Common Fit Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Shearling Vest

Common Fit Blunders to Steer Clear Of

Buying a shearling vest should be an exciting experience but all too often it ends up being a source of stress instead. And the reason why? Well, when compared to standard leather, shearling is a heck of a lot thicker and behaves in a way that can be pretty tricky to get the hang of when it comes to fitting. So, let's cut to the chase and take a look at some of the most common fit mistakes that people make when buying a shearling vest knowing what to avoid will help you snag a vest that not only feels great but looks balanced too & will hold up well over time.

Mistake 1: Downsizing & Choosing a Vest That’s Too Small

Probably the most common mistake of all is getting a size that's just a bit too small. And the thing is shearling needs room to do its job i.e. insulate properly.

Signs that the vest is just a bit too small:

·      Your chest feels nice & snug but not restricted but, chances are it's going to be too tight

·    You're having trouble shutting the zippers (don't get caught with a zipper that won't budge)

·         Your arm movement is restricted (no good - you want to be able to move freely)

A snug fit is fine but don't even think about going tight.

Mistake 2: Not Paying Enough Attention to Shoulder Fit

Shoulders are what basically support the load of the vest (so if they don't fit right, the vest is going to feel pretty uncomfortable). If the shoulders are too narrow, the vest is going to ride up & feel all wrong.

Always make sure to check:

·         That the shoulder seams are arranged in a natural way

·         That the vest sits flat across the back (no pulling or straining)

·     Whether or not the vest hangs nice & evenly on you, without any pulling at all when you move

At GYMANZA USA, we put a massive amount of emphasis on getting shoulder fit just right it's something we keep going over & over again in our design & testing process.

Mistake 3: Overlooking the Importance of Layering

A lot of buyers end up wearing their shearling vests over sweaters or hoodies, but they only size for a t-shirt.

If you know you're going to layer up:

·         Go for a size that's a bit roomier than you think you need

·         Make sure the arm openings don't feel too constricting

·         Avoid any super slim cut vests that'll get bunched up under your other clothes

Layering should feel relaxed, not awkward.

Mistake 4: Misunderstanding how Shearling Expands

One thing to keep in mind: shearling leather doesn't really stretch like other fabrics do. While it does soften up a bit with wear, it's not going to get much bigger.

If a shearling vest feels tight when you first put it on, chances are it's going to stay that way.

Mistake 5: Picking the Wrong Length Vest

The length of your shearling vest can make a big difference in how warm and balanced it is.

If it's too short:

·         You're showing way too much midriff for comfort

·         Its insulating powers are greatly diminished

If it's too long:

·         You end up with a vest that's just way too bulky

·         It gets in the way of your movements

In general, most shearling vests should sit around your waist or hip line.

Mistake 6: Not Giving a thought to how Arms Feel

A tight arm opening can be a real nuisance especially when you're layering up. It's a recipe for chafing and restricted movement.

Always test for:

·         Just how comfortably does the arm lift

·         Can you move freely and naturally?

·         is there any pressure at all at the underarm?

Getting the arm openings right is key to putting on a comfortable shirt that lasts all day long.

Mistake 7: Not Checking Sizes beyond the Label

Sizes can vary wildly between brands and don't even get me started on what 'small', 'medium' and 'large' actually mean. None of that sizes mean nothing on their own.

GYMANZA USA does us all a solid by providing detailed size guides so you can make an informed choice.

Getting the Fit right Every Time

To get a shirt that really fits:

·         take some proper measurements

·         look up the size chart for our brand

·         bear in mind how you like to layer

·         shoulder and chest comfort come first

By following these simple tips, you can all but eliminate the guesswork and get a shirt that's perfect for you.

GYMANZA USAs Approach to Getting the Fit Right

At GYMANZA USA we design our shearling vests with the real world in mind so they actually feel comfortable to wear not just look good on the rack. Our fit testing is all about making sure you don’t get caught out by common sizing issues a problem that can leave you with a vest that just feels wrong.

The Right Fit Really Does Matter

You know what a poorly fitting vest can lead to it looks rubbish, you can barely move, and after a while it’s just a waste of money. But get the fit right and it’s a whole different story. Your vest will be warm, move with you and give you the confidence that comes from wearing something that actually feels right.