Hoodie Size Chart: Measurements, Fit and Fabric Weight
Hoodies are cut roomier than t-shirts of the same letter so they can go over other layers. These are the garment measurements to expect, how pullovers, zip-ups and heavyweight oversized styles differ, and how to check a size against one you own.
A standard unisex medium hoodie measures about 22 in (56 cm) across the chest laid flat, a 44 in (112 cm) circumference, and about 27 to 28 in (69 to 71 cm) from shoulder to hem. That is roughly 2 in (5 cm) wider flat than a medium t-shirt from the same maker, and it fits a 38 to 40 in (97 to 102 cm) chest.
- Medium, flat chest
- 22 in (56 cm)
- Medium, length
- 27-28 in (69-71 cm)
- Per size up
- +2 in wide
- Midweight fleece
- 250-300 gsm
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Hoodie size chart: garment measurements
The widths below are for a classic-fit unisex pullover hoodie, the cut used by most blank and printed hoodies. Flat widths match the published spec of the Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend, one of the most widely printed blanks. Published lengths for the same style differ by about 1 in between sources, so they are given as ranges.
| Size | Chest width, flat | Chest circumference | Body length | Fits body chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 20 in 51 cm | 40 in 102 cm | 26-27 in 66-69 cm | 34-36 in 86-91 cm |
| M | 22 in 56 cm | 44 in 112 cm | 27-28 in 69-71 cm | 38-40 in 97-102 cm |
| L | 24 in 61 cm | 48 in 122 cm | 28-29 in 71-74 cm | 42-44 in 107-112 cm |
| XL | 26 in 66 cm | 52 in 132 cm | 29-30 in 74-76 cm | 46-48 in 117-122 cm |
| 2XL | 28 in 71 cm | 56 in 142 cm | 30-31 in 76-79 cm | 50-52 in 127-132 cm |
| 3XL | 30 in 76 cm | 60 in 152 cm | 31-32 in 79-81 cm | 54-56 in 137-142 cm |
Hoodie length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom of the ribbed waistband. The rib pulls in, so a hoodie ends at about the same point on the body as a tee that is 1 to 2 in longer.
Hoodie vs t-shirt: why the same size is bigger
A medium hoodie is about 4 in (10 cm) larger around the chest than a medium t-shirt from the same maker (44 in against 40 in). That extra room, called ease, lets the hoodie go over a tee or thin shirt and keeps thick fleece from clinging. At the same time the hoodie is usually slightly shorter, because the waistband and cuffs are designed to sit snug.
This is why the advice to "size up for a hoodie" is usually wrong for basic hoodies: the size up is already built in. The t-shirt measurements for comparison are in the t-shirt size chart.
Pullover, zip-up, oversized and cropped hoodies
| Style | How it is cut | Which size to order |
|---|---|---|
| Classic pullover | Set-in sleeves, ribbed hem and cuffs, 4-6 in of chest ease | Your tee size |
| Full-zip | Same body as the pullover; the zip adds no stretch | Your tee size; size up if you will wear it zipped over a sweater |
| Athletic / fitted | Closer chest, tapered body, often with elastane | Your tee size; size up if between sizes |
| Oversized / boxy | Wide body (often 24-26 in flat in a medium), dropped shoulders, shorter for its width | Your usual size; sizing up again makes sleeves cover the hands |
| Cropped | Body ends at or above the navel, often with a wide body | Your usual size; check the listed length |
Dropped shoulders move the shoulder seam several inches down the upper arm, so the sleeve is shorter to compensate. When you compare an oversized hoodie with a classic one, compare sleeve length measured from the center back of the neck, not from the shoulder seam.
