1ABEL Sizing Guide: Understanding Our Fit Philosophy

The 1ABEL Fit Philosophy: Modern Comfort Meets Intentional Silhouette

Fit is the most important variable in how clothing looks and feels. A perfectly fitted $50 piece will always look better than a poorly fitted $500 piece.

At 1ABEL, we design for modern, relaxed fit—a middle ground between restrictive slim fits and shapeless oversized trends.

Our fit philosophy:

• Comfort without sacrifice: Garments should move with you, not restrict you, but still maintain clean lines and intentional silhouette
• Contemporary proportions: We avoid both 2010s skinny fits and 2020s oversized trends—our fit remains relevant across years
• Layering-ready: Every piece is designed to layer (base layers under mid layers, mid layers under outer layers)
• Shoulder fit priority: Shoulders are anatomically determined—we get this right so the rest of the garment falls correctly

What this means in practice:

Our tees have slightly relaxed chest (not tight, not baggy), standard sleeve length (hits mid-bicep), and length that hits at mid-fly on pants. Our hoodies have room through the chest for layering over tees or thermals, with sleeve length that allows for pushed-up sleeves without bunching.

You won't find extreme cropped lengths, exaggerated oversized fits, or body-hugging compression. Our fit is timeless, versatile, and functional.

Fit is permanent. Trends are temporary. We design for the former.

Regular Fit vs. Relaxed Fit: Understanding the Difference

We offer two fit categories across most products: Regular Fit and Relaxed Fit.

Regular Fit (Contemporary):

• Best for: Versatile everyday wear, clean silhouette, wearing as outer layer
• Chest: Follows natural body shape with 2-3 inches of ease (not tight, not loose)
• Shoulders: Seam sits at natural shoulder point (anatomically correct)
• Length: Tees hit mid-fly on pants, hoodies hit mid-thigh
• Sleeve: Tees hit mid-bicep, hoodies hit wrist bone when arms relaxed
• Who it's for: Most body types, those who prefer clean, contemporary fit

Example: 5'10", 170 lbs, athletic build → Medium Regular Fit across all tops

Relaxed Fit (Layering-Focused):

• Best for: Layering, comfort priority, slightly oversized aesthetic
• Chest: 3-5 inches more room than Regular Fit (comfortable, not baggy)
• Shoulders: Slightly dropped (1/2 inch past natural shoulder point)
• Length: 1-2 inches longer than Regular Fit
• Sleeve: 1/2 inch longer, allows for sleeve push-up without bunching
• Who it's for: Those who layer frequently, prefer looser fit, taller builds

Example: Same person (5'10", 170 lbs, athletic) → Large Relaxed Fit for hoodies to layer over Medium tees

When to choose Regular vs. Relaxed:

• Base layers (tees, thermals, longsleeves): Regular Fit for most people
• Mid layers (hoodies, crewnecks): Regular Fit if wearing as outer layer, Relaxed Fit if layering under jackets
• Outer layers (puffers, overshirts, denim jackets): Relaxed Fit for layering over hoodies

How to Measure Yourself: The Complete Guide

Accurate measurements are critical for online sizing. Here's how to measure yourself correctly:

Tools needed:

• Soft measuring tape (fabric, not metal)
• A well-fitting garment you already own (for reference)
• Mirror (to check tape placement)

1. Chest (for tops):

• Stand with arms relaxed at sides
• Wrap tape around fullest part of chest (usually at nipple line)
• Keep tape parallel to floor, snug but not tight
• Breathe normally, measure on exhale
• Round to nearest half-inch

Comparison method: Lay your best-fitting tee flat, measure pit-to-pit (armpit to armpit), multiply by 2. This is your preferred chest measurement.

2. Shoulder width (for tops):

• Stand naturally (don't force shoulders back)
• Measure across back from one shoulder point (where shoulder meets arm) to the other
• Tape should follow natural curve of upper back, not pull straight across

Comparison method: Lay your best-fitting tee flat, measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back.

3. Body length (for tops):

• Stand straight, measure from high point shoulder (where neck meets shoulder) down to desired hem length
• For tees: typically mid-fly on pants (28-30 inches for most people)
• For hoodies: typically mid-thigh (30-32 inches)

Comparison method: Lay your best-fitting tee flat, measure from high point shoulder (back collar seam) straight down to hem.

4. Sleeve length (for tops):

• Arms relaxed at sides, slightly bent
• Measure from shoulder point down to wrist bone
• For short sleeves: measure to mid-bicep

Comparison method: Lay garment flat, measure from shoulder seam along outside of sleeve to cuff.

