You have found a graphic you like, but the fit description leaves you wondering which size to order. Does “relaxed” mean baggy? Should you size up for a looser look? And will the tee become longer as well as wider?
A relaxed fit generally gives you extra room; an oversized fit usually takes the proportions further. The terms vary between brands, so use the description as a starting point and the measurements to make your decision.
What is a relaxed-fit T-shirt?
A relaxed tee is intended to sit more loosely than a close-fitting style. It gives you room through the body without necessarily having the more exaggerated proportions associated with an oversized cut.
Oakenford’s current standard T-shirt has a relaxed unisex fit. If you already like a little space through your tees, compare your favourite one with our measurements before deciding to go up a size.
How is an oversized T-shirt different?
An oversized cut usually makes a more deliberately roomy shape. Depending on the garment, that can include a wider body, lower shoulder seams or larger sleeves. Length varies too: an oversized tee is not always a long tee.
Look at the whole shape in the product photographs. If what you want is extra width with a shorter body, a larger size of a longer tee may not give you those proportions.
Should you size up for a looser fit?
You can choose a larger size when its measurements suit the fit you want. Check what changes first, though: the extra room may come with extra length.
For example, Oakenford’s current size guide lists a small standard tee at approximately 51.6cm wide and 71.1cm long. Medium is approximately 55.6cm wide and 74.9cm long. Moving from small to medium therefore adds about 4cm to the flat width and 3.8cm to the body length. These are approximate garment measurements, with manufacturing tolerances; flat width is not your body’s chest circumference.
That comparison is more useful than assuming “medium” will fit the same way as a medium from another brand.
Measure a tee you already enjoy wearing
- Lay it flat without stretching the fabric.
- Measure straight across from armpit to armpit.
- Measure from the highest point of the shoulder, beside the collar, to the bottom hem.
- Compare both measurements with the Oakenford size guide.
If your reference tee fits well, look for similar measurements. If you want more room, decide how much additional width and length you would be comfortable wearing rather than moving up automatically.
Choose your artwork, then check both views
A graphic tee is worth looking at from the front and back. The Overlook pairs a small front logo with a large landscape back print. Night Stag uses a tall, skateboard-deck-shaped back graphic. The print shape is a design choice; it does not tell you the garment’s measurements.
Once you have a fit in mind, browse Oakenford’s graphic T-shirts and compare the available colours and product galleries. Check the current delivery information before ordering for a particular date.