Types of Fit in Apparel: An Essential Guide for Finding the Perfect Style

Understanding the Different Types of Fit for Apparel

By LogoSportswear | Updated on August 10, 2023

The first step to looking good is feeling good in what you're wearing. But with so many different apparel options, where do you start the search? Getting the size and style right is good but finding the right fit can make a big difference for your ensemble. In this guide, we'll break down the different types of apparel fits to help you find the right custom piece for your business or promotional needs.

Types of Apparel Fits

Apparel comes in different types of fits which refer to how they fall or contour the body. Before deciding whether you'll go for your usual size, a size up, or a size down, it's important to know how each kind fit means for your body type. Learn more about your options below:

• Classic Fit - Falls loosely when worn and is designed to have a more relaxed and roomier look with a fuller silhouette. This fit caters to a range of body sizes and shapes. This is the best option if you're buying custom apparel in bulk and you need a single shirt that will look good on different body types.
• Slim Fit - Slim fit is designed to flatter lean bodies, and it comes with a form-fitting style that accentuates muscles and structure. It wraps snugly around one's upper body and is recommended if you're going for a sleek, defined look that slims down through the chest and shoulders.
• Semi Fit - A fit that lies in between a slim fit and a classic fit. Those who prefer a fit that is slightly snugger around the body without the tight squeeze may find semi-fit suitable. This fit provides a more defined silhouette without compromising comfort.
• Junior Fit - Junior fit is designed to hug around your body and has shorter sleeves. These pieces are one size smaller than the fitted ladies' style, with a smaller chest/bust and a minimal size difference. Junior fits are usually offered to the teen market because they offer a stylish and flattering fit that look great on the younger crowd.
• Athletic Fit - This fit gives the shoulders more room and a tapered fit around the waist. It's also made of stretchable material to allow functionality, comfort, and more unrestricted movement during exercise or daily activities - perfect for those who have a more muscular and athletic physique.
• Big and Plus Fits - This fit applies to men who wear items larger than a 3XL or women whose tops are usually larger than a 2XL.
• Tall Fit - Tall fit is recommended for anyone over 6'3", as the garment provides an extra two inches in the length and sleeves.

The table below shows what to expect in terms of the fits' overall shape, comfort, and specific apparel parts:

Recommended LogoSportswear Brands for Different Fits

With so many brands and styles to choose from, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we're here to help. Here are the brands that LogoSportswear recommends for each type of fit:

Classic Fit:

• Good - Gildan Adult Unisex Ultra Cotton® T-shirt
  Available in over 55 colors, the Gildan G2000 is made of pre-shrunk 100% cotton, 6 oz. jersey. This shirt is well-known as "America's best-selling T-shirt", has an ultra-tight knitting surface and double-needle seamless collar and hems.
• Better - UltraClub Men's Cool & Dry Mesh Pique Polo
  Made of 4.4 oz., 100% polyester mesh pique, the UltraClub Men's Cool & Dry Mesh Pique Polo is a great option if you're looking for a polo with moisture-wicking properties. It's also tagless, resistant to pilling, and it offers UV protection.
• Best - Nike Men's Dri-FIT Micro Pique 2.0 Polo
  If you're looking for a classic fit shirt that combines style and comfort, choose the Nike Dri-FIT Micro Pique 2.0 Polo. This shirt is made of 4.3 oz. of 100% polyester Dri-FIT moisture-wicking material, and features open hem and hem sleeves, pearlized three-button placket, and rolled-forward shoulder seams.

