Measurements and Fit - A Matter of Wearing Ease

Correct measurements are critical to acheiving the perfect fit.

Throughout the apparel industry, you will come across a variety of terms which indicate the way clothing will fit any given person. This terminology applies to knitwear as well.

What is wearing ease?

Wearing ease is the amount of extra fabric in a sweater above and beyond your actual body measurements.

Fitted = -10% wearing ease

Close fit = - 5% wearing ease

Average fit = up to 10% wearing ease

Loose fitting = nearly 15% wearing ease

Oversized fit = up to 20% wearing ease

Actual Versus Finished Measurments

The RENT© sweater has a minimum of wearing ease

In fact, many customers often order it with "negative" ease. The result? a clingy sweater, which is fine for that style but would not work for a stockinet stitch fabric.

Hobbie's Wizard Wear Sizing Information

Hobbie's wizard wear sweaters are available in garment industry "standard" sizes of XSmall, Small, Medium, Large and XLarge for Misses, Men, Juniors and Children. We have included charts for all standard sizes so that you can compare them to individual sizes in each range.

You can still order Hobbie's sweaters in semi-fitted, individual sizes such as a Ladies 6 or a Man's 42, for a totally custom fit - should minor alterations be required. To review detailed measurement for a specific size, be sure to contact us. Charts for the individual sizes can be found below.

If you decide to need a specific size within a range, be sure to make a note of that size in the "Ordering Instructions" text box found in the Shopping Cart. This automatically alerts us that you are requesting a specific size, possibly with minor alterations.

Minor alterations include changes made to sleeve or body length, adjustments for height or to the "fit" [perhaps you prefer a fitted look rather than our standard semi-fitted].

Finished measurements for the individual sizes are based on your actual bust/chest, plus generous wearing ease.

Body and sleeve lengths correspond to standard measurements for a specific size. However, if needed, both can be adjusted for a custom, near perfect fit.

Both versions of Hobbie's school uniform sweater have anywhere between 3.5 inches to approximately 5 inches of wearing and design ease depending on the size range. The average amount of wearing/design ease is 4 to 4.5 inches.

Children's sizes are drafted with what we generally refer to as generous growing room - at least 3.5 inches of ease.

Hobbie's Sports Team Sweater is considered close-fitting with only 1 to 2.5 inches of wearing and design ease added to your actual bust/chest measurement. This applies to all Children's, Juniors, Misses and Men's sizes.

Hobbie's RENT© sweater is considered to be "very fitted", with a bare minimum to negative wearing ease. This means that the sweater is drafted to your exact chest measurement, maybe even smaller than you chest measurement to compensate ofr the stretch in the knit fabric.

How To Take Basic Measurements

All you need in order to get the proper fit in Hobbie's House knitwear are a few basic body measurements.

They will determine the size you should order and the amount of customizing, if any, that needs to be done. They can also help you select the appropriate standard size.

The School Sweater is worn layered over a long sleeve shirt and tie.

Take your bust/chest measurement over a shirt similar to the one you will be wearing with your costume.

Consider this new measurement to be your actual bust/chest measurement. You'll be surprised at how quickly a couple layers of clothing take up extra space and reduce the overall wearing ease.

The Team Sweater is probably worn with nothing more than an undershirt. Undergarments will not affect the fit.

However, due to it's unique, stretchy knit fabric design, Hobbie's Sports Team Sweater has a minimum of wearing and design ease built into the finished sweater. Sselect the sweater size that is closest to your actual bust or chest measurement.

Bust/chest, sweater body and sleeve length are the only basic measurements needed! They will help you choose just the right fit whether you opt for the custom sized sweater or the standard size.

Click HERE to review our notes on how we size sleeves.

Consider your height and body type when selecting a size. It will help you in determining the correct sweater body length.

Misses and Men's set-in sleeve sweaters differ slightly in width across the back shoulder: Misses are narrower while Men's are wider. Ladies, for a great fit, please order from the Misses sizes so that the shoulder line of your sleeve sits at the shoulder rather than an inch or so down from your shoulder line.

The photo below shows where to place the tape measure to correctly measure the back width of a good fitting sweater - from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Hobbie's is always available to verify sizing prior to ordering so please be sure to contact us to review sizing information - it's a free service.

If you do not see a size that "fits" you, send us an email using the contact form found on the FAQ page. We'll quickly customize an individual size for you.

Please review Hobbie's Wizard Wear individual and standard sizing charts for Children, Juniors, Petites, Misses and Men.

What Size Do YOU Wear?

To take correct measurements, all you need is a tape measure, paper and pencil. Make sure to hold the tape measure snugly around your body at bust/chest level. It should be parallel to the floor across your back. These would all be considered actual body measurements.

Children:

Petites, Juniors & Misses:

Men:

Should I Order A Custom or Standard Size?

Hobbie's detailed sizing charts are for our individually sized, "customized" wizard wear.

Our wizard wear collection is deliberately designed to closely resemble the "look" and "fit" of the school uniform knitwear worn by Hogwarts© students.