Understanding Athletic Wear Sizing
Athletic wear sizing differs from regular clothing because it is designed for movement, stretch, and performance. Most activewear uses standard letter sizes like XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL, but the fit varies significantly between brands and garment types. Unlike casual clothing where loose fits are common, athletic wear often fits close to the body to reduce friction and improve performance. Understanding measurements and fit styles helps you choose the right size for your activity and body type.
Athletic wear is measured by chest, waist, and hip circumference in inches or centimeters. A size medium typically fits a chest of 38 to 40 inches, waist of 32 to 34 inches, and hips of 40 to 42 inches. These measurements apply to both men and women, though some brands use separate sizing charts. Most activewear contains spandex or elastane for stretch, which allows garments to fit a range of body shapes within each size category.
History and Evolution of Athletic Wear Sizing
Athletic wear as a distinct clothing category emerged in the early 20th century with the rise of organized sports and physical fitness movements. Early athletic clothing was made from cotton and wool with minimal stretch, requiring looser fits for movement. The invention of synthetic fibers like nylon in the 1930s and spandex in the 1950s revolutionized athletic wear by enabling close fitting garments that moved with the body. Modern activewear combines performance fabrics with ergonomic design to support specific movements.
Sizing standards for athletic wear developed in the 1970s and 1980s as sportswear became mainstream fashion. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok established sizing conventions based on body measurements rather than arbitrary numbered sizes. The rise of yoga and fitness culture in the 1990s and 2000s expanded the athletic wear market, leading to more specialized fits like compression wear, moisture wicking tops, and high waisted leggings. Today, athletic wear is worn for both performance and casual lifestyle, with sizing adapted for different use cases.
Types of Athletic Wear and Their Fits
Performance tops are designed to fit close to the body without being restrictive. They typically use moisture wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from the skin. These tops work for running, cycling, and high intensity training. A proper fit means the garment lays flat against your torso without bunching or sagging, with sleeves that do not restrict arm movement. Sizing up provides a looser fit for activities like basketball or casual gym use.
Compression wear is athletic clothing designed to fit very tightly against the body. Compression tops, tights, and sleeves are meant to support muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce fatigue during and after exercise. These garments should feel snug but not painful or restrictive. Compression wear is sized by the same measurements as regular activewear but is designed to stretch significantly. Choosing the correct size is critical because too tight can restrict movement and too loose provides no compression benefits.
Athletic leggings and tights come in full length, 7/8 length, capri, and shorts styles. Full length leggings typically have an inseam of 28 to 30 inches for regular heights, 25 to 27 inches for petite, and 31 to 33 inches for tall sizes. Leggings should fit snugly around the waist without digging in and should not sag or slide down during movement. High waisted styles sit above the natural waist for more coverage and support, while mid rise sits at the natural waist.
How to Measure for Athletic Wear
To measure your chest, wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically at nipple level, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug but not tight. For waist, measure around your natural waistline, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso above your belly button. For hips, measure around the fullest part of your buttocks and hips. Record measurements in inches or centimeters and compare to brand size charts.
When measuring for athletic wear, consider whether you prefer a fitted or relaxed fit. Fitted athletic wear typically matches your exact measurements, while relaxed fits may be one size larger. If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider the activity and garment type. For compression or performance wear, choose the smaller size for a tighter fit. For casual gym wear or loose fit tops, size up for comfort. Always check specific brand size charts as measurements vary between manufacturers.
Common Sizing Differences Between Brands
Athletic wear brands use different sizing standards, and a medium in one brand may fit like a large in another. European brands like Adidas and Puma tend to run smaller than American brands like Nike and Under Armour. Asian brands often run one to two sizes smaller than Western brands. Luxury activewear brands like Lululemon and Athleta publish detailed size charts with specific measurements, while budget brands may use more general sizing.
Some brands cater to specific body types or demographics. Lululemon offers extended sizing up to size 20 with detailed fit guides. Outdoor Voices focuses on inclusive sizing with models of various body types. Fabletics uses a quiz system to recommend sizes based on measurements and fit preferences. When shopping online, always consult the specific brand size chart and read customer reviews for fit feedback. Many activewear retailers offer free returns, making it easier to try multiple sizes.
Fit Styles and Their Purposes
Athletic wear comes in several fit styles designed for different activities and preferences. Fitted or slim fit activewear follows the contours of your body without excess fabric. This fit reduces friction and wind resistance, making it ideal for running, cycling, and performance training. Compression fit is even tighter and provides muscle support. Relaxed or loose fit allows more airflow and freedom of movement, preferred for basketball, yoga, and casual gym activities.
Boxy or oversized fit has become popular in athletic lifestyle wear, offering a casual look with performance fabrics. This style works well for warm ups, cool downs, and athleisure. Cropped fits expose the midriff and are popular for high intensity workouts where cooling is important. When choosing a fit style, consider your activity, personal comfort, and whether the garment will be worn alone or layered over base layers.
Special Considerations for Athletic Wear Sizing
Sports bras require special sizing attention because proper support is critical for comfort and health. Sports bras are sized by band size and cup size, similar to regular bras, or by letter sizes like S, M, L with varying levels of support. High impact sports bras provide maximum support for running and jumping, while low impact styles work for yoga and walking. The band should fit snugly without riding up, and straps should not dig into shoulders. Always try sports bras with movement to test support.
Athletic shorts and pants often include built in liners or compression shorts. These garments may fit differently than regular bottoms because the liner affects the overall fit. Running shorts with liners typically fit true to size, while loose gym shorts may be sized larger for comfort. Cycling shorts and padded bike shorts should fit snugly to prevent chafing and keep the chamois in place. Check product descriptions for liner details and sizing recommendations.
Practical Tips for Choosing Athletic Wear Sizes
When buying athletic wear online, start with your measurements and compare them to the brand size chart. Do not assume your size is the same across all brands. Read customer reviews for insights on whether items run small, large, or true to size. Look for reviews from people with similar body types and measurements. Many reviewers include their height, weight, and usual size, which helps with decision making.
Consider the fabric composition when choosing sizes. Garments with higher spandex or elastane content (15 to 30 percent) have more stretch and may fit a wider range of measurements. Less stretchy fabrics require more precise sizing. Pre shrunk fabrics maintain their size after washing, while untreated cotton may shrink. Check care instructions and consider ordering one size up if a garment is not pre shrunk. Finally, know the return policy before purchasing. Athletic wear should feel comfortable during movement, and trying items with activity ensures the right fit.