Slim Fit:

• Good - Sport-Tek® Men's Sport-Wick® Stretch 1/2-Zip Pullover
  The Sport-Tek® Men's Sport-Wick® Stretch 1/2-Zip Pullover is a versatile performance top with extra stretch and moisture-wicking technology designed for year-round comfort. Made of 6.8 oz. 90/10 poly/spandex jersey, this shirt features a cadet collar, chin guard, open cuffs and hem, and raglan sleeves.
• Better - Bella + Canvas Unisex Heathered Jersey Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
  The Bella + Canvas Unisex Heathered Jersey Short-Sleeve T-Shirt is perfect for those who prefer a more contoured fit. This shirt is 100% eco-friendly and is made of lightweight, 4.2 oz. 52% airlume combed combined with ring-spun cotton/48% polyester. It also features cover-stitched hemmed sleeves and collar, and side-seamed, pre-shrunk shoulder to shoulder taping.
• Best - The North Face® Ladies Tech 1/4 Zip Fleece Pullover
  The North Face® Ladies Tech 1/4 Zip Fleece Pullover is made of 100% polyester fleece and is the ideal clothing option for cold weather. Its cadet collar has modern stitching details, and its material is resistant to pilling.

Semi Fit:

• Good - Team 365 Men's Zone Performance Polo
  The Team 365 Men's Zone Performance Polo has a UV protection rating of UPF40+ and is made of a 3.5 oz. 100% polyester moisture-wicking interlock, which can keep you dry and comfortable even on hot days. It also features design elements like a three-button placket with dyed-to-match buttons.
• Better - Bella + Canvas Unisex Cotton/Polyester T-Shirt
  The Bella + Canvas Unisex Cotton/Polyester T-Shirt is a 100% eco-friendly and lightweight T-shirt made of 3.6 oz. 52/48 combed and ringspun cotton/polyester. This shirt's side seams are designed for unisex sizing, and its fit perfectly contours the body without the tight squeeze.
• Best - Eddie Bauer® Men's Soft Shell Jacket
  The Eddie Bauer® Men's Soft Shell Jacket is the ideal jacket for rainy days. It's made of 96/4 poly/spandex with polyester fleece interior that is waterproof yet breathable enough to keep you warm when worn. It features adjustable tab cuffs, hook and loop closures, zippered pockets, and more.

Junior Fit:

• Good - District® Women's Game V-Neck T-Shirt
  The District® Women's Game V-Neck T-Shirt offers a vintage vibe with its classic crossover V-neck and distressed pin stripes on the sleeves. This shirt is made of 4.5 oz., 60% ringspun cotton and 40% polyester, and is a good combination of style and comfort.
• Better - Bella + Canvas Unisex Triblend Lightweight Hoodie
  The Bella + Canvas Unisex Triblend Lightweight Hoodie 100% is an eco-friendly hooded tee suitable for both men and women. It features a full zip with no drawstrings and is made of 5.6 oz. 50% polyester/ 25% combed and ringspun cotton/25% rayon.

Athletic Fit:

• Good - Team 365 Men's Zone Performance T-Shirt
  The Team 365 Men's Zone Performance T-Shirt is a lightweight performance tee ideal for those who have an active lifestyle. The shirt is made of 3.5 oz. 100% polyester interlock that has moisture-wicking properties and provides protection against UV rays.
• Better - Custom Men's Sublimated V-Neck T-Shirt
  Available in men's and ladies' sizes, the Custom Men's Sublimated V-Neck T-Shirt is a fully sublimated shirt made of 3.5 oz. 100% polyester with moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. This shirt has a slim and athletic fit, and it will keep you dry and comfortable during physical activities.
• Best - Oakley Adult Team Issue Hydrolix Long Sleeve T-Shirt
  The Oakley Adult Team Issue Hydrolix Long Sleeve T-Shirt is made of 4.7 oz. 100% polyester and designed for performance. It features lock seams, a left hem woven jock tag and ellipse transfer, and a set-in sleeve for an athletic fit.

Finding the best fit for your work uniform, event apparel, or any promotional clothing, such as t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, jackets, etc., will ensure comfort and ease for the occasion. Knowing the difference among the available options helps you narrow down the best style for every activity.

Note that no matter the fit of the apparel, any product with 5% or more spandex will cling to the body. It's also important to remember that size is another matter and will still depend on the person's body measurements. Always check the size chart for the actual body measurement based on the desired fit of the manufacturer. It's best to order a size up if you fall between two sizes.