How to Find Your Unisex Streetwear Size: Fit Guide
Table of Contents
- Why Unisex Streetwear Sizing Feels Inconsistent
- How to Measure for Streetwear Fit: The Essentials
- Unisex Size Chart Conversion: Men's vs. Women's
- Oversized vs Regular Fit Streetwear: Which Is Yours?
- How to Measure Your Favorite Garment for Comparison
- Reading a Size Chart Like a Pro
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Online
- Conclusion: Find Your Fit and Shop with Confidence
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 4, 2026
Finding your unisex streetwear size is less about memorizing a single number and more about understanding garment measurements versus your own body measurements. Because unisex clothing is typically cut from a men's base pattern, the fit can feel unpredictable if you are used to women's or mainstream men's sizing. This guide from DAU-SON breaks down how to measure for a consistent fit, how to read a size chart, and how to decide between an oversized and regular silhouette.
Why Unisex Streetwear Sizing Feels Inconsistent
Unisex sizing feels inconsistent because it is a standardized system applied to non-standardized garments. Unlike tailored menswear or form-fitting womenswear, streetwear relies on varied silhouettes, including drop shoulders, boxy cuts, and intentionally elongated bodies.
Streetwear brands often cut garments larger to achieve that relaxed aesthetic. Your unisex streetwear size is not a universal constant; it depends on the specific garment's cut and the brand's fit profile.
How to Measure for Streetwear Fit: The Essentials
To find your unisex streetwear size accurately, you need two sets of numbers: your body measurements and the garment's measurements. Focus on the garment measurements provided by the brand, as these are the most reliable predictors of fit.
Tools You Need
You only need three things to get accurate measurements: a soft tape measure, a flat surface, and a garment that currently fits you well. A rigid ruler or metal tape will not give you accurate circumference readings.
Taking Your Body Measurements
Start by measuring your body in your underwear or a thin layer of clothing. For the half chest measurement, wrap the tape under your armpits and across the fullest part of your chest, then divide that number by two. This is the number you will compare against a garment's laid-flat chest measurement.
Next, find your body length. Measure from the highest point of your shoulder, down your front, to where you want the hem to hit. Finally, measure your sleeve length from the center of your back neck, across your shoulder, and down to your wrist bone. Compare these numbers to the size chart, not your shirt size from another brand.
Unisex Size Chart Conversion: Men's vs. Women's
The core of unisex size chart conversion is understanding that unisex fits are typically based on a men's base pattern, meaning the shoulders are broader, the chest is wider, and the torso is less tapered than a women's cut. The common advice to simply "size down if you wear women's sizes" is an oversimplification. A more reliable approach is to compare three specific measurements: half chest, body length, and shoulder width.
The Three-Point Comparison
For tops, the half chest measurement determines how the garment fits across your back and bust. The body length dictates where the hem falls on your hips. The shoulder width (measured from seam to seam across the back) determines whether the shoulder seam sits at your natural shoulder or drops down your arm. Unisex garments often have a drop shoulder by design, meaning the shoulder seam sits 1 to 2 inches below your natural shoulder point.
If you typically wear women's sizes: A women's medium usually has a half chest of 18-19 inches and a body length of 24-25 inches. A unisex small typically has a half chest of 20 inches and a body length of 27 inches. The difference is not just in the chest; it is in the length. If you want a regular fit, you may need a unisex XS, which often has a half chest of 18-19 inches but a body length of 25-26 inches. If you want the intentional oversized streetwear look, a unisex S or M will provide that, but be prepared for the hem to fall past your hips.
If you typically wear men's sizes: A men's medium usually has a half chest of 21-22 inches and a body length of 27-28 inches. A unisex medium is often cut identically in the chest but may be 1-2 inches longer in the body. If you have a shorter torso, a unisex medium may be too long, and you should size down to a small.
