Most size guides on the internet are useless. They assume every body is a generic mannequin and every shirt is cut the same. After a decade in print-on-demand, I've seen thousands of returns due to poor sizing guesses. This Severance merch size guide changes that by giving you real measurements from the actual products we use, plus insider tips on how each style fits differently.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to measure your body, how our t-shirts compare to hoodies and crewnecks, and how to choose between fitted and relaxed cuts. By the end, you'll order the right size every time. Let's skip the guesswork.
Quick Picks Summary
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severance Macrodata Refinement T-Shirt | Everyday wear, true to size fit | 4.3 oz, 100% combed ring-spun cotton, preshrunk | $28 - $32 |
| Lumon Industries Hoodie | Layering, lounging | 8 oz 50/50 cotton-poly fleece, oversized fit | $55 - $60 |
| Severance Crewneck Sweatshirt | Crisp, structured look | 7.5 oz 80/20 cotton-poly blend, medium weight | $48 - $52 |
| Fitted Tee (by request) | Slimmer silhouette | 5 oz 100% cotton, side seams | $30 - $34 |
Understanding Severance Apparel Sizing
Our apparel line isn't mass-produced from one generic pattern. Each style comes from a different blank manufacturer, which means sizing varies. The Macrodata Refinement t-shirt uses a classic unisex cut - straight through the body with set-in sleeves. The Lumon Industries hoodie runs intentionally roomy for that cozy throwback feel. The Severance crewneck is cut more tailored, with ribbed cuffs that hold their shape.
Why sizing consistency matters
A medium t-shirt might have a 20-inch chest, but a medium hoodie often measures 22 inches or more. Fabric weight also changes the drape. Lighter tees (4.3 oz) cling more, while heavier hoodies (8 oz) hold their shape. I always tell customers: measure the garment, not your shirt size from another brand. Our clothing is printed on pre-shrunk blanks, but shrinkage after wash is minimal - about 2% in length on the first wash.
How to Measure Yourself for the Perfect Fit
Grab a soft measuring tape and a friend (or a mirror). Do not rely on your pant size or memory. Here's the process:
Step 1: Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Keep it level and snug but not tight. Write down the number in inches. For tees, this is your primary reference.Step 2: Length
For tops, measure from the top of your shoulder (where the seam would sit) down to where you want the hem to hit. Most people like it just past the beltline. Add 1 inch if you plan to wash it.Step 3: Sleeve
Bend your arm slightly. Measure from the shoulder point (end of collarbone) over the elbow to the wrist bone. For hoodies, sleeves are usually longer - they're meant to bunch at the cuff.Step 4: Compare to size charts
Every product page on our store lists chest, length, and sleeve for each size. Match your measurements to the chart, not your usual letter size. You'll thank me later. A common mistake is using the size you wear in dress shirts - those are often cut slimmer, so you might actually need a size up in our tees.T-Shirt Size Chart and Recommendations
| Size | Chest (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18 | 28 | 16.25 |
| M | 20 | 29 | 17.5 |
| L | 22 | 30 | 18.75 |
| XL | 24 | 31 | 20 |
| 2XL | 26 | 32 | 21.25 |
| 3XL | 28 | 33 | 22.5 |
Choosing the right tee size
If your chest measures 39-41 inches, a size M (20-inch chest) will give you about 1-2 inches of ease. That's a classic, not-too-tight fit. If you prefer your shirts looser or plan to tuck them in, go up to L (22-inch chest). Our fitted tees (available by request) have the same length but a narrower chest - so if you're between sizes, size up.
Hoodie and Crewneck Sizing Differences
Hoodies and crewnecks are not interchangeable in size. Here's the breakdown:
Lumon Industries Hoodie
This is a relaxed, athletic cut. The chest is about 2 inches wider than our t-shirts in the same size. A medium hoodie has a 22-inch chest. The hood is generous - fits over a beanie. Sleeves are 1-2 inches longer for a stacked look. If you want a snug fit, size down. For layering, go with your tee size.Severance Crewneck Sweatshirt
This one is more tailored. The 80/20 cotton-poly blend gives it structure but less stretch. Ribbing at the cuffs and waistband is firm. A medium crewneck has a 21-inch chest. If you have wide shoulders or a larger chest, you might want to go up one size. The length is slightly shorter than the hoodie - it sits at the hip rather than covering the seat.Which one to choose?
