When you start a design, one of the hardest choices is fit. Many U.S. students search for how to choose size for a custom varsity jacket because the same body can look different in a regular, relaxed, or oversized cut, even on classic custom varsity jackets worn across campus.
Think about how you want the jacket to feel
Fit is about how the jacket feels every day, not just what the tape measure says. Before you look at any numbers, picture where you plan to wear it most. Are you sitting in class, walking across campus with a backpack, or standing in the student section on cold bleachers?
If you want a neat look in the hallway, a closer cut that sits right on the shoulders might be best. If game nights and bus rides matter more, a roomier shape that leaves space for layers can make more sense.
Clothoo makes unisex jackets in sizes from XS to 6XL, so the same design can work for smaller students, tall players, and parents. The goal is to pick the feeling first, then match it to a size. When you are ready to connect that idea to real numbers, review the fit chart in the size guide before you order.
Regular, relaxed, and oversized varsity fits
Most people fall into one of three looks: regular, relaxed, or oversized. None is right or wrong. They just send different signals and feel different over your clothes. All of these options can work with the same custom varsity jackets design; you only change the size.
- Regular fit: Sits on the edge of your shoulders, has light room in the chest, and lands around mid-hip so it looks clean over tees or thin layers.
- Relaxed fit: Adds a bit more ease in the chest and body, with room for a hoodie or sweatshirt underneath without feeling tight when you move.
- Oversized fit: Looks clearly bigger on purpose, with dropped shoulders, longer sleeves, and extra space that gives a laid-back street look.
- Comfort fit for staff and parents: Keeps the shoulders neat but leaves more space through the body so coaches and adults can move on the sideline.
If you line up three friends in these fits, the difference shows right away. Picture a regular jacket that sits sharp in yearbook photos, a relaxed one that feels easy on Friday nights, and an oversized one that works like a blanket on cold bus rides home.
Layering hoodies vs tees under your jacket
Layering is the biggest reason people second-guess their size. A jacket that feels perfect over a tee can feel tight once you pull a thick hoodie underneath.
If you mostly wear hoodies or heavy sweatshirts, plan for more space in the chest and shoulders. Many students feel better going one size up from the number they see on the chart, especially if they want to raise their arms, clap, or carry a backpack without the fabric pulling.
If you mostly wear tees, polos, or light long sleeves, the size that matches your chart number usually works. The jacket will still have some ease, but it will not feel baggy when you sit in class or lean over a desk.
If you split your time between hoodies and tees, think about where you care most about the fit. Some students stay with the measured size and accept a snug hoodie feel on game nights. Others size up and enjoy a roomier everyday shape.
A simple sizing path for students and parents
Here is a fast way to think through how to choose size for a custom varsity jacket without getting stuck on every small detail.
If you mostly wear a hoodie or thick sweatshirt under your jacket, look at your chart size and then consider going up one size. That change creates room in the shoulders and arms so you can zip the jacket and still move easily.
If you mainly wear tees, polos, or light long sleeves, pick the size that lines up with your chart number. This is usually the best pick for a regular fit, especially for classroom and hallway use.
If you are between two sizes and want a relaxed campus feel, choose the larger one. If you like a sharper, closer shape, choose the smaller one and plan to wear lighter layers most days.
Parents ordering for younger students can think long term. If your student is still growing fast, a slightly relaxed size now can still look good today and last into next year.
Using the size guide and builder before you order
Once you know how to choose size for a custom varsity jacket in theory, it is time to match that choice to real numbers. This is where the chart and the design tools work together.
Instead of guessing from your normal hoodie size, start with the chest and body ranges in the official size guide. That page explains how the jacket size chart works and gives a clear picture of how each size lines up with real bodies.
After you pick a likely size, open the design-your-own varsity builder and picture your fit choice with real colors, letters, and patches. You can also scan the custom jacket options and the wider varsity jacket collection to see how jackets hang on different models in photos.
Once you know how to choose size for a custom varsity jacket that fits your body and layers, locking in your design feels simple. A little planning now helps your custom varsity jackets feel right from the first day you wear them.
FAQs about custom varsity jacket fit
Q: How do I choose the right size for a custom varsity jacket?
A: Start by deciding how you want the jacket to feel: regular, relaxed, or oversized. Then think about your layers and check the chest and body ranges in the size chart. Match your fit goal to the closest size instead of guessing from your usual hoodie or tee.
Q: Should I size up for a varsity jacket if I wear hoodies underneath?
A: If you expect to wear a thick hoodie most days, going up one size from your chart number is often a safe move. That extra space keeps the shoulders, chest, and sleeves from feeling tight when you raise your arms or sit on the bleachers.
Q: How should a varsity jacket fit in the shoulders and sleeves?
A: In a regular fit, the shoulder seam should sit close to the edge of your shoulder without dropping far down your arm. Sleeves should reach your wrist bone without bunching a lot. A relaxed or oversized look can sit a bit lower and longer, but you should still be able to move without fighting the fabric.
Q: What is the difference between a regular and oversized varsity fit?
A: A regular fit follows your body more closely and looks sharp over tees or light layers. An oversized fit is wider in the chest and body, has looser sleeves, and often has dropped shoulders so it looks intentionally big and works better with thicker hoodies and stacked layers.
Q: Where can I check exact measurements before I order?
A: For detailed numbers, use the chart and notes in the size guide. That page walks through the jacket size chart so you can match your own measurements to the right size before you build or order your design.