The Hip and Waist Problem
Unisex tops are typically cut straight from the underarm to the hem, with no waist suppression. If you have a significant difference between your chest and hip measurements (more than 4 inches), a unisex top that fits your chest will likely be loose around your waist and may ride up over your hips. To mitigate this, look for garments with a slightly tapered side seam or a shorter body length.
A Fit Reference Table Based on Height and Weight
Raw chest measurements do not tell the whole story. A more actionable approach is to use a height and weight reference table to estimate your starting size, then refine with garment measurements.
| Height Range | Weight Range | Suggested Unisex Size (Regular Fit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" - 5'4" | 100-130 lbs | XS | Body length will be long; expect a cropped look on some frames |
| 5'4" - 5'8" | 120-150 lbs | S | Standard fit on most frames |
| 5'6" - 5'10" | 140-170 lbs | M | Most common size for average male frame |
| 5'8" - 6'0" | 160-190 lbs | L | Check body length if you have a longer torso |
| 5'10" - 6'2" | 180-210 lbs | XL | Expect a relaxed fit in the chest |
| 6'0" - 6'4" | 200-240 lbs | XXL | Verify shoulder width; may need to size up for drop shoulder |
The International Sizing Factor
Streetwear is a global market, and many brands you buy from online will use EU or Asian sizing standards, which do not map cleanly to U.S. sizes. A Japanese size L, for example, is often equivalent to a U.S. size M in the chest but may be 2 inches shorter in the body (europa.eu). When a brand lists sizes as S, M, L without a measurement chart, be suspicious. Always look for the half chest measurement in inches or centimeters. If the chart is in centimeters, divide by 2.54 to get inches.
| Size Scale | Chest (Half) | Body Length | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unisex S | 20" | 27" | Fitted on men's S, relaxed on women's M |
| Unisex M | 22" | 28" | Standard men's M, oversized on women's L |
| Unisex L | 24" | 29" | Relaxed on men's L, boxy on women's XL |
| Unisex XL | 26" | 30" | Oversized on most frames |
This table is a baseline. Always defer to the specific brand's chart, and if no chart exists, contact customer service before ordering.
Oversized vs Regular Fit Streetwear: Which Is Yours?
Choosing between an oversized and regular fit is a matter of style preference and layering strategy, not just body size. An oversized fit is defined by a drop shoulder, a wider chest, and a longer body length, often 2 to 4 inches longer than a standard fit.
A regular or relaxed fit, by contrast, follows the natural line of the body more closely while still allowing full range of motion. For those who prefer a cleaner line or plan to layer under jackets, a regular fit is often the better choice.
How to Measure Your Favorite Garment for Comparison
The most reliable way to find your unisex streetwear size is to measure a garment you already own and love. Lay the garment flat on a hard surface, smoothing out any wrinkles.
For the half chest measurement, measure 1 inch below the armpit, straight across the garment from one side seam to the other. Do not stretch the fabric. For the body length, measure from the top of the shoulder seam down to the bottom hem. Finally, measure the sleeve length from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. Once you have these three numbers, compare them directly to the size chart of the new garment you want to buy.
Reading a Size Chart Like a Pro
A size chart is only useful if you know which numbers matter most for your body type. The most critical measurement for tops is the half chest measurement, as it determines how the garment fits across your back and shoulders.
When comparing your numbers to a chart, prioritize the chest measurement first. If the garment's chest is within 1 to 2 inches of your own half chest measurement, you will get a regular fit. If it is 3 to 4 inches larger, you will get an oversized fit. Ignore the letter size and focus purely on the inches. This is how you account for the variation between brands and avoid the disappointment of a garment that fits in the shoulders but is too short in the body.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Online
The biggest mistake shoppers make is relying on their usual letter size without checking the specific garment's measurements. However, the most overlooked variable in online streetwear shopping is fabric behavior, specifically shrinkage and drape, which is critical for streetwear where heavyweight cottons are the norm.
