 | 42.5 | 42.5 | — | 42 |
| 12 | 45 | 45 | — | 44 |
| 14 | 47.5 | 47.5 | — | 46 |
| 16 | 50 | — | — | — |
This is why we ask for actual measurements rather than size guesses. After 20 years in this business, our team has seen enough sizing disasters to know that measurements beat assumptions every single time.
Take note: the size measurements in the table don’t apply across all t-shirt items. We selected only 1 product per category to illustrate the differences in sizing. If you want the specific sizing for your chosen apparel, kindly consult our account managers or refer to the websites of our suppliers.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some sizing mistakes we’ve encountered based on experience:
Mistake 1: Ordering by Size Label Alone
- The problem: You assume your team is “mostly medium and large”, so you order 60 Mediums and 60 Larges. When they arrive, half don’t fit properly.
- The fix: Mary Aguirre Cruz, one of our account managers, always gets actual measurements first. People often misestimate their own size. Someone who thinks they wear a Medium might actually need a Large based on their actual chest measurement.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Fabric Shrinkage
- The problem: You order t-shirts without checking the fabric composition. They’re 100% cotton. After one wash, they’re noticeably smaller.
- The fix: Ask your supplier about shrinkage rates for the specific fabric. If ordering cotton, size up slightly or choose a cotton-blend that shrinks less. Always include care instructions with branded apparel so employees know how to properly maintain them.
Mistake 3: Forgetting About Weight Variation in Teams
- The problem: Your team includes people with very different body types, yet you order the same size for everyone. This never works.
- The fix: Measure everyone individually. A 50-person team will likely need sizes ranging from XS to 2XL or even 3XL. This is normal and expected.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Wash Frequency Impact
- The problem: You order casual weekend wear and expect it to keep its size after daily washing. It won’t.
- The fix: Consider how often the item will be washed. Daily-wear items (like uniforms) benefit from slightly roomier fits. Event-only items can be more fitted since they’ll be washed infrequently.
Mistake 5: Not Considering Personal Preferences
- The problem: Everyone has preferences for fit. Some people like tight, some like loose. You order the same fit style for everyone, and half your team is unhappy.
- The fix: On your measurement worksheet, ask about fit preferences: “Do you prefer fitted, regular, or relaxed fit?” This small question makes a huge difference in satisfaction.
Companies We’ve Supplied Apparel To
If you want to learn more about how we’ve helped companies by supplying them with t-shirts, jackets, and polo shirts, check out our apparel case studies.
- Park Regis in Sydney
- Brothers Leagues Club
- Dirty Harry’s Bar & Grill
- Ryde Eastwood League
- JETS Leagues Club
- CMW Geosciences in Perth
Before You Order: The 3-Step Process
Getting sizing right doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s the exact process we use with our clients:
Step 1: Measure Your Team Correctly
The first step is to secure the sizing guide for the specific item you will order. Next, make sure to get the unit of measurement right (very crucial). Double-check key measurements (especially chest and sleeve length). Document everything in a spreadsheet. This takes time, but it’s the foundation for everything that follows. We at Cubic Promote always keep a copy of everyone’s chest width and sleeve length, so when we order a new set of custom polo shirts for the team, we get the sizes correct.
Step 2: Share Your Measurements and Context
When you contact us with your order, make sure to provide these details to your account manager:
- Your measurement spreadsheet
- The intended use (daily uniforms, event merchandise, seasonal wear)
- Fabric preferences or restrictions (allergies, comfort needs)
- Budget parameters
- Timeline for delivery
- Brand/design specifications (logo placement, colours, etc.)
The more information you give us, the better we can recommend options. Mary Aguirre Cruz also emphasised that detailed information is invaluable: “When clients tell me exactly what they’re using items for and their measurements, I can match them with products that actually work for their team. It’s the best way to get people excited about wearing their branded apparel.”
Step 3: We Recommend the Best Supplier and Size Combination
Based on your measurements and requirements, we recommend the best supplier and size breakdown for your team. We’ve worked with dozens of suppliers, understand their sizing standards, and know which ones deliver consistently.
We’ll provide you with a detailed size breakdown recommendation, showing exactly how many of each size to order. We’ll also include care instructions and any important fit notes specific to the products you’ve chosen.
Key Takeaways
- Sizing standards vary significantly between suppliers, brands, and countries. Never assume a size label means the same thing everywhere.
- Measure everyone individually. Most sizing mistakes come from assumptions rather than actual measurements.
- Document everything. A simple spreadsheet prevents confusion and makes reordering easier down the track.
- Consider the use case. How often will items be washed? How fitted should they be? These factors matter.
- Ask suppliers who understand fit for help. This is exactly the kind of detail we help with every single day.
Ready to order apparel for your team?
Contact us with your measurements and use case. We’ll recommend the perfect fit and supplier combination for your team. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful apparel orders under our belt, we know how to get sizing right.
