Unisex hoodies commonly use men’s-based measurements, so they tend to run roomier on many women and relaxed on men. Before you pick a size, check two numbers: finished chest width and sleeve length. For an oversized look, size up one from your usual size; for a relaxed fit, stick with your normal men’s size; for something closer to the body, size down from your typical women’s size, but always confirm against the finished garment measurements first.
TL;DR:
- Finished garment measurements can vary by a centimeter or two within the same labeled size, so compare the listing with a hoodie you already own.
- A finished chest measurement of 44 inches gives a person with a 40 inch chest four inches of ease; 48 inches creates an oversized fit.
- For training, choose a closer shoulder and arm fit to limit bunching; for cold weather, allow room for layers underneath.
- Because production starts after each order and warehouse stock is unavailable for exchanges, verify the measurements listed on the product page before purchasing.
Table of Contents
- How unisex sizing differs from men’s and women’s sizing
- How to measure your body and a hoodie to pick the right unisex size
- Sizing guidance by preferred fit: oversized, true-to-size, or fitted
- Do unisex hoodies run big or small, and when should you size down
- How VIDEVIK sizes our unisex hoodies and what to check before you order
- Tips for selecting the right hoodie fit based on body type
- Adjusting fit preferences based on intended use: training versus casual wear
- A measurement-first approach to sustainable sizing
- Where to find VIDEVIK’s Drop 001 hoodies and how to order
- FAQ
- Sources
How unisex sizing differs from men’s and women’s sizing
A unisex fit is built around a straighter, boxier pattern rather than a shaped silhouette. Where women’s hoodies typically narrow at the waist and use a shorter body and sleeve, unisex pieces are cut to sit the same way on a wide range of body shapes, which usually means more room through the chest and shoulders.
This difference shows up most in three places:
- Shoulder seams sit wider on unisex garments, since there’s no tailored taper at the arm.
- Chest width is cut fuller to accommodate a broader range of builds, often matching men’s standard sizing.
- Body length runs longer on unisex styles, since women’s hoodies are frequently shortened to hit at the hip rather than lower.
Nominal size labels can be misleading because of this. A unisex medium is not the same as a women’s medium: the unisex version usually has more chest room and a longer torso, even though the label says the same thing. That’s why comparing finished garment measurements matters more than comparing size names across categories.
How to measure your body and a hoodie to pick the right unisex size
Getting an accurate size starts with two sets of numbers: your body and the garment. Here’s how to take both.
- Chest: Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level under your arms.
- Shoulder width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other, across your back.
- Sleeve length: Measure from the center of the back of your neck, across the shoulder seam, down to your wrist.
- Body length: Measure from the high point of your shoulder down to where you want the hoodie to hit, usually the hip or below.
Once you have your body measurements, compare them to the product’s finished measurements rather than relying on the size label alone. UNIQLO’s sizing guidance draws a clear line between “body size” (your actual measurements) and “product size” (the finished garment), noting that product measurements can vary by design and fit, sometimes by a centimeter or two even within the same size label.
A faster method, when you already own a hoodie you like, is to measure that garment directly instead of your body. Lay it flat, measure seam to seam below the armhole for chest width, then compare that number to the finished chest measurement listed on the product you’re considering.
Pro Tip: Keep a small note on your phone with your chest, sleeve, and length measurements so you can compare them instantly against any size chart while shopping.
Sizing guidance by preferred fit: oversized, true-to-size, or fitted
Once you know your chest measurement, the gap between that number and the garment’s finished chest tells you what kind of fit to expect.
- A true-to-size or relaxed fit usually has some extra room beyond your actual chest measurement.
- An oversized fit adds substantially more room, which is common with heavyweight unisex hoodies meant to be worn loose.
- A fitted or slim look keeps the garment chest close to your body measurement, with little to no extra room.
Sleeve and body length need separate adjustments. If you’re taller than average, look for a hoodie with a longer sleeve and body length listed, or expect sleeves to sit higher on your wrist than intended. If you’re shorter, extra length in an oversized cut will pool at the cuffs and hem, which some people want for the look and others don’t.
As a quick scenario: if your chest measures 40 inches and the hoodie’s finished chest is 44 inches, expect a relaxed fit with light draping room, roughly four inches of extra space. If that same hoodie’s finished chest is 48 inches, you’re looking at a clearly oversized silhouette.
Do unisex hoodies run big or small, and when should you size down
Unisex hoodies generally run big rather than small, since most are built on men’s-based block patterns with extra chest and shoulder room. Unisex clothing as a category doesn’t inherently run small: the roomier fit is a design choice, not a sizing error, though it can feel large on someone used to fitted women’s cuts. If you’re unsure what size to get, start with your usual men’s size for a relaxed fit, or size down one if you’re used to women’s sizing and want something closer to the body.
A few things change this general rule:
- Heavier fabric weight (measured in GSM, or grams per square meter) adds structure and bulk, which can make the same size feel larger than a lighter hoodie would.
- Athletic or slim-labeled unisex styles are cut closer than standard unisex blocks, so sizing up is often worth considering if you want a looser feel.
- Zip-up styles tend to sit slightly closer to the body than pullovers because of the front closure, so a pullover and a zip hoodie in the same labeled size won’t always match.
If you’re between two sizes, lean toward the fit you actually want to wear rather than splitting the difference, since a slightly loose hoodie is easier to live with than one that’s too tight through the shoulders.
