How to Choose the Right Sweatshirt Size for NFL Fan Apparel
Introduction
Getting the right sweatshirt size sounds simple. You know your size. You order it. Done.
Except it rarely works that cleanly especially with fan apparel.
NFL sweatshirts don't always fit the same way as your everyday wardrobe pieces. Unisex sizing runs differently than men's. Crewnecks fit differently than hoodies. The fit you want for everyday casual wear is completely different from the fit you want when you're layering under a winter coat at Soldier Field. And if you're buying as a gift, you're making a size call for someone else's body without being able to try anything on.
Get it wrong and the sweatshirt never gets worn which is the worst outcome for a fan apparel purchase. Get it right and it becomes one of those pieces they reach for constantly, season after season.
This guide covers everything: how to measure yourself, what measurements matter, how different fits work, men's and women's specific guidance, how to size for layering versus everyday wear, plus the right approach to gifting a Bears sweatshirt when you don't know someone's exact size.
Let's make sure you get it right the first time.
Step 1: Take Your Body Measurements (It Takes 2 Minutes)
The single most reliable way to choose the correct sweatshirt size is to take your own body measurements rather than relying on the size label in your other clothes. Your sweatshirt size and your shirt size are not always the same the cut, fabric weight, and intended fit all affect how a size translates.
You only need three measurements:
Chest Circumference (Most Important)
Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just beneath your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight. Breathe normally.
A well-fitting sweatshirt should provide enough room for comfortable movement, so aim for a measurement that is 2–4 inches larger than your actual chest size.
Standard adult chest measurements by size (unisex):
| Size | Chest Circumference |
|---|---|
| S | 34" – 36" (86–91 cm) |
| M | 38" – 40" (96–101 cm) |
| L | 42" – 44" (106–111 cm) |
| XL | 44" – 46" (111–117 cm) |
| 2XL | 48" – 50" (122–127 cm) |
| 3XL | 52" – 54" (132–137 cm) |
| 4XL | 56" – 58" (142–147 cm) |
| 5XL | 60" – 62" (152–157 cm) |
Waist Circumference
Measure around your natural waistline the narrowest point of your torso, typically about an inch above your belly button. For crewnecks this matters less than chest, but for hoodies with a fitted waistband, it helps confirm the size is correct throughout the body.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the middle of the back of your neck to your wrist. Sleeve length is especially important for longer-armed individuals who may find standard sizing leaves the sleeves too short.
Step 2: Understand the Three Fit Types
Once you have your measurements, the next question is: what fit do you actually want? This is where a lot of fans go wrong they pick their normal size without thinking about the fit they're going for, and end up with something that does not quite look right.
True-to-Size / Regular Fit
A regular fit sweatshirt sits close to the body without being tight. The shoulders seam lands at your actual shoulder point. The chest has comfortable but not excessive ease. This is the most structured look for fan apparel great for showing off the Bears' navy and orange graphic cleanly.
Size rule: Order your exact measured size using the chest chart above.
Relaxed / Oversized Fit
An oversized fit has a lived-in, streetwear-adjacent energy that works for everyday casual wear, layering, and the kind of effortless look that makes a Bears sweatshirt feel like a wardrobe staple rather than just game-day kit.
Size rule: Men go one size up from their measured chest size. Women go one to two sizes up depending on how dramatic the oversized effect they want.
Fitted / Athletic Cut
A fitted cut sits noticeably closer to the body the silhouette follows your shape rather than sitting away from it.
Size rule: If you are between two sizes and want a fitted feel, size down.
Step 3: Men's Sizing Guide for Bears Sweatshirts
For Everyday Casual Wear
True-to-size is the cleanest look for everyday casual styling. Go to your measured chest size on the chart above and order that size. If your measurement falls between two sizes, you can either order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the next size up for a looser fit.
For Layering at Soldier Field
If you plan to wear shirts or other layers under your NFL sweatshirt, order the next size up to ensure a comfortable fit. For full winter game-day layering — thermal base layer plus Bears hoodie under a puffer coat — consider going up two sizes. You need room to move, room for layers, and room to sit comfortably in stadium seating for three to four hours.
