How to Measure for Your Ashtin Earle Fit
You don't need a tailor to find your perfect fit. With a flexible measuring tape and five minutes, you can get the exact numbers to compare against the size chart. Here's the process I've refined over a decade of helping creators build their merch lines.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Use a soft, flexible measuring tape - the kind used for sewing. A metal builder's tape won't bend around your body. If you don't have one, use a piece of string and a ruler. Stand in front of a mirror and wear a lightweight t-shirt, not a thick hoodie, for accurate measurements.
Step 2: Measure Your Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, right under your armpits. Keep the tape straight across your back and level with the floor. Take a normal breath and note the number. This is the measurement that matters most when choosing between sizes.
Step 3: Measure Your Waist
Find your natural waistline, usually an inch above your belly button. Wrap the tape around that spot and keep it snug but not tight. This measurement helps if you're between sizes, especially for the tee's straight hem.
Step 4: Measure Your Sleeve Length
For hoodies, sleeve length is critical. Start at the center of the back of your neck, run the tape across your shoulder, and down your arm to your wrist. Relax your arm and let it hang naturally. This is the full sleeve measurement you'll compare to the hoodie chart.
Step 5: Compare to the Size Chart
Once you have your numbers, match your chest measurement to the size chart first. If your chest is 42 inches, you're between M and L. Go with L for a comfortable fit or M for a slimmer look. The length and sleeve measurements help you fine-tune the decision based on your height.
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring over a bulky sweater or hoodie. This adds inches you don't need. Always measure over a thin t-shirt.
- Pulling the tape too tight. The tape should touch your skin but never dig in. If you see the skin indent, loosen it.
- Forgetting to take a breath. Hold a normal breath and let the tape sit naturally. Sucking in your stomach creates a number that's too small.
- Using a worn-out tape that has stretched. Replace it if the marks are worn or the tape feels loose.