New Heights Merch Sizing Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

Getting the right size for your New Heights merch is the difference between a hoodie you live in and one that sits in the back of the closet. After helping hundreds of fans buy the perfect fit, I've put together this guide to take the guesswork out of New Heights merch sizing. Whether you're ordering a hoodie, tee, or long sleeve, here is exactly how to measure, what to expect from different blanks, and how to handle international conversions.

Quick Picks Summary Table

Why Proper Sizing Matters for New Heights Gear

New Heights merch uses high-quality print-on-demand blanks - mostly Gildan and Independent Trading Co. - that each have their own fit profile. A size L in a Gildan 5000 tee fits differently than a size L in an Independent hoodie. Getting your measurements right ensures you get the exact look you want, whether that is relaxed and roomy or slim and sharp.

Another factor: shrinkage. Cotton-heavy blanks can shrink up to 5% in the first wash, especially if you use hot water. Pre-shrunk fabrics like the ring-spun cotton tees shrink less but still tighten slightly. Knowing this upfront helps you decide whether to size up.

What Most People Get Wrong

I see two common mistakes. First, men often order their typical dress shirt size without realizing that streetwear-style tees run larger in the shoulders and chest. Second, women often size down too aggressively, ending up with a shirt that pulls at the seams. The key is to measure a garment you already own and compare it to the specific size chart for the item.

How to Measure Yourself for the Best Fit

Grabbing a soft measuring tape and a t-shirt that fits you perfectly is all you need. Here is the step-by-step method I recommend to every buyer:

• Chest: Lay the shirt flat, measure 1 inch below the armpit seam across the fullest part.
• Length: Measure from the top of the collar seam down to the bottom hem.
• Sleeve: From the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff, with the sleeve laid flat.
• Shoulder: Across the back from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Match these numbers to the size chart on the product page. If you are between sizes, I suggest going up if you prefer a relaxed fit or down for a more fitted look. Most New Heights tees are meant to be slightly roomy, so erring on the larger side works for most people.

A Pro Tip on Length

Print-on-demand blanks often have a longer torso than retail brands. That is great for tall fans who struggle with shirts that ride up. If you are 5'9" or shorter and want a standard length, consider sizing down to avoid too much excess fabric in the hem.

New Heights Hoodie vs T-Shirt Sizing Differences

Hoodies and tees from New Heights use different blanks. The popular hoodie is a 50/50 cotton-poly blend from Independent Trading Co., while the main tees are Gildan 5000 (heavy cotton) or Gildan 64000 (soft-style). Each has its own quirks.

Hoodie Fit: Roomier and Shorter

The Independent hoodie runs large in the chest and shoulders but has a noticeably shorter body length compared to the Gildan tee. I recommend ordering your normal tee size for a standard hoodie fit. If you want an oversized look - which many fans prefer for lounging - go up one size. The sleeves are also generous, perfect for stacking at the wrists.

Tee Fit: True to Size with Slight Shrinkage

Gildan 5000 tees are classic heavy cotton that fits true to size but shrinks about 3-5% after the first wash. If you dry them on high heat, they tighten further. The 64000 soft-style tees are pre-shrunk and fit slightly slimmer, especially in the chest. For a consistent fit after washing, order the 64000 in your normal size or the 5000 one size up.

Sleeves and Neckline

Hoodie sleeves are set-in style with a generous drop shoulder, giving you good range of motion. Tee sleeves are standard set-in - not too tight, not too loose. Necklines on both are reinforced ribbing that holds shape well. I have never seen a collar stretch out on the Independent hoodie, but the Gildan tees can relax slightly after repeated wear.

International Size Conversions for New Heights Merch

New Heights sizes use US standard men's sizing. If you are ordering from outside the US, here is how to convert:

For women's sizing: most women size down one to two sizes from their usual women's size. A woman who wears US 10 (M) in women's suits a US S or XS in the unisex New Heights tee. Always check the garment measurements - that is more reliable than size label conversions.

Common Fit Questions Answered

How do I prevent shrinkage?

Wash your New Heights merch in cold water and tumble dry on low or hang dry. Cotton hoodies and tees will shrink most in the first wash, so if you order true to size, use cool settings to preserve the fit.

Can I return if the size is wrong?

Make sure to check the size chart before ordering. If you need to exchange, our Contact Us page has instructions. We recommend measuring yourself and noting the measurements of a favorite shirt to compare.

Does the hoodie stretch out?

The Independent hoodie is a 50/50 blend that holds its shape well. It will not stretch out much during the day, but after many washes, the fabric can relax slightly. Ordering true to size gives you the designed fit.

What size should I buy for an oversized look?

For the hoodie, go one size up from your normal tee size. For the tee, go two sizes up for an intentionally baggy style. The heavy cotton tees have a boxy cut that works well oversized.

Are the sizes consistent across all products?

Not exactly. The hoodie and tee use different blanks, so a size L hoodie is larger in the chest and shoulders than a size L tee. Always refer to the specific size chart for each product. The Vintage Wash Tee runs slightly smaller than the Classic Logo Tee due to the pre-shrunk fabric.

Key Takeaways

• Measure a shirt you own and compare to the item's size chart for the most accurate fit
• Hoodies run roomy and short; tees run true to size with potential shrinkage
• Size up one for oversized hoodie fits; size down one for fitted tees if you prefer a trim look
• International buyers should rely on chest measurements in inches, not size labels
• Wash cold and dry low to minimize shrinkage and extend garment life

As a creator economy strategist who has worked with print-on-demand for over a decade, I've seen sizing errors ruin an otherwise perfect order. Take three minutes to measure yourself properly, and you'll end up with New Heights gear that looks and feels exactly how you want.