For the Vintage/Streetwear Look
Size up one from your measured chest size to get that oversized, throwback fan apparel aesthetic. The dropped shoulders, slightly longer sleeves, and relaxed body recreate the look of those classic 80s Bears crewnecks. If you are ready to find yours, our Chicago Bears crewnecks and hoodies are available in S through 5XL across all three colorways.
Men's Chest-to-Size Quick Reference
| Your Chest | Everyday Fit | Layering Fit | Oversized Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34"–36" | S | M | M–L |
| 38"–40" | M | L | L–XL |
| 42"–44" | L | XL | XL–2XL |
| 44"–46" | XL | 2XL | 2XL–3XL |
| 48"–50" | 2XL | 3XL | 3XL–4XL |
| 52"–54" | 3XL | 4XL | 4XL–5XL |
Step 4: Women's Sizing Guide for Bears Sweatshirts
Most NFL fan sweatshirts are designed as unisex pieces with a standard men's fit rather than a women's specific cut. A unisex Bears sweatshirt in your standard women's size will typically fit as a relaxed, slightly oversized piece which for many women is exactly the intended look.
If you want a clean, fitted look: Use your chest measurement and compare to the men's/unisex size chart.
If you want an intentional oversized look: Many women who prefer that roomy, lived-in fan sweatshirt aesthetic size up one or two sizes in unisex fan apparel.
Women's Fit Reference (Unisex Sizing)
| Women's Clothing Size | Regular Fit (Unisex) | Oversized Fit (Unisex) |
|---|---|---|
| XS (0–2) | XS or S | S or M |
| S (4–6) | S | M |
| M (8–10) | M | L |
| L (12–14) | L | XL |
| XL (16–18) | XL | 2XL |
| 2XL (20–22) | 2XL | 3XL |
The Half-Tuck Consideration
If you plan to half-tuck your Bears sweatshirt into jeans or a skirt, consider going true-to-size or even one size down from your usual unisex preference. The half-tuck works best when the sweatshirt has some structure around the chest and shoulders.
Step 5: Crewneck vs Hoodie Sizing Differences
Crewnecks generally fit true-to-size because there is no hood adding bulk at the back and shoulders. Order your measured size for a regular fit.
Hoodies have additional fabric in the hood, a thicker kangaroo pocket across the front, and often a slightly heavier overall construction. Many fans find that sizing up one gives the most comfortable result especially if you plan to wear the hood up, where a true-to-size hoodie can feel restrictive across the upper back and shoulders.
Quick rule:
- Bears crewneck → order your measured size
- Bears hoodie → size up one for most comfortable everyday fit; size up two for cold-weather layering under a coat
Step 6: Plus Size and Extended Sizing
Our Bears sweatshirt collection runs from S through 5XL, covering a full range of body types without compromise on graphic quality or fabric construction.
For plus and extended sizing, the same chest measurement principle applies. One additional consideration at extended sizes is shoulder width. When matching your measurements to size charts, put more emphasis on the shoulder measurement when in doubt. A sweatshirt that is too narrow across the shoulders will feel restrictive regardless of how the chest fits prioritize shoulder comfort above all else.
Step 7: Sizing a Bears Sweatshirt as a Gift
The Universal Gift Sizing Rule
When in doubt, size up. A slightly oversized sweatshirt looks intentional and feels comfortable. A sweatshirt that is too small is simply unwearable it goes in the back of the drawer and never comes out.
How to Estimate Size Without Asking
If you know their t-shirt size: Go one size larger. T-shirts are cut closer to the body than sweatshirts their sweatshirt size is almost always one step larger than their t-shirt size.
