PeakWear Performance Fit System
Find the size that supports your movement, without restricting your performance.
The right fit should feel secure where support matters, flexible where the body moves, and comfortable enough to wear beyond a single training session. Use this guide to measure accurately, understand PeakWear fit profiles, compare general size ranges, and select the most appropriate silhouette for training, running, golf, outdoor activity, recovery, travel, and everyday wear.
Step One
Use a flexible measuring tape over lightweight clothing or directly against the body. Keep the tape level, comfortably close, and free from twists. Stand naturally, breathe normally, and avoid pulling the tape so tightly that it compresses the skin.
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, beneath the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and ensure the tape remains parallel to the floor.
Measure from the outer edge of one shoulder across the upper back to the outer edge of the opposite shoulder. This is useful when selecting structured tops, polos, jackets, and vests.
Measure around the narrowest point of your torso, generally above the hip bones and near the natural crease formed when you bend sideways. Do not hold your breath or pull the tape tight.
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of the seat and hips. This measurement is especially important for compression tights, shorts, joggers, and track pants.
Measure from the highest point of the inner thigh down to the desired hem position. For the most accurate result, measure a well-fitting pair of pants laid flat from the crotch seam to the hem.
Wrap the tape around the widest part of the head, approximately one inch above the eyebrows and ears. Keep the tape level where a performance cap would naturally sit.
Step Two
Two garments labeled with the same size may feel different because their intended fit is different. Review the fit profile before selecting a size, particularly for compression products, tailored polos, and outer layers.
Designed to sit very close to the body with controlled stretch and minimal loose fabric. A correct compression fit feels secure without restricting breathing, circulation, or full movement.
Shaped through the chest, shoulders, seat, or thigh while preserving room to move. This profile creates a streamlined silhouette without feeling as close as compression apparel.
Balanced through the body with moderate ease. Standard fit works well for everyday movement, general training, travel, and customers who prefer comfort without an oversized silhouette.
Provides additional room through the body and limbs for easy layering, recovery, or casual movement. The garment should remain intentional rather than appearing excessively oversized.
Step Three
The following ranges provide a general PeakWear body-measurement reference. Product-specific measurements, fit notes, and garment construction should take priority whenever they are displayed on an individual product page.
Recommended for training T-shirts, tanks, long sleeves, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, performance jackets, and vests.
| Size | Chest | Natural Waist | Shoulder Reference | Sleeve Reference | General Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34–36 in86–91 cm | 28–30 in71–76 cm | 16–17 in41–43 cm | 32–33 in81–84 cm | Close, compact profile |
| S | 36–38 in91–97 cm | 30–32 in76–81 cm | 17–18 in43–46 cm | 33–34 in84–86 cm | Streamlined athletic fit |
| M | 38–40 in97–102 cm | 32–34 in81–86 cm | 18–19 in46–48 cm | 34–35 in86–89 cm | Balanced standard fit |
| L | 40–43 in102–109 cm | 34–37 in86–94 cm | 19–20 in48–51 cm | 35–36 in89–91 cm | Comfortable athletic fit |
| XL | 43–46 in109–117 cm | 37–40 in94–102 cm | 20–21 in51–53 cm | 36–37 in91–94 cm | Roomier standard fit |
| 2XL | 46–49 in117–124 cm | 40–43 in102–109 cm | 21–22 in53–56 cm | 37–38 in94–97 cm | Extended comfort fit |
| 3XL | 49–52 in124–132 cm | 43–46 in109–117 cm | 22–23 in56–58 cm | 38–39 in97–99 cm | Generous extended fit |
Recommended for training shorts, skorts, compression tights, leggings, joggers, track pants, and functional everyday bottoms.
| Size | Natural Waist | Seat & Hips | Short Inseam | Regular Inseam | Compression Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 28–30 in71–76 cm | 34–36 in86–91 cm | 5–7 in13–18 cm | 29–30 in74–76 cm | Firm, close support |
| S | 30–32 in76–81 cm | 36–38 in91–97 cm | 5–7 in13–18 cm | 30–31 in76–79 cm | Supportive athletic fit |
| M | 32–34 in81–86 cm | 38–40 in97–102 cm | 6–8 in15–20 cm | 31–32 in79–81 cm | Balanced compression fit |
| L | 34–37 in86–94 cm | 40–43 in102–109 cm | 6–8 in15–20 cm | 32–33 in81–84 cm | Secure with more volume |
| XL | 37–40 in94–102 cm | 43–46 in109–117 cm | 7–9 in18–23 cm | 32–33 in81–84 cm | Comfort-focused support |
| 2XL | 40–43 in102–109 cm | 46–49 in117–124 cm | 7–9 in18–23 cm | 33–34 in84–86 cm | Extended secure fit |
| 3XL | 43–46 in109–117 cm | 49–52 in124–132 cm | 7–9 in18–23 cm | 33–34 in84–86 cm | Extended comfort support |
Measure where the sweatband naturally rests. Adjustable closures provide flexibility, but the crown depth and overall profile can still affect how the cap feels.
| Size | Head Circumference | Centimeter Range | Typical Profile | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S / M | 21.5–22.75 in | 54.5–57.8 cm | Low to medium crown | Running, training, compact fit |
| L / XL | 22.75–24 in | 57.8–61 cm | Medium to deeper crown | Golf, outdoor, broader fit |
| Adjustable | 21.25–24.5 in | 54–62.2 cm | Variable closure range | Versatile everyday use |
Fit by Product Type
Each category interacts with the body differently. Use the notes below to identify where a garment should feel fitted, where it should allow ease, and when additional room may improve performance.
