Measurements and Fit
It's all in the 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.

This terminology applies to knitwear as well.

Sweaters can be described as fitted, close fitting, of average fit, loose fitting and even oversized.

Each descriptive label represents an amount of wearing and design ease, aka measurements, that have been "built into" or substracted from the pattern to give the finished garment a particular fit and overall look.

What is wearing ease? Wearing ease is the amount of extra fabric in a sweater beyond your actual body measurements. You need this extra space just so you can move while wearing your sweater. It is also assumed that you will be wearing the sweater layered over another item of clothing...in this case, a long sleeve shirt. The long sleeved shirt will take up some of that extra "space".

  • 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


    • What is design ease? Design ease is the amount of extra fabric added to the wearing ease in order to give a finished sweater the specific look a designer intended to achieve.

    The chart below illustrates the difference between actual and finished measurements as they relate to Hobbie's wizard wear.

    For An Actual Body Measurement of...

    The Finished Sweater Measurement will be:
    Child's S.12 - 30.5" chest

    33.8 inches
    Misses SM - 35 in. bust

    38 inches

    Misses MED - 37.5 in. bust

    40.8 inches
    Men's 40 in. chest

    44 1/4 inches
    Men's 46 in. chest

    50.9 inches


    Hobbie's Sizing Information

    For the convenience of our many international customers, we converted the finished measurements for our sweaters into centimeters. Click on the clipboard links to view the conversions and compare both the sizing and measurements for Hobbie's wizard wear to various international sizing systems, including UK and European Sizes.

    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 measurements 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. Detailed measurement charts for the individual sizes can be found below.

    When ordering, be sure to use the "Custom Size [w/alterations]" option in the drop down menu. This automatically alerts us that you are requesting minor alterations - details being contained in the "Optional Instructions" text box in the shopping cart.

    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 measurements, plus generous wearing ease.

    Body and sleeve lengths correspond to standard measurements for a specific size. However, if needed, both of these measurements 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.

    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.

    These measurements will determine the size you should order and the amount of customizing, if any, that needs to be done. The same measurements will 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 measurements. When taking measurements for this sweater, select the 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 to take sleeve measurements.

    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 measurement across the shoulder width: 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.

    how to measure the back width of a sweater

    Hobbie's is always available to verify sizing prior to ordering so please be sure to contact us to review measurements - it's a free service. We are not responsible for poor fit [refunds are not applicable] if not provided with accurate measurements or, at a minimum, contacted for help in determining which size to order. In nearly 5 years of "virtual" custom fitting, we have yet to misjudge the size a customer requires for a great fit.

    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.

    How to choose your correct size using a few basic body measurements:

    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:

  • Chest: Across fullest part of chest.
  • Sleeve: As for Misses.
  • Sweater Body Length: As for Misses.

    • Petites, Juniors & Misses:

  • Bust: This is the fullest part of your bust..
    •  
  • Chest: Around the body above the fullest part of your bust. Use the largest of these 2 measurements.
  • Sleeve: From shoulder bone to wrist bone over a slightly bent arm.
  • Sweater Body Length: From shoulder, at base of neck, to desired length. Measure a favorite sweater!.

    • Men:

  • Chest: Around the fullest part of the chest.
  • Sleeve and Sweater Body Length as for Misses.



    • Custom Size or Standard Size?

    The detailed measurements given in the charts below are for our individually sized, "customized" wizard wear. We provide you with the finished measurements of the sweater to help you determine if the fit is correct as given or needs to be customized for a near perfect, personal fit.

    If a near perfect, personal fit is not as important, you will soon be able to select a sweater using our new, garment industry standard sizes of XSmall, Small, Medium, Large and XLarge for Misses, Men, Juniors and Children. These sweaters are knit to standardized measurements which usually cover 2 sizes - a Misses Medium, for example, will fit someone wearing either a size 8 or 10.

    Body Measurements - Simplicity Patterns

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