If you know their build:
- Slim build → S or M for men, S for women in unisex
- Average build → M or L for men, M or L for women in unisex
- Larger or athletic build → XL or 2XL for men, XL for women in unisex
- Genuinely unsure → always go one size larger
Gift Sizing by Relationship
| Recipient | Best Approach |
|---|---|
| Partner/spouse | You likely know their size — order accordingly |
| Parent (dad/mom) | Medium or Large; size up if unsure |
| Sibling | Ask a mutual family member; default to sizing up |
| Friend | Go one size up from your best estimate |
| Colleague | L or XL is the safest universal adult gift size |
| Child/teen | Order based on age; most teens fit adult S or M |
Common Sizing Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Ordering the Same Size as Your T-Shirt
Fan sweatshirts are typically sized slightly larger than t-shirts to account for the heavier fabric and the layering they are designed for. Start with your t-shirt size as a reference but always cross-check against the chest measurement chart.
Mistake 2: Not Accounting for Shrinkage
Cotton sweatshirts can shrink slightly in the first wash, particularly if accidentally machine dried on high heat. If you are right on the boundary between two sizes, go with the larger. You can prevent post-wash shrinkage entirely by washing cold and air drying, but having that buffer size means a small amount of shrinkage will not ruin the fit.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Intended Use
The size that is right for watching from your couch is different from the size right for layering under a Soldier Field parka. Think about the primary use case before ordering. Layering always requires sizing up.
Mistake 4: Confusing Unisex and Women's Sizing
A women's Medium from a brand that does women's-specific cuts is not the same as a unisex Medium from a brand that cuts for a standard men's fit. Always check whether the sweatshirt you are buying is truly women's specific or unisex before ordering.
Mistake 5: Skipping the Size Chart
Sweatshirt sizing varies across brands a medium in one brand may fit like a large in another. Always check the brand-specific size chart before ordering, especially when buying from a new brand for the first time.
Peckwear Size Guide for Chicago Bears Sweatshirts
Our Chicago Bears sweatshirts are available in sizes S through 5XL in both crewneck and hoodie styles. Our sweatshirts are designed with a relaxed, comfortable unisex fit at your true measured size, they will have comfortable ease without being dramatically oversized. All colorways (ash, sand, and white) are available across the full size range.
General recommendation:
- Everyday casual wear → order your measured chest size
- Layering at games → size up one
- Oversized streetwear look → size up one (men) or one to two (women)
- Gifting → size up one from your best estimate
Browse our Peckwear collections available in S through 5XL, crewneck and hoodie styles, in ash, sand, and white.
Bear Down. Wear it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Chicago Bears sweatshirt should I order?
Measure around the fullest part of your chest and compare to the size chart. For everyday wear, order your measured size. For layering, go one size up. For an oversized look, go one to two sizes up. When in doubt, always size up.
Do NFL sweatshirts run big or small?
Most unisex NFL fan sweatshirts are designed with a relaxed fit and run slightly larger than standard fitted clothing. Always compare against the brand's chest measurement chart rather than assuming your t-shirt size translates directly.
Should I size up for a hoodie vs a crewneck?
Yes. Hoodies typically feel slightly more restrictive in the hood and upper back than crewnecks of the same size. Most fans prefer to go one size up in hoodies, especially when planning to wear the hood up or layer underneath.
What size Bears sweatshirt should a woman order?
For a regular fit in unisex sizing, measure your chest and order the size that corresponds on the men's/unisex chart. For an oversized look, go one to two sizes up. Most women find a unisex S or M gives a relaxed everyday fit.
How do I choose a size when buying a Bears sweatshirt as a gift?
Always size up when uncertain. If you know their t-shirt size, go one size larger. If you do not know their size at all, L is the safest adult gift size.
Do you offer plus size Chicago Bears sweatshirts?
Yes our Bears sweatshirts are available in sizes S through 5XL in both crewneck and hoodie styles across all colorways.
Will my sweatshirt shrink after washing?
Cotton sweatshirts can shrink slightly if washed in hot water or machine dried on high heat. Always wash cold and air dry. If you are between two sizes, choosing the larger size gives you a buffer against minor post-wash shrinkage.
