On this page
Being Between Sizes Is the Norm, Not the Exception
Size charts pretend bodies come in neat steps, but almost everyone lands between two sizes somewhere — a Medium chest with a Small waist, or measurements that fall right on the boundary. The usual "solution" is to order both and return one (bracketing), which is expensive for everyone. There's a better way: a few rules tell you which direction to go.
Rule 1 — Let the Fabric Decide
- Non-stretch (rigid wovens, denim, structured pieces): size up. There's no give, and tight rigid fabric is unwearable.
- Stretch (jersey, knits, activewear): the smaller size usually still works and gives a cleaner fit.
Fabric behavior is the biggest single factor, the variable we explore in What Does "True to Size" Mean.
Rule 2 — Let the Fit Type Decide
- Slim / fitted cuts: size up when between, because they have no tolerance.
- Relaxed / oversized cuts: size down or stay true, since the room is already built in — see Understanding Fit Types.
Rule 3 — Size to the Larger Body Point
When your measurements straddle two sizes across different points (e.g., Large hip, Medium waist), size to the largest relevant measurement and adjust the rest:
- A garment can be taken in at the waist far more easily than let out at the hip.
- This is why tailoring exists — buy for the hardest-to-alter point.
Rule 4 — Match Your Preference
If you genuinely like things looser, lean up; if you like them sharp, lean down. There's no universally "correct" answer between two sizes — it depends on the look you want, which is a personal input a chart can't know.
Rule 5 — Use Category Logic
- Tops: shoulders and chest usually decide.
- Bottoms: waist and hip decide; mind the rise — see How to Buy Jeans Online That Fit.
- Outerwear: size for layering.
- Tailoring: prioritize the shoulder.
Stop Bracketing
Bracketing feels safe but it's just deferred uncertainty — and it drives up return costs for everyone, as we cover in How Sizing Uncertainty Causes Cart Abandonment. The goal is to make one confident choice.
Where YourSizer Fits
Being between sizes is exactly the situation a recommendation is built for. YourSizer weighs your measurements, the fabric, the cut, and your fit preference to point you to one size — so you can skip ordering both. See it for brands, shoppers, or pricing.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I size up or down when I'm between sizes?
It depends on the fabric and cut. Size up for non-stretch, fitted, or structured garments that have no give, and stay true or size down for stretch fabrics and relaxed or oversized cuts where the room is already built in.
How do I choose a size when my measurements span two sizes?
Size to the largest relevant measurement, since a garment is easier to take in than to let out. For example, with a larger hip and smaller waist, choose for the hip and have the waist adjusted if needed.
Is it bad to order two sizes and return one?
Bracketing feels safe but raises return costs for everyone and ties up your money while you wait for refunds. Using fabric, cut, and preference rules — or a recommendation tool — lets you make one confident choice instead.