When Measurements Overlap
Being between sizes is normal. The better choice depends on the garment's intended fit, your body proportions, the amount of stretch, and whether you plan to wear additional layers underneath.
Consider the smaller size when the fabric has meaningful stretch, you prefer a streamlined silhouette, and your measurements do not exceed the upper limit of the smaller range. This is most relevant for compression layers and close athletic fits.
Consider the larger size when your chest, waist, hips, shoulders, or thighs fall near the upper edge of a size range. Additional ease may improve comfort during lifting, running, golf rotation, travel, and longer periods of wear.
When selecting hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, or vests, consider what will be worn underneath. If you plan to layer over a long-sleeve top, sweatshirt, or thicker base layer, additional room through the chest, shoulders, and armholes may be beneficial.
Material Behavior
Fabric composition affects how a garment feels before, during, and after movement. A size should never be selected on stretch alone, but understanding material behavior can help explain why two garments with similar measurements may fit differently.
Holds its shape with limited expansion. Prioritize chest, shoulder, waist, and hip measurements because the fabric provides less adjustment through movement.
Offers moderate flexibility and lightweight comfort. A regular size generally provides a balanced athletic fit for training tops, polos, and versatile daily pieces.
Expands vertically and horizontally for multidirectional movement. The fabric should recover after stretching rather than remaining loose at the knees, elbows, seat, or waistband.
Uses high stretch with stronger recovery to maintain close support. The correct size should feel firm but should not create numbness, restricted breathing, or painful pressure.
Final Confirmation
Do not judge athletic apparel by standing still. A successful fit should remain comfortable, controlled, and visually balanced while you perform the movements the product is designed to support.
Take several full breaths. The chest, waistband, and neckline should remain comfortable without pressure or restriction.
Reach overhead and forward. The garment should not pull excessively at the shoulders, underarms, upper back, or hem.
Confirm that the waistband remains stable and the seat, thighs, knees, and leg openings allow unrestricted movement.
Turn through the shoulders and hips as you would during golf, running, lifting, or outdoor movement. Look for pulling or twisting.
After movement, the garment should return to position without repeated adjustment, excessive bunching, or fabric remaining stretched.
Sizing Support
Review answers about measurements, compression, layering, garment length, fit preferences, and choosing between two sizes. Every question remains closed until selected.
Begin with body measurements because the general charts are based on the body rather than flat garment dimensions. Measuring a well-fitting garment can still be useful for comparing inseam, sleeve, rise, and preferred overall length when product-specific dimensions are available.
Compression apparel may require more care to pull into position, but it should not feel painfully tight. Once worn, it should support the body without limiting breathing, circulation, joint movement, or normal training mechanics.
Choose your regular size for a balanced athletic or standard fit. Consider sizing up when you prefer a relaxed silhouette, have broader shoulders or a fuller chest, or intend to wear a thicker sweatshirt or multiple layers underneath.
Prioritize the measurement that most directly affects the garment. Chest and shoulders are important for structured tops and outerwear. Waist and hips are important for bottoms. Shoulder, sleeve, and inseam length should also be considered when your proportions differ from the general size range.
A performance polo should sit cleanly across the shoulders and chest without pulling at the buttons or underarms. The body should follow your shape while allowing comfortable rotation, reach, and breathing. The hem should remain long enough to stay controlled through movement.
The waistband should remain secure without digging into the body. The seat and thigh should allow bending and sitting, while the lower leg may taper depending on the design. The cuff or hem should remain comfortable without restricting the ankle or calf.
Choose standard or relaxed styles and consider the larger size when you are between measurements. Avoid sizing up excessively in highly technical or compression garments because the fabric may no longer remain stable during movement.
Care methods can influence shape, elasticity, and overall fit. Follow the care instructions provided with the product. Avoid excessive heat when caring for stretch fabrics, compression materials, technical finishes, or garments containing elastic fibers.
Record your chest, natural waist, hips, inseam, preferred fit, and the product category you are considering. PeakWear support can use these details to provide more focused sizing guidance, although final comfort remains dependent on personal preference.
Fit with Confidence
Begin with accurate body measurements, review the intended fit, account for stretch and layering, and complete a full movement check when your order arrives. A well-selected performance fit should support your routine without becoming a distraction.