Apparel Buying Guide: Fabric, Fit & Sizing
Choose blank apparel by its fabric, fit, measurements and finish—not just the size label. This guide explains what to compare before ordering T-shirts, fleece and other garments for everyday wear or a business order.
Fabric, fit and sizing · Compare three Shaka tees · Ordering, shipping and pickup
Fabric weight is different from shipping weight
A specification such as 6 oz/yd² or 7.5 oz/yd² describes the weight of a square yard of fabric. GSM means grams per square meter. These describe the cloth, not what one finished garment weighs.
Shipping weight is the weight of the item used for shipping calculations. A 7.5 oz/yd² tee does not necessarily weigh 7.5 ounces. Compare fabric weights alongside the material, construction and fit; weight alone does not tell you how a garment will feel or perform.
Compare fit and measurements
Classic, relaxed, oversized, boxy and cropped describe different shapes. A size Large can differ between brands and between styles from the same brand. Use the measurements for the exact style rather than choosing by the size name alone.
First check whether a chart gives body measurements or garment measurements, and check its units. For a flat-garment chart, lay a well-fitting garment flat and compare the same points, such as chest width and body length. A flat chest width is not the same measurement as a chest circumference.
Where specifications are shown on a product page, use those style-specific numbers. If a chart is missing or its measuring method is unclear, ask us for sizing help before placing a larger order. For pants, also check the offered waist sizes, length information and cut.
Read the material for the selected color
Some styles use different fiber blends for heather, charcoal or safety colors. Check the material notes for the exact color instead of assuming every color has the same composition. The fiber blend, knit and finish all matter when comparing garments.
Garment-dyed and faded finishes
Garment dyeing colors a garment after it has been made. A garment-dyed, pigment-dyed or faded finish is part of a style’s appearance; these terms do not promise identical shades between different styles or production batches. Check the finish named on the product page.
Photos and supplier swatches help you compare the offered colors, but screens and lighting can change how a shade appears. A color name alone does not guarantee that a hoodie and a pair of pants will match. Our matching separates are sold individually; compare the styles, materials and finishes before choosing pieces.
Compare three Shaka Wear tees
These examples show why both fabric weight and cut matter. Open each product for its currently offered colors, sizes, measurements and selected-option price.
| Style | Fabric weight | Listed fit and finish |
|---|---|---|
| Active Tee SHASS | 6 oz/yd² | Classic fit. Compare this with the more relaxed heavyweight cuts below. |
| Max Heavyweight SHMHSS | 7.5 oz/yd² | Oversized, relaxed fit with a slight drop shoulder. |
| Garment-Dyed SHGD | 7.5 oz/yd² | Slightly oversized fit with a garment-dyed finish. |
SHMHSS and SHGD have the same listed fabric weight, but their finish and fit descriptions differ. Compare their measurements and chosen colors rather than treating them as interchangeable.
Care and decoration
Follow the care label on the actual garment and any verified care instructions provided for that style. Avoid applying one brand’s care routine to every product, especially jackets and headwear.
If you plan to print or embroider the garment, confirm the exact fabric, color and finish with your decorator. Test the intended process on the actual garment before committing to a larger run. A fabric description is not a guarantee that every decoration method will work.
Before a larger order
- Confirm the exact style, colors, sizes and quantities you need.
- Compare the style’s measurements and consider checking a garment before ordering a larger quantity.
- Select the color and size before reviewing the price. Larger sizes can cost more; use the displayed bulk-price information and review the cart total.
- For a large or time-sensitive order, confirm quantities and timing with us. Offered options and the Availability filter do not provide a verified inventory count.
Processing, shipping and pickup
Orders usually take about 1–3 days to process. Processing time is separate from shipping transit time. We ship only within the USA; available shipping services and charges appear at checkout.
Choose pickup at checkout to collect your order at Wow! Apparel NYC, 47 W 36th Street, New York, NY 10018. Check the pickup estimate shown for your selected item, and contact us if you need to confirm when to come in. For order or product questions, call (212) 545-8108 or email wowapparelnyc@gmail.com.
Review our shipping and pickup information, return policy and store hours and contact information before ordering.
Find the right garment
Browse T-shirts and tanks, hoodies and sweatshirts, pants and shorts, jackets and outerwear or shop by brand.
Product and care references
The comparison uses supplier specifications for SHASS, SHMHSS and SHGD. For an example of brand-specific care guidance, see AS Colour’s garment care guide; the label on your garment remains the relevant care reference.