How VIDEVIK sizes our unisex hoodies and what to check before you order
Each of our hoodies, including the 60°N Hoodie: Built for the Dark, the Archive FIG. 001 Hoodie: Concrete / Iron / Asphalt, and the Unseen Work Hoodie: Nobody Claps at 05:40, has its own product page. We recommend laying a hoodie you already own flat and comparing its chest and sleeve measurements against those listings before choosing a size.
A few things to keep in mind as you shop:
- We make every hoodie after it’s ordered, so there’s no warehouse stock to swap sizes from after the fact.
- Checking finished measurements closely before ordering cuts down on returns, which supports our print-on-demand model and reduces excess production.
- If you’re between sizes or have a specific fit question, compare your measurements against the product listing.
Tips for selecting the right hoodie fit based on body type
Body type changes how the same hoodie size will look and feel, even with identical measurements on the tag. If you carry more width through the shoulders, a unisex cut with its naturally broader shoulder seam will usually sit well without feeling tight across the back, which is one advantage of the straighter unisex pattern over a tailored women’s cut.
For a shorter torso, an oversized unisex hoodie can overwhelm your frame unless you’re intentionally going for a longer, draped look. In that case, sizing down one from your usual oversized pick often keeps the proportions balanced while still giving you extra room through the chest.
If you have broader hips or a fuller midsection, length matters more than width. A hoodie that hits right at or just below the hip tends to sit better than one that stops short and bunches, so check the finished body length rather than only the chest measurement.
For a leaner or straighter build, an oversized unisex fit can read as intentionally relaxed rather than ill-fitting, since there’s more fabric to drape rather than stretch. In this case, a true-to-size unisex hoodie might feel closer to a tailored fit than expected, since the measurements already run generous compared to fitted alternatives.
Whatever your build, the finished chest and length numbers tell you more than the size label does. Two people wearing the same labeled size can look noticeably different depending on how that size was proportioned for their shape.
Adjusting fit preferences based on intended use: training versus casual wear
How you plan to wear a hoodie changes what fit actually works best, even if your measurements don’t change at all. For training or active use, a slightly closer fit through the shoulders and arms reduces fabric bunching during movement, so sizing true-to-size or even one size down from your usual oversized pick can make sense if you’re layering it over workout gear.
For casual, everyday wear, an oversized fit gives you more room to layer underneath during colder months and tends to be more forgiving if your weight fluctuates. This is especially relevant with heavyweight hoodies, since a higher GSM fabric already adds bulk and structure, so pairing that with an oversized cut amplifies the relaxed look rather than making it feel restrictive.
If you’re wearing a hoodie as an outer layer over other clothing, like a base layer or a thermal shirt in low-light or cold-weather conditions, add a little extra room to your usual size choice to account for what’s underneath. Sleeve length matters here too: a sleeve that’s perfect over a bare arm can run short once you add a long-sleeve layer beneath it.
If the hoodie is mostly for sitting around or everyday low-effort wear, comfort usually wins over structure, which is where sizing up for an oversized feel tends to pay off. Think about where you’ll wear it most and size toward that use case first, rather than defaulting to whatever fit you’d pick for a different hoodie entirely.
A measurement-first approach to sustainable sizing
Taking a moment to measure your chest and sleeve length before ordering does more than get you a better fit. It cuts down on returns, which matters more with made-to-order pieces since every return represents fabric and labor that can’t simply go back into general stock.
Account for how you’ll actually wear the hoodie, layered over a shirt, alone, for training, before you lock in a size. The right size on paper isn’t always the right size in practice.
— Raido
Where to find VIDEVIK’s Drop 001 hoodies and how to order
Once you’ve matched your measurements to a fit you’re confident in, our Drop 001 collection is where to see the current styles together, including the 60°N Hoodie: Built for the Dark, the Archive FIG. 001 Hoodie: Concrete / Iron / Asphalt, and the Unseen Work Hoodie: Nobody Claps at 05:40. Check the product page for details to compare against your own numbers or a hoodie you already own.
Since we make every piece after it’s ordered, there’s no backstock to exchange from, so getting the size right the first time keeps things simple on both ends. If you’re between sizes, compare your measurements with the details on the specific listing before placing your order.
FAQ
Do unisex hoodies run big or small?
Unisex hoodies generally run big rather than small, since most are built on men’s-based patterns with extra room through the chest and shoulders. The exact amount of extra room depends on the specific design, so checking the finished chest measurement is more reliable than assuming based on the label alone.
Does unisex clothing run small?
Unisex clothing doesn’t typically run small. If anything, it tends to run roomier than women’s sizing because it’s built to fit a wider range of body shapes using a straighter, less tailored cut.
What size should I get in a unisex hoodie?
Start with your usual men’s size if you want a relaxed fit, or size down one if you prefer something closer to a women’s fitted cut. The safest approach is always comparing your chest and sleeve measurements to the product’s finished garment chart rather than relying on size names alone.
What does “unisex fit” mean?
A unisex fit means the garment is cut with one standard pattern meant to work across different body types, rather than separate shaped patterns for men and women. This usually results in a straighter silhouette with more room through the chest and shoulders compared to a fitted women’s style.
How do I compare a hoodie I already own to a new unisex size chart?
Lay your current hoodie flat and measure the chest seam to seam below the armhole, then compare that number to the finished chest measurement listed for the hoodie you’re considering. This garment-to-garment comparison is often more reliable than measuring your body alone, since it accounts for how the fabric and cut actually sit.