A Better Fit Starts Flat.
A size label is a starting point. The most useful comparison is a shirt you already like wearing. Measure it flat, then use the chart for the exact style you are considering.
Start with a familiar shirt
Button the front, empty the pockets, and lay the shirt on a flat surface. Smooth the fabric gently without stretching it. Use a flexible tape measure and record the measurements in inches. To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54.
Chest: width or circumference?
Measure straight across the shirt from one underarm seam to the other. That is the flat chest width. If a chart lists chest circumference, double your flat width for comparison. If it lists flat chest width, compare your original measurement directly. Avoid comparing a body measurement with a garment measurement: a shirt needs room to move.
Shoulders
On the back of the shirt, measure from one shoulder seam to the other across the upper back. A dropped shoulder sits farther down the arm than a conventional shoulder seam, so compare the overall cut as well as the number.
Length
Measure from the high shoulder beside the collar down to the hem, keeping the tape straight. If the product chart specifies back length, compare using the same back measurement. Think about whether you prefer to tuck the shirt in or wear it untucked.
Sleeves
Where sleeve measurements are available, compare from the shoulder seam to the cuff edge along the sleeve. A shoulder-to-cuff measurement is different from one measured from the center back of the neck. Use the chart’s stated method.
Regular, fitted, or relaxed?
A fitted shirt sits closer to the body. A regular shape offers a more straightforward silhouette, while a loose or relaxed shape adds room. Those descriptions do not replace measurements. Choose enough room for the way you plan to wear the shirt, particularly if you want to layer beneath it.
Read each shirt’s chart
Our charts describe the individual garment, not a universal U.S. size conversion. Some styles use letter sizes, and others use numeric labels. Manual garment measurements may vary by approximately 0.8–1.2 inches (2–3 cm). Compare the chest and shoulder first, then check length. Do not assume that your size in one shirt will be your size in another.
If you are between options, think about whether you prefer a closer or looser look. If you need help, email hello@everpeakknits.com with the product name and your flat-shirt measurements before choosing.