I recommend the hoodie for casual, everyday wear - it's forgiving and comfy. The crewneck is better for a neater look or if you're wearing it under a jacket. If you're between sizes and buying a crewneck, always size up. The hoodie you can stick with your true size.
Tips for Choosing Between Fitted and Relaxed Styles
Fitted doesn't mean skinny. Relaxed doesn't mean sloppy. Think about where and how you'll wear the piece.
When to go fitted
- You want a clean silhouette under a blazer or vest
- You're wearing it to an office casual environment
- You have a lean build and standard cuts look baggy
Our fitted tees have side seams for shape and a slightly narrower shoulder - they're cut like a women's tee but unisex sizing. For men under 160 lbs, a fitted medium often works well.
When to go relaxed
- You're lounging or running errands
- You plan to layer over long sleeves
- You prefer your clothes not to touch your skin
The hoodie is your friend here. Even if your measurements point to a medium, some customers order a large specifically for that oversized look. Just be aware that sleeves will be longer - about 1.5 inches per size.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake 1: Using your chest measurement from a suit jacket. Those are often vanity sized. Always remeasure.
- Mistake 2: Ignoring fabric content. 100% cotton shrinks differently than cotton-poly blends. Our blends shrink less than 2%, but cotton tees can shrink up to 3-5% on length if dried on high heat. Wash cold, hang dry for best results.
- Mistake 3: Ordering the same size for tees and hoodies. Hoodies are purposely 1-2 inches wider. Many people buy a hoodie in their tee size and get swim in it - they should have sized down.
- Mistake 4: Not reading the size chart before checkout. It's literally right there. I've seen returns where the customer wore a size L from another brand but our XL would have been perfect. Two minutes of measuring saves a week of exchange.
- Mistake 5: Assuming 'unisex' means 'men's.' Our unisex cuts are actually more generous in the hips and shoulders than standard men's often dress shirts. Women often prefer sizing down one size from their usual.
Pro Tips from the Community
Over the last year, I've gathered feedback from hundreds of Lumon enthusiasts. Here's what the dedicated fans do:
Tip 1: Buy for your current weight, not your goal
One customer ordered a size 2XL because he was trying to lose weight - but the shirt hung on him for months. Get what fits now. You can always buy another later.Tip 2: The 'two-finger' test
Put on the garment and try to slide two fingers under the collar or waistband. If it's tight, size up. If you can fit four, size down. This works for both tees and hoodies.Tip 3: Pre-order shrink allowance
If you're between sizes and the smaller one fits perfectly from the start, it might become too short after a few washes. Go with the larger size unless you plan to line-dry forever.Tip 4: Use a real size chart, not a standard one
Many sites copy generic charts. Ours are verified from the production blanks. A medium tee chest is actually 20 inches, not 18. Trust the numbers.FAQ
What size should I get if I usually wear a men's large in t-shirts?
If you wear a men's large from most streetwear brands, start with a large in our tees. If you're between sizes (e.g., L is slightly big but M is tight), go with L. The 4.3 oz fabric has some give, and you can shrink a large slightly with hot water.
How do hoodies fit compared to t-shirts?
Our hoodies are cut about 2 inches wider in the chest than our t-shirts in the same size. If you prefer a snug hoodie, order one size down from your tee size. For a relaxed fit, stay with the same size.
Are the crewnecks true to size?
Crewnecks run true to size but with a more tailored shape. If you have a broad chest or muscular arms, consider going up one size. The ribbing at the waistband is firm, so it won't stretch much over time.
Do you offer extended sizes?
Our standard sizes go up to 3XL. For fitted tees, we go up to 2XL. We're expanding our range based on demand, so check back if you need 4XL or above.
How do I wash my merch to prevent shrinkage?
Wash inside out in cold water. Tumble dry on low or hang dry. Avoid ironing over prints. Following these steps, expect less than 2% shrinkage over the lifetime of the garment.
Key Takeaways
- Always measure your chest and match it to the size chart you find on the product page
- Hoodies run 2 inches wider than tees - size down if you want a trim fit
- Crewnecks are more tailored; size up if you're muscular or want room
- Our tees are preshrunk, but washing cold and hanging dry keeps them true to size
- For layering, stick with your normal tee size; for lounging, consider sizing up
- Don't rely on your size from other brands - every blank manufacturer is different
With these tips, you'll nail your size the first time - and more importantly, your Severance gear will fit exactly how you want. Visit the store and pick up the style you love, then use this guide to grab the right size.
