Why Size Matters for How To with John Wilson Merch
I still remember the first hoodie I ordered online. It was from a show I loved, and I was so excited. When it arrived, the sleeves ended at my knuckles and the body hung like a tent. I looked like I was borrowing a bigger friend's jacket. That disappointment stuck with me. As a merch designer, I've learned that size is not just about numbers - it's about how the garment makes you feel when you wear it.
For a show like How To with John Wilson, which is all about noticing the small details in everyday life, the details of your merch should be just as intentional. A well-fitted hoodie or tee becomes part of your own story, a piece you reach for again and again. This how to with john wilson merch size guide will walk you through getting that perfect fit, whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift.
How to Measure Yourself for the Perfect Fit
Before you look at any size chart, you need accurate measurements. Here's the simple way to do it at home. You'll need a flexible tape measure and a friend for the tricky parts.
Step 1: Chest
Wrap the tape under your armpits, around the fullest part of your chest and shoulder blades. Keep it snug but not tight. Breathe normally. Write down that number.Step 2: Waist
Measure around your natural waistline - usually just above your belly button. This matters more for fitted shirts than loose hoodies, but it helps with overall proportion.Step 3: Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure the widest part of your hips. This is key for longer tees and hoodies that hit at the hip.Step 4: Sleeve Length
This is the one people often skip. Bend your arm slightly and measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, down to your wrist bone. For hoodies, an extra half-inch here makes a big difference.Pro tip: If you already own a t-shirt or hoodie that fits perfectly, lay it flat and measure across the chest (armpit to armpit) and the length (from shoulder seam to bottom hem). Then compare those numbers to our size charts. This method is more reliable than measuring your body for garments with relaxed fits.
How To with John Wilson Hoodie Size Chart
Our hoodies are unisex and cut with a classic, slightly relaxed fit. They're made from a heavy-weight 12 oz fleece that holds its shape but softens after a few washes. Here are the measurements for our heavy-weight hoodie:
| Size | Chest (inches) | Length (inches) | Sleeve (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36-38 | 27 | 33 |
| M | 40-42 | 28 | 34 |
| L | 44-46 | 29 | 35 |
| XL | 48-50 | 30 | 36 |
| XXL | 52-54 | 31 | 37 |
If you're between sizes, consider how you plan to wear it. Many fans like to size up for a cozier, lounging fit - perfect for bingeing episodes. But if you want a trim look that works for layering under a jacket, go with your usual size.
How To with John Wilson T-Shirt Size Chart
Our t-shirts are 100% combed ring-spun cotton, pre-shrunk, so what you see is what you get after washing. They have a slightly boxy, modern cut with a narrower shoulder and longer body.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 34-36 | 28 |
| M | 38-40 | 29 |
| L | 42-44 | 30 |
| XL | 46-48 | 31 |
| XXL | 50-52 | 32 |
Because the cotton is pre-shrunk, you don't need to worry about shrinking. I've found that if you like a relaxed, untucked look, your true size is fine. For a more fitted silhouette, you might go down one size. But be honest with yourself about how you like your shirts to feel - nothing worse than a tee that's too tight across the chest.
How To with John Wilson Accessories Sizing: Beanies and Totes
Beanies are one-size-fits-most, but that doesn't mean one size fits all. Our beanies are knit from 100% acrylic and have about 4 inches of stretch. They fit most adult head sizes from 21 to 24 inches in circumference. If you have a smaller head, fold the brim once. For larger heads, stretch the beanie gently over a bowl or mannequin head for a few hours to loosen the knit.
Our canvas tote bags have 22-inch handles with a 7-inch drop from the top of the bag to the handle peak. That means they sit comfortably on the shoulder for most people (5'4" to 6'2"). The bag itself is 16" wide by 17.5" tall, which is large enough for a few groceries or a notebook and a small camera - classic John Wilson gear.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size Based on Your Preferences
Beyond the numbers, your choice comes down to how you want the merch to fit and feel. Here's what I've learned from talking with fans and my own experience.
For a relaxed, oversized look: Size up one size from your chest measurement. This works great for hoodies - they become cozy layers for cool evenings. Many fans mention getting the hoodie in a size larger than their tee for that purpose.
For a tailored, fitted look: Go true to size or even down one for t-shirts if you prefer a trimmer fit. Keep in mind that the t-shirt's sleeve hem will hit higher on your arm, which is a modern look.
For layering: If you plan to wear a hoodie over another shirt or a light jacket, size up. The heavy-weight fleece is thick, so room is needed. If you're layering the tee under the hoodie, your tee size is fine for the hoodie - just don't size down on the hoodie.
Community pro tip: Some fans buy the same size in both tee and hoodie, but then swap the tee for a size down when they want a neater look under the hoodie. It's a small hack that gives you two different fits from one purchase.
Final note on gifts: If you're buying for someone else and can't measure them, go with their typical shirt size for tees. For hoodies, size up one - it's better for them to have a slightly roomy hoodie than one that's too tight.
| Key Takeaway |
|---|
| Measure your chest, waist, hips, and sleeve length for best results. |
| Use a well-fitting garment as a reference for more accurate sizing. |
| Our hoodies run true to size with a relaxed fit; tees are pre-shrunk with a modern cut. |
| For lounging or layering, size up on hoodies. For a fitted look, stay true to size. |
| Accessories like beanies stretch to fit most heads; totes have a 7-inch drop. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do How To with John Wilson hoodies fit?
Our hoodies have a classic, slightly relaxed fit. They're cut true to size based on your chest measurement. If you want a cozier feel, size up one.Are the t-shirts pre-shrunk?
Yes, our t-shirts are 100% combed ring-spun cotton that has been pre-shrunk. The size you order will stay the same after washing.What size should I get if I'm between sizes on the chart?
Go with the larger size if you prefer a looser fit. If you like things snug, choose the smaller size. For hoodies, always size up if you're between.How do I measure sleeve length for the hoodie?
Measure from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, down to your wrist bone with your arm slightly bent. Add half an inch for a comfortable range of motion.Can I get the beanie in a smaller or larger size?
The beanie is one-size-fits-most with good stretch. If you need a tighter fit, fold the brim. To loosen it, gently stretch it over a bowl for a few hours.