5. Waist (for bottoms):

• Measure around natural waist (narrowest part of torso, usually 1-2 inches above belly button)
• Keep tape snug but not compressing skin
• Don't pull stomach in—measure your actual waist

Comparison method: Lay your best-fitting pants flat, measure waistband across, multiply by 2.

6. Inseam (for bottoms):

• Measure from crotch seam straight down to desired hem length
• For joggers: typically ankle (30-32 inches)
• For jeans/cargos: depends on break preference (no break = 30-31", slight break = 32-33", full break = 34-35")

Comparison method: Lay your best-fitting pants flat, measure from crotch seam to hem along inseam.

Pro tip: Write down these measurements and keep them saved. Compare to our size charts on each product page.

1ABEL Size Chart Reference (General Guidelines)

These are general guidelines. Always check specific product pages for exact measurements—each garment type has its own detailed size chart.

Tops (Tees, Thermals, Longsleeves) - Regular Fit:

Size S:

• Chest: 38-40"
• Shoulder: 17-18"
• Length: 27-28"
• Sleeve: 8-8.5" (short sleeve)

Size M:

• Chest: 40-42"
• Shoulder: 18-19"
• Length: 28-29"
• Sleeve: 8.5-9" (short sleeve)

Size L:

• Chest: 42-44"
• Shoulder: 19-20"
• Length: 29-30"
• Sleeve: 9-9.5" (short sleeve)

Size XL:

• Chest: 44-46"
• Shoulder: 20-21"
• Length: 30-31"
• Sleeve: 9.5-10" (short sleeve)

Hoodies/Crewnecks - Regular Fit:

Size M:

• Chest: 42-44"
• Shoulder: 19-20"
• Length: 27-28"
• Sleeve: 25-26" (from shoulder to cuff)

Size L:

• Chest: 44-46"
• Shoulder: 20-21"
• Length: 28-29"
• Sleeve: 26-27"

Bottoms (Joggers, Cargos, Denim):

Size M (30-32 waist):

• Waist: 30-32"
• Inseam: 30-32" (depending on style)
• Rise: 11-12" (front rise)

Size L (32-34 waist):

• Waist: 32-34"
• Inseam: 30-32"
• Rise: 11.5-12.5"

Note: These are approximations. Each product page has exact measurements in the size chart. When in doubt, refer to product-specific measurements.

Between Sizes? Here's How to Choose

If your measurements fall between two sizes, use this decision framework:

For base layers (tees, thermals, longsleeves):

• Size down if: You prefer fitted silhouette, wearing as outer layer (no layering over it), between sizes closer to smaller size
• Size up if: You prefer relaxed fit, plan to layer over it (overshirt, jacket), between sizes closer to larger size

For mid layers (hoodies, crewnecks):

• Size down if: Wearing as outer layer (no jacket over it), prefer fitted look
• Size up if: Layering under jackets/puffers, prefer room to move, want to layer thick base layers underneath

For outer layers (puffers, overshirts, denim jackets):

• Size up (default recommendation): Outerwear is designed to layer over hoodies/crewnecks, so sizing up ensures proper fit with layers
• Size down only if: You plan to wear over tees only (no hoodie), want a more fitted outer layer look

For bottoms (joggers, cargos, denim):

• Size down if: Waist is closer to smaller size (elastic waistband has adjustability)
• Size up if: Waist is closer to larger size, you prefer more room in thighs/seat

Pro tip: When in doubt for layering pieces (hoodies, outerwear), size up. It's easier to adjust fit with layers underneath than to squeeze into a too-small garment.

Fit Expectations by Product Category

Each product category has specific fit characteristics. Here's what to expect:

Premium Tees (VOID, STEEL, MOSS, EARTH, CLOUD, MIST):

• Fit: Slightly relaxed through chest, standard sleeve (hits mid-bicep), length hits mid-fly on pants
• Shoulder: Seam sits at natural shoulder point (not dropped)
• Hem: Straight cut (no side splits), allows for tucking or untucking
• Shrinkage: Pre-shrunk heavyweight cotton, expect minimal shrinkage (1-2% with cold wash/air dry)

Thermals (base layer longsleeves):

• Fit: Closer to body than tees (designed to layer under), but not compression-tight
• Sleeve: Slightly longer (hits wrist bone when arms relaxed, allows for sleeve push-up)
• Length: Slightly longer than tees (prevents riding up when layering)
• Fabric: Merino wool or heavyweight cotton with slight stretch