The Shrinkage Problem: Cotton vs. Polyester Blends
A 100% cotton garment, especially one that is not pre-shrunk, can shrink 3-5% in length and 2-3% in width after the first hot-water wash and high-heat dry (peer-reviewed research). For a 28-inch body length, that is nearly a 1.5-inch loss. In contrast, a polyester-cotton blend (like a 50/50 or 65/35 mix) is far more dimensionally stable. A 100% polyester garment will not shrink at all but may pill or lose its softness over time.
The mechanism: Cotton fibers swell and relax when wet, and the heat of the dryer causes them to contract and interlock more tightly. Pre-shrunk fabrics (often labeled as such or treated with a sanforization process) have already undergone this contraction. When comparing a garment's flat measurements to your own, always ask: "Is this pre-shrunk?" If the brand does not say, assume it is not and size up by 1 inch in the body length if you plan to machine-dry.
Fabric Weight and Drape
Fabric weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), changes how a garment fits on your body (textiles.ncsu.edu). A 180 GSM t-shirt is light and drapes closely to your frame. A 420 GSM hoodie is heavy and structured; it stands off the body and creates its own silhouette. The fabric does not conform to your body; your body conforms to the garment's shape.
The trade-off: Heavier fabrics (300 GSM and above) hold their shape better and are less prone to stretching out. Lighter fabrics (under 200 GSM) are more forgiving and will drape over a wider range of body shapes without looking oversized. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size in a heavyweight fabric and the larger size in a lightweight fabric.
The 'Relaxed Fit' Trap
Do not assume that a "relaxed fit" means the same thing across brands. For some brands, relaxed means a 2-inch increase in the half-chest over their regular fit. For others, it means a 4-inch increase plus a 2-inch longer body. The only way to know is to compare the actual garment measurements.
| Mistake | The Fix | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering by letter size | Measure a current garment and compare inches | Eliminates brand-to-brand variance |
| Ignoring fabric composition | Check for pre-shrunk cotton vs. synthetics | Prevents post-wash shrinkage surprises |
| Assuming "relaxed" is universal | Review the specific half chest and length | Ensures the intended silhouette |
| Not accounting for GSM | Size down in heavyweight, size up in lightweight | Matches the intended drape and structure |
Conclusion: Find Your Fit and Shop with Confidence
The challenge of online shopping is that you cannot try before you buy, but you can arm yourself with the right numbers. By measuring your body and your favorite garments, you remove the guesswork and take control of the fit. At DAU-SON, every product page includes a detailed size guide.
The pieces are crafted from heavyweight, premium fabrics designed to hold their shape through repeat wear. Whether you choose the relaxed fit of the Vintage Wash Splatter Hoodie or the loose drop-shoulder of the Sunfade Hoodie, the size chart is your best friend. Compare your measurements, decide on your preferred silhouette, and shop with total confidence. Shop The Drop and find the piece that fits your style and your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size I am in unisex?
Unisex sizing is based on garment measurements, not gender. To find your size, measure your chest, waist, and hips with a tape measure. Then compare those numbers to the brand's size chart. For streetwear, also consider the garment's stated fit, like relaxed or oversized. If you prefer a closer fit, size down from your measurements; if you want the intended baggy look, choose the size that matches your chest measurement.
Does unisex sizing run large or small?
Unisex sizing typically runs larger than women's sizing and more true to men's sizing, but this varies by brand. The real variable is the intended fit. A piece labeled 'oversized' will have more room in the chest and body than a 'regular' fit in the same size. Always check the garment measurements, specifically the half chest and body length, rather than relying on the S, M, L label.
How do you convert women's size to unisex?
A simple conversion is to size down two sizes from your usual women's size. For example, a women's large roughly translates to a unisex small or medium. This is a starting point only. The most accurate method is to measure your body and compare it to the unisex size chart. Pay attention to shoulder width and body length, as these often differ more than chest measurements between women's and unisex garments.