VC products are custom-made in very small batches, which can lead to slight variations in product dimensions. While we include a variance note on all our size charts, we wanted to explain why this happens and how you can measure to verify any differences.
Our products are handmade to order. Please allow for size discrepancies of up to 1/2" per measurement.
Reasons for Measurement Variations
1. Panel cutting
All VC products are cut from meticulously developed patterns and sewn using detailed technical instructions. However, there is some room for human error, particularly during the fabric cutting process.
If a cutter strays outside the pattern line, the garment may end up slightly larger. Conversely, if the cutter goes inside the line, the garment may be slightly smaller. When comparing two jerseys of the same style and size, one cut outside the line and the other inside, you might notice a variance of about 1/2". While this difference is relatively small and typically falls within our acceptable tolerance, it may still be noticeable.
2. Sewing Methods
Just as no two artists paint the same way, no two sewers sew exactly alike. Similar to the previous example, if two different individuals sew two of your garments, slight variations in their methods may result in measurable differences.
Have you ever ordered your favorite t-shirt from your go-to brand and noticed it fits differently? Check where the shirt was made—if it’s from two different countries, the difference likely comes from varying interpretations of the same sizing and construction details.
3. Shrinkage
Last but not least, there’s fabric shrinkage. Both screen printing and sublimation involve exposing garments and fabric to high temperatures, which can cause noticeable shrinkage in the finished garment or the sublimation panels.
Fabric shrinkage refers to the reduction in size of a fabric or garment after it is washed, dried, or exposed to certain conditions like heat or moisture. This phenomenon occurs due to the relaxation of fibers that were previously stretched or tensioned during the fabric's manufacturing process.
When exposed to water, heat, or agitation, fabric fibres return to their natural state, leading to a decrease in the overall dimensions of the fabric.
You will note that on our screen printing information page, and on any printable product descriptions, that we ask you to allow for a 3-7% shrinkage potential, which can be equivalent to a 3/4-2" reduction in overall body length (products usually shrink length-wise).
How to Measure
Now that we understand why products shrink, let’s discuss how to accurately read our size charts, measure the garment you’re examining, and compare the two to determine if it falls within the "acceptable tolerance."
1. Find Product Size Charts
To start, you'll need the size chart specific to the VC product you are looking at. Head over to the product page to find a detailed size chart for each item. For a comprehensive view, our sizing page collects all our charts in one place.
Each chart has an image illustrating how to take precise measurements, along with a chart of dimensions in inches.
2. Measure Your Garment
3. Compare to the Chart
How to Pick Your Size
Selecting the right size from a chart can be tricky. Remember, our size charts reflect garment dimensions, not body measurements.
To find your perfect fit, measure your favourite shirt and compare these dimensions to our size chart. This way, you'll be able to choose a size that matches the fit of your trusted favourite.
Tip: Using a recent VC jersey as your reference point is certainly a good start, but we still recommend confirming using the size charts. Not only have some of our fits evolved over the past few years, but we've added fits to try and be more inclusive of different body shapes.
Style-specific Measuring Points
Each of our size charts is unique to that specific product. Please find the product you are looking to measure below to see the specific measurement points.
Tank
Chest width across at the armhole (including the binding).
Body length from centre back neck (including the binding) to front hem.
Revolution Hoodie
Chest width across at the armhole.
Body length from the highest point of the shoulder (not including the hood) to bottom hem.
Sleeve length from the neck (not including the hood) to bottom hem.
FlexLight Shorts
Full measure of waistband all the way around - make sure to follow the curve of the elastic. Note that the measurement is a relaxed measurement (without the elastic stretched). It will comfortably stretch up to another 6" when worn.
Outseam length at the outside edge from the top of shorts (including the waistband) to bottom hem. Note that these shorts do not have a seam at the outside edge - lay the shorts flat as shown to take the measurement properly.
Inseam length from crotch to bottom hem, following the inside seam of the leg.
Shorty Shorts
Full measure of waistband all the way around - make sure to follow the curve of the elastic. Note that the measurement is a relaxed measurement (without the elastic stretched). It will comfortably stretch up to another 6" when worn.
Waist measurement at the widest part of the hips (7-8" down from waistband) - make sure to follow the curve of the shorts panels. Note that this will be a half measurement when taken flat, so you need to double this measurement to get the full width around the hips of the shorts.
Outseam length from waistband to the bottom of the side panel.
Inseam length from crotch to bottom hem, following the inside seam of the leg.