Hoodies (400+ GSM heavyweight fleece):

• Fit: Relaxed through chest (room to layer tee or thermal underneath), structured shoulders
• Length: Hits at mid-thigh (covers belt line, works with high-rise and mid-rise bottoms)
• Sleeve: Hits wrist bone when arms relaxed, allows for pushed-up sleeves without excess bunching
• Hood: Structured (holds shape, doesn't collapse), fits over head comfortably

Crewnecks (heavyweight fleece, no hood):

• Fit: Same chest/shoulder as hoodies, slightly cleaner silhouette without hood bulk
• Neck: Ribbed crew collar sits at base of neck (not too high, not too low)
• Best for: Layering under jackets (no hood interference), cleaner aesthetic

Denim (premium selvedge, modern straight fit):

• Fit: Modern straight leg with slight taper from knee to hem
• Rise: Mid-rise (sits at natural waist, not low-rise, not high-rise)
• Leg opening: 15-16" (accommodates sneakers, boots)
• Break: Designed for slight break (hem stacks slightly on shoe, not dragging)

Joggers (tapered, elastic waist/cuffs):

• Fit: Comfortable through thigh, tapers from knee to ankle
• Waist: Elastic with internal drawstring (adjustable, forgiving)
• Cuff: Ribbed elastic at ankle (stacks cleanly, works with sneakers)
• Best for: Comfort, athleisure, casual wear

Cargos (relaxed, utility pockets):

• Fit: Relaxed through thigh, straight leg (more room than joggers)
• Pockets: Utility cargo pockets on thighs (functional, not decorative)
• Hem: Raw or hemmed (depending on style), designed for full break or stacking

Outerwear (puffers, overshirts, coaches jackets):

• Fit: Room to layer hoodie or crewneck underneath
• Shoulder: Slightly dropped (allows for thick layers underneath)
• Length: Covers hoodie hem (30-32" for most sizes)
• Sleeve: Long enough to cover hoodie cuffs when layering

Common Sizing Questions Answered

Q: I'm usually a Medium in most brands. Am I a Medium in 1ABEL?

A: Probably, but measure to confirm. Our Medium fits true to size for contemporary fit, but some brands run small (fast fashion) or large (vintage/streetwear). Compare your measurements to our size chart.

Q: How much do 1ABEL garments shrink?

A: Minimal shrinkage (1-2%) if you wash cold and air dry. Our heavyweight cotton is pre-shrunk during production. Hot wash + hot dry can cause 3-5% shrinkage (we don't recommend this).

Q: Can I return if sizing doesn't work?

A: Yes. Check our returns policy on the website. We accept returns within 30 days if unworn/unwashed.

Q: Should I size up for heavyweight fabrics?

A: No. Our sizing accounts for heavyweight fabrics (200+ GSM tees, 400+ GSM hoodies). True to size means true to size.

Q: I'm 6'2" and most brands are too short. Will 1ABEL fit?

A: Check length measurements on product pages. Our Large and XL have longer body lengths (29-31" for tees, 28-30" for hoodies). If you need extra length, size up or check "Tall" options if available.

Q: I'm 5'6" and most brands are too long. Will 1ABEL fit?

A: Our Small and Medium work for shorter builds. Check inseam on bottoms—joggers have elastic cuffs that stack cleanly, denim can be hemmed by a tailor for $10-15.

The Bottom Line: Measure, Compare, Choose

Sizing is straightforward if you follow the process:

3-step sizing process:

• 1. Measure yourself: Chest, shoulder, length, waist, inseam (5 minutes)
• 2. Compare to size chart: Check product-specific measurements on product page
• 3. Choose based on fit preference: Between sizes? Size up for relaxed/layering, size down for fitted

Our sizing philosophy:

We design for modern, versatile fit that works across body types and use cases. Shoulders are anatomically correct, chest has 2-3 inches of ease, lengths are contemporary. No extreme cropping, no exaggerated oversizing, no restrictive slim fits.

The result: garments that fit well, layer seamlessly, and remain relevant across years.

Start with 1ABEL's fit-tested basics: Premium tees in Regular Fit (clean silhouette), heavyweight hoodies (layering-ready), modern straight denim (versatile fit). Every piece is designed to fit correctly and last 5-10 years.

Perfect fit is personal. Measure, compare, and choose what works for your body and style. We provide the data—you make the decision.