How to Pick the Right Size - A Quick Guide for Fathom Thread Apparel
You ordered a hoodie online once. It arrived looking like a tent. Or maybe like a wetsuit. Either way - it didn't work.
Here's the thing about buying apparel online: you can't try it on first. But you can measure yourself, understand how fit works, and make an informed choice before hitting "add to cart." This guide walks you through exactly that - for Fathom Thread hoodies, tees, and caps.
How to Measure Yourself - 60 Seconds, 3 Numbers
Before you even look at a size chart, you need your numbers. Grab a tape measure (or a string and a ruler - it works) and take these three measurements.
Chest / Bust
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest across your nipples, under your armpits, flat across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape level. Don't pull it tight. Breathe normally. Write it down. This is your most important number for tops.
Waist
Measure around your natural waistline - roughly at your belly button. Again, tape level, no cinching it in, breathe out gently. This helps you decide between a regular fit and a relaxed fit.
Sleeve Length
Start at the edge of your shoulder (where the seam would sit on a shirt) and measure down to your wrist bone. Not everyone needs this - but if you care about whether sleeves hit at the right spot, it matters.
Quick tip: Wear a thin shirt when measuring. Don't suck in your stomach. Measure twice - if the numbers differ by more than half an inch, take a third measurement and average them.
Understanding Fit - Regular, Relaxed, Slim
Sizes aren't just numbers. They're also about how you want the garment to sit on your body.
Regular Fit - True to Size
This is what most people picture when they think "my size." The garment follows your body without clinging or drowning you.
Best for: Everyday wear, light layering (a tee under a hoodie), most body types.
Relaxed / Oversized - Go Up a Size
One size bigger than your measurements suggest. The garment hangs looser, with more room in the chest, shoulders, and sleeves.
Best for: Hoodies worn over other layers, streetwear style, people who just don't like anything tight.
Slim Fit - Go Down a Size
Closer to the body, with less fabric in the chest and waist. Not skin-tight, but definitely fitted.
Best for: People who like a cleaner, tailored look and don't plan to layer underneath.
Sizing Tips by Product Type
Different garments fit differently. Here's what to expect from Fathom Thread's main categories.
Hoodies
Hoodies are typically the trickiest because people disagree on how they should fit. Some like them snug. Some like them like a wearable blanket.
If you want to wear your hoodie over a sweater or jacket underneath, consider sizing up. If it's going over just a tee, your regular measurement should work.
Also worth noting: cotton-blend fabric can shrink slightly after the first wash. Check the care label on the specific product, and if you're between sizes and plan to machine wash warm, sizing up gives you a margin of safety.
Browse hoodies on Fathom Thread →
T-Shirts
Tees are more forgiving. They don't need to accommodate layers, and they're lighter overall.
For men: Order based on your chest measurement and your preferred fit. Straightforward.
For women: Fathom Thread apparel uses unisex sizing. If you want a fitted look, consider sizing down one or two sizes from the unisex chart. If you want a relaxed, boyfriend-style fit, your measured size is fine.
Browse tees on Fathom Thread →
Caps / Trucker Hats
Good news: hats are the one product on this list where size basically doesn't matter. Fathom Thread's caps use an adjustable strap that fits most adult head sizes - check the specific product page for exact range. Just pick the design you like and move on.
Browse caps on Fathom Thread →
Buying as a Gift? Here's How to Pick Without Knowing Their Size
Let's be honest - this is why most people end up on sizing guides. You want to get someone a hoodie. You don't know their size. You don't want to ask (because it ruins the surprise). So now you're guessing. Here's how to guess smart.
Safe bets by gender:
- For men: Large and Extra Large are the two most common sizes in the US market. If you're buying for an average-built guy who doesn't have strong preferences, L is a solid pick. If he's bigger or likes things loose, XL.
- For women: Small and Medium are the safest bets when shopping in unisex sizing. Size down if you want a fitted look.
Safe bets by personality:
- Outdoor guys tend to prefer relaxed fits. L or XL is usually a winner. If you're shopping for someone who loves the outdoors, check out our full gifts for husband guide - it covers product picks plus sizing tips.
- Looking for ideas beyond apparel for her? See our gifts for her guide - same personalization concept, curated for her style.
- Want more outdoor-themed gift ideas in general? See our guide to gifts for men who love the outdoors.
The nuclear option: Tumbler. Cap. Zero sizing risk. Same personalization (coordinates, place name, year). And honestly? These are the gifts people actually use every single day.
How to Find the Size Guide on Fathom Thread
Each product page on Fathom Thread has a size selector and, depending on the product, sizing information. Here's the general process:
- Navigate to the product you want to order.
- Look for the size selector - usually below the product image, near the customization fields.
- Check for a size guide link or chart on the product page. If available, compare your measurements to the listed sizes.
- Between two sizes? Size up for a relaxed fit, size down for a slim fit.
- Still unsure? Email support@fathomthread.com - the team can confirm sizing for specific products.
Note: Not all products have the same sizing information available. If the product page doesn't show a detailed chart, your best bet is to email support directly with the product name and your measurements.
Care Tips - Keep Your Fit After Washing
Getting the right size is half the battle. Keeping it that way is the other half.
- Wash in cold or warm water. Hot water increases the risk of shrinkage.
- Tumble dry low or air dry. High heat is the enemy of fit.
- Don't iron directly on printed areas. The coordinates and design can crack under direct heat.
- Follow the care label on each product. Different fabric blends have different needs.
If you treat the garment well, it'll keep its shape. Simple as that.
Returns and Exchanges
Fathom Thread products are made to order - each one is personalized with your chosen place, name, coordinates, and year. Because of this, return and exchange policies may differ from standard retail.
If you receive a product in the wrong size or with a defect, reach out to support@fathomthread.com directly. The team handles cases individually and will work with you to find a solution.
For full policy details, check Fathom Thread's official policy pages or contact support before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size to order?
Measure your chest and waist with a tape measure. Compare your numbers to the size guide on the specific product page. If you're between sizes, size up for a relaxed fit or size down for a slim fit.
What if I'm between two sizes?
Think about how you want the garment to fit. Size up if you like things loose or plan to layer underneath. Size down if you prefer a fitted, closer-to-body look.
Will the hoodie shrink after washing?
Cotton-blend fabric can shrink slightly after the first wash. Washing in cold water and drying on low heat minimizes this. If you're between sizes and plan to machine wash warm, sizing up gives you a margin. Check the care label on the specific product for exact fabric content.
What does "unisex sizing" mean?
It means the same size chart applies to everyone. Men typically order their normal size. Women who want a fitted look may want to size down one or two sizes from the chart.
I'm buying as a gift and don't know their size. What should I do?
For men, L and XL are the most common sizes. For women, S and M are safe picks in unisex sizing. Or choose a product that doesn't require sizing - like a tumbler or an adjustable cap.
How do I exchange or return a product?
Because Fathom Thread products are made to order with personalization, return policies may vary. Contact support@fathomthread.com with your order details and they'll work with you on a case-by-case basis.
Still Not Sure?
Here are your options:
- Check the size guide on the specific product page
- Email support@fathomthread.com with your measurements - they'll confirm the right size
- DM Fathom Thread on social media for a quick answer
Or just browse the collection and let the products speak for themselves: