Ugly Sweater Sizing Guide: How to Measure for a Vintage Fit
Short answer: to find the right size in a vintage ugly sweater, ignore the tag and compare measurements. Lay a sweater that fits you well flat, measure its chest (across the front, armpit to armpit, then double it) and its length (from the top of the shoulder to the bottom hem), and match those numbers to the chest and length listed for the sweater you want.
Why can't I trust the size on the tag?
Vintage sweaters come from dozens of brands and several decades, and sizing has changed a lot over time. A "Medium" from the 1980s can fit like a modern Large, especially with shoulder pads and roomy cuts. Many ugly sweaters are also unisex. That's why The Ugly Sweater Store sizes every sweater by its chest measurement and lists the chest and length in each product description.
How do I measure a sweater I already own?
- Pick your best-fitting sweater, the one you'd happily wear to a party.
- Lay it flat on a table or bed, front side up, smoothing out wrinkles.
- Chest: measure straight across from armpit seam to armpit seam, then double that number.
- Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where it meets the collar) straight down to the bottom hem.
- Compare: look for listed measurements within about 1–2 inches of yours.
How should an ugly sweater fit?
It depends on how you'll wear it:
- Over a shirt or turtleneck: choose a chest 2–4 inches bigger than your best-fitting sweater.
- On its own: match your measurements closely.
- For an '80s oversized look: go 4–6 inches bigger and roll the sleeves.
- Vests and cardigans: these are more forgiving. Match the chest and you're set.
How do I measure myself if I don't have a sweater that fits?
Measure your body instead, then add room for the fit you want:
- Wrap a soft tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms, with your arms relaxed.
- Add the ease from the table below to get the sweater chest measurement to look for.
- For length, measure from the top of your shoulder (where it meets your neck) down to where you want the hem to land.
| Fit you want | Sweater chest vs. your body chest |
|---|---|
| Fitted | About the same to 2 inches bigger |
| Regular | 2 to 4 inches bigger |
| Relaxed / layered over a shirt | 4 to 6 inches bigger |
| Oversized (classic 1980s look) | 6 inches or more bigger |
Example: if your chest measures 40 inches and you want a regular fit, look for a sweater with a 42 to 44 inch chest.
How should a kids' ugly sweater fit?
Size up a little. Kids grow fast and a roomier sweater layers over a long-sleeve shirt, so add 4 to 6 inches to their chest measurement. Browse kids' ugly sweaters.
Shop by size
Start with a size collection, then confirm with the measurements in each listing:
What if it doesn't fit?
All sales are final at The Ugly Sweater Store, and we don't refund or exchange for sizing. Measuring takes two minutes and saves the disappointment. If you have a different problem with your sweater, email us and we'll see what we can do.
Frequently asked questions
Are your sweaters men's or women's?
Both. The collection is a mix of men's, women's and unisex sweaters. We don't sort by gender; we size by chest measurement.
Do vintage sweaters shrink?
Every sweater is already washed before it ships. To keep the size, hand-wash cold or use a delicate cycle and lay flat to dry. Never put a beaded or sequined sweater in the dryer.
Can I find the same sweater in a different size?
Usually not. Most vintage sweaters are one of a kind, though matching designs in other sizes do turn up occasionally. Search the design name to check.
Should I size up for an ugly sweater party?
Usually yes, by one size or about 2 inches in the chest. A slightly roomy sweater is more comfortable in a warm, crowded room, layers easily over a shirt, and looks more authentically 1980s.