Fabric weight: what gsm means for hoodies
Fleece weight is given in grams per square meter (gsm) or, in the US, ounces per square yard. To convert, multiply oz/yd² by 33.9.
| Category | gsm | oz/yd² | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Under 250 | Under 7.4 | Thin, drapey; often French terry or jersey-lined |
| Midweight | 250-300 | 7.4-8.8 | The standard pullover hoodie |
| Heavyweight | 300-400 | 8.8-11.8 | Thick, structured; holds a boxy shape |
| Extra heavy | Over 400 | Over 11.8 | Stiff when new; usually cut oversized |
Heavier fleece stretches less and adds bulk on the inside, so a 400 gsm hoodie with the same listed width as a 270 gsm one feels slightly tighter. When moving to a heavyweight brand, match the flat width of a hoodie you like rather than the letter size.
How to measure a hoodie
- Lay it flat and zipped (if it has a zip), hood folded behind.
- Chest width. Straight across from side seam to side seam, 1 in below the armholes. Double it for circumference.
- Body length. From the high point of the shoulder, beside the hood seam, down to the bottom edge of the waistband.
- Sleeve length. From the center back of the neck, along the shoulder and sleeve, to the end of the cuff. Compare this with your own sleeve measurement (center back of neck to wrist, arm slightly bent). The cuff should end at the base of the thumb.
To wear a hoodie over a sweatshirt or a thick knit, its chest circumference should be at least 6 in (15 cm) larger than your body chest. To wear one under a jacket, the jacket needs similar room; see the jacket size guide.
Women's and kids' hoodie sizes
Women's hoodies are sized by bust on the same letter scale as tops (M fits about a 35-37 in, 89-94 cm, bust), but cut narrower in the shoulders and shorter in the body and sleeves than unisex. For an easy, slouchy unisex fit, women usually order one letter below their women's size: a women's M takes a unisex S. Full conversions between women's numeric and letter sizes are in the clothing size chart.
Youth hoodies follow youth letter sizes (YS, YM, YL, YXL), each covering two children's sizes; youth XL is close to an adult S in width but shorter. Buying one youth size up gives a child a season of growth without the sleeves becoming unmanageable, because the ribbed cuffs can be pushed back.
Shrinkage and care
- Cotton-rich fleece (80% cotton or more) shrinks most, mainly in length and sleeve, if tumble-dried hot. Wash cold and dry low or flat.
- Cotton-polyester blends (such as 50/50) shrink less and keep their size better, at the cost of more pilling on the inside.
- Brushed fleece loses loft after many washes, so an older hoodie feels larger than a new one of the same size. Factor that in when you measure an old favorite to choose a new size.
For knitwear rather than fleece, the sweater size guide explains knit ease. Sweatshirts for workouts, including compression layers, are covered in the athletic wear size guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the measurements of a medium hoodie?
A classic unisex medium is about 22 in (56 cm) pit to pit and 27-28 in (69-71 cm) long from the high point of the shoulder, cut for a 38-40 in (97-102 cm) chest. Oversized streetwear mediums are often 24-26 in (61-66 cm) wide.
Should I size up in a hoodie?
Usually not. A basic hoodie is already cut about 4 in (10 cm) larger around the chest than a tee of the same size. Size up only for a deliberately baggy look, if you will wear a thick layer underneath, or if the hoodie is cotton-rich and not preshrunk.
What does 350 gsm mean on a hoodie?
It is the fabric weight: 350 grams per square meter, about 10.3 oz per square yard. That is heavyweight fleece. Standard pullover hoodies are usually 250-300 gsm (about 7.4-8.8 oz/yd²), so a 350 gsm hoodie feels thicker and stiffer, and heavyweight styles are often cut boxy.
Do hoodies run big or small?
Basic blank hoodies run true to the chest chart with built-in room. Fashion and athletic brands often cut closer, and oversized streetwear brands much looser. Compare the garment's flat chest width with a hoodie you already own instead of relying on the letter.
Are women's hoodies sized differently from unisex?
Yes. Women's hoodies use the same letters but are narrower in the shoulders, shorter in the body and sleeve, and often shaped at the waist. A woman who wants a relaxed unisex hoodie usually takes one letter size smaller than her women's size.