Lay it flat, measure from the points shown below and compare it with the exact product chart.
Franks Clothing fit guide
Find the fit before you order.
Size labels can vary between garments and cuts. The most reliable method is to measure clothing you already like, then compare those numbers with the product-specific chart.
Last updated: 17 June 2026
A medium in one garment may not match a medium in another cut, fabric or product style.
Regular, relaxed, boxy, cropped and oversized garments are intended to sit differently.
Choose based on the measurement that matters most to you, usually chest, waist or length.
Exact measurements belong to the individual product. Use this page to learn how those measurements are taken, then check the chart or sizing details shown on the product page before buying.
Choose your size in three steps
Use a T-shirt, hoodie or pair of joggers that already fits the way you want the new item to fit.
Smooth the garment naturally without stretching it. Measure in a straight line from the points below.
Match your numbers with the product-specific measurements, giving priority to your preferred chest, waist or length.
Do not rely only on the letter printed on the label. Fit and finished garment measurements can change between products, fabrics and silhouettes.
Garment measurements vs body measurements
A product chart may show either the finished garment dimensions or the body size the garment is intended to fit. These are different measurements.
- Garment measurement: the clothing itself is measured flat.
- Body measurement: the tape goes around your body.
- Flat chest width: measured from armpit to armpit across one side of the garment.
- Approximate garment circumference: double the flat chest or waist width.
A finished garment must have enough room for comfort and movement, so its circumference will usually be larger than the matching body measurement.
How to measure T-shirts, baby tees and tops
Place the garment on a clean, flat surface. Smooth it gently so the side seams and hem sit naturally. Do not pull or stretch the fabric.
Chest width
Measure straight across the front, from one side to the other, around 2.5 cm below the armpits.
This is a flat width. Double it for an approximate full garment circumference.
Body length
Start at the highest point of the shoulder where it meets the collar.
Measure vertically down to the bottom hem without following the curve of the side seam.
Shoulder width
Measure across the upper back from one shoulder seam to the other.
A wider shoulder measurement usually creates a more relaxed or dropped-shoulder appearance.
Sleeve length
For a standard tee, measure from the shoulder seam along the top of the sleeve to the opening.
Use the method stated beside the product chart when a different starting point is shown.
How to measure hoodies and sweatshirts
Zip or fasten the garment where applicable, lay it flat and smooth the body and sleeves without stretching them.
- Chest width: straight across, just below the armholes.
- Body length: highest shoulder point beside the collar to the bottom hem.
- Sleeve length: follow the product chart method. Some garments are measured from the shoulder seam; others use the centre-back neck point.
- Hem width: straight across the bottom edge while the ribbing rests naturally.
The hood is not included in the body-length measurement. Ribbed cuffs and hems should rest naturally rather than being pulled open.
How to measure joggers and bottoms
Lay the garment flat with the waistband sitting naturally. Fasten any buttons or zip before measuring.
Waist width
Measure straight across the top of the waistband without stretching the elastic.
When a chart gives a range, it may show the relaxed and stretched waist measurements.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch seam down the inside leg to the bottom hem or cuff.
Compare this with trousers or joggers that already sit at your preferred ankle position.
Front rise
Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the front waistband.
A longer rise usually sits higher on the waist or creates more room through the seat.
Leg opening
Measure straight across the bottom opening while it sits flat and unstretched.
For cuffed joggers, this shows how closely the cuff may sit around the ankle.
How to measure for caps and headwear
Use a soft tape measure around the widest part of your head. Run it above the eyebrows and ears, keeping the tape level around the back of the head.
- Keep the tape comfortably close without pulling it tight.
- Take the measurement twice to confirm it.
- For adjustable caps, compare your head measurement with the adjustment range.
- Hair style and how high or low you wear the cap can change the preferred setting.
What the Franks fit descriptions mean
A familiar everyday shape with balanced room through the body. Start with your usual size, then check the chart.
More space through the chest, waist or sleeves without the full proportions of an oversized cut.
Intentionally wider through the body and often broader at the shoulders. Choose your usual size for the intended shape.
Closer or shorter through the body. Check chest and length carefully and consider the larger size when between measurements.
Sizing down an oversized garment changes more than width. Shoulder position, sleeve shape and body length can change too, so compare the actual measurements first.
Common measurement terms
| Measurement | What it means | How it is taken |
|---|---|---|
| Chest width | Flat width of the garment across the chest. | Side to side, around 2.5 cm below the armholes. |
| Chest circumference | Distance around the chest or garment. | Body: around the fullest part. Garment estimate: double the flat chest width. |
| Body length | Vertical length of a top. | Highest shoulder point beside the collar to the bottom hem. |
| Shoulder width | Width across the upper back. | Straight from one shoulder seam to the other. |
| Sleeve length | Length from the stated shoulder or neck point to the sleeve end. | Follow the method named in the individual product chart. |
| Waist width | Flat width across a waistband or garment waist. | Side to side with elastic resting naturally. |
| Inseam | Inside-leg length. | Crotch seam to the bottom hem or cuff. |
| Rise | Distance from crotch seam to waistband. | Measured vertically along the front or back as labelled. |
Convert inches and centimetres
Enter a value in either box. The other measurement updates automatically.
Converted values are rounded to one decimal place.
Fabric, washing and natural variation
Small measurement differences can occur through cutting, stitching, finishing and the behaviour of the fabric. A garment may still sit differently from another item with similar measurements because of weight, stretch, drape or ribbing.
Cotton and cotton-rich garments can change slightly after washing. Follow the care label, wash at the recommended temperature and avoid high heat where the garment instructions advise against it.
Measure an unworn or freshly washed comparison garment for the closest match. Do not stretch the fabric when checking dimensions.
For returns relating to fit or size, read the Returns & Refunds Policy before sending anything back.
Sizing questions
Quick fit answers
Common questions about measurements, oversized styles and choosing between sizes.
Should I use my normal clothing size?
Use it as a starting point, then compare measurements. A size label can fit differently across regular, relaxed, cropped and oversized products.
What should I do when I am between sizes?
Choose based on the measurement most important to you. The larger size usually gives more comfort; the smaller size usually gives a closer fit. Check length too, since sizing up or down changes more than width.
Is chest width the full chest measurement?
No. Chest width is usually the garment measured flat from side to side. Double that number for an approximate garment circumference.
Should I size down in an oversized T-shirt?
Choose your usual size for the intended oversized silhouette. Size down only after comparing chest, shoulder and length measurements with a garment you already own.
Why does the same size fit differently across two products?
Different cuts, fabrics, garment weights and manufacturers use different finished measurements. The individual product chart is more useful than the letter on the label.
Can measurements vary slightly?
Yes. Small differences can occur through normal manufacturing and fabric behaviour. Measure garments flat and unstretched using the same points shown in the product guide.
Still unsure?
Ask Franks before ordering.
Send us the product name, the size you are considering and the measurements from a garment you already own.