Guide
Size grading for clothing: a simple guide
Grading turns your base size into a full size range. Each point of measure grows or shrinks by a set amount from one size to the next, so every size keeps the look and fit of the sample.
- Grade rules explained
- Worked t-shirt example
- How to check a size chart
Base size and grade rules
You develop and approve one size first, the base size (usually M for adults). A grade rule says how much each point of measure changes per size. Widths usually change more than lengths, and small details such as neck rib or cuff height often don't change at all.
Grade rules depend on your market and your customers: a European, American or Asian size range, a slim or an oversized fit. There is no single correct set, which is why a size chart from another brand rarely fits your style without changes.
Worked example: a t-shirt from S to XL
An illustrative example with a regular-fit t-shirt, base size M. Widths are half measurements in cm; the grade column is the change per size.
| Point of measure | Grade | S | M (base) | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body length | 2 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 |
| Chest width | 3 | 52 | 55 | 58 | 61 |
| Bottom width | 3 | 52 | 55 | 58 | 61 |
| Shoulder width | 1.5 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 | 49 |
| Sleeve length | 1 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Neck rib height | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
How to check a graded size chart
- Sizes are in order and every point grows in the same direction from small to large.
- Steps are even, or change on purpose (some brands grade more for the larger sizes).
- Widths are clearly half or full measurements, the same way in every row.
- Small details (neck drop, rib and cuff heights) don't grow more than the garment around them.
- The base size matches the approved sample.
Grading in our tech pack builder
Our free tech pack builder grades a starting size chart for your style from the base size. When you enter your own measurements for the base size, the other sizes follow with the same grade rules. Our pattern team checks the chart and grades your digital pattern to every size you order.
Make your tech pack online, free
Describe your product or upload a photo. Sketches, size chart and bill of materials are filled in for you, and our pattern team reviews the result.
Open the free tech pack builderFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between grading and a size chart?+
The size chart is the result: the measurements for every size. Grading is how you get there, by applying grade rules to the base size, both on the size chart and on the pattern.
Which size should be my base size?+
Usually the middle of your range, M for most adult ranges, so the grading up and down stays short. Make and approve your sample in the base size.
Do I need a fit sample in every size?+
Not always. Many brands approve the base size and check one smaller and one larger size before bulk production, especially for a new fit.
Can you grade my existing pattern?+
Yes. Our pattern team works with digital patterns and grades them to every size you order.
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