Unisex hoodies and t-shirts for women: 2026 size guide and fit notes for reservists
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Briefly
Unisex is not the men's cut. It is one set of measurements that works for most people when the size is chosen correctly. Measure a reference garment, check the chart, and remember that a dense 288 g/m² knit does not stretch out with use.
Quick decisions: if you wear merino or a thick t-shirt underneath, take the hoodie one size up. As a gift, the t-shirt in their own size and the hoodie one size more relaxed.
What unisex sizing means in practice
In a unisex cut the shoulder line is straighter than in a women's cut, and there is no shaping at the waist. That does not make the garment worse. It just means the size is chosen by the measurements rather than by the letter.
If the hips are wider than the chest, the hoodie may ride up slightly at the front. The fix is either one size up or checking the hem length in the chart before ordering.
Remember: hoodies are a 288 g/m² Cotton Heritage base. A dense knit holds its shape and does not stretch out the way a light fabric does, so there is no point ordering too small in the hope that it will give.
How to measure at home
You need a tape measure, a flat surface and a garment of your own that fits well.
- Lay the garment flat and smooth out the creases.
- Chest width: from one armpit seam straight across to the other.
- Length: from the highest shoulder point to the hem.
Important: the numbers in the chart are widths, not circumferences. Do not double them and do not compare them to the measurement around your own chest. That is the most common reason for the wrong size.
Hoodie size chart
Chest width / length, in centimetres:
- S: 50.8 / 68.6
- M: 53.3 / 71.1
- L: 58.4 / 73.7
- XL: 63.5 / 76.2
- 2XL: 67.3 / 78.7
- 3XL: 71.1 / 81.3
T-shirt size chart
Width / length / sleeve length from centre back, in centimetres:
- S: 46.4 / 67.6 / 41.3
- M: 51.4 / 71.1 / 45
- L: 55.9 / 74.6 / 48.3
- XL: 61 / 78.1 / 52
- 2XL: 66 / 80.3 / 55.3
- 3XL: 70.5 / 82.6 / 59
- 4XL: 75.6 / 85 / 62.6
Normal production tolerance is about ±1-3 cm. The full chart is in the size guide.
Fit profiles
Clean silhouette (work, campus)
- T-shirt: your own size. The cut is already relaxed, so the smaller size gives a more normal fit.
- Hoodie: your own size.
Relaxed (everyday, training)
- T-shirt: your own size.
- Hoodie: one size up. Also works with a layer underneath.
Loose
- One size up is enough for most people.
- Jumping two sizes is not recommended: it also changes the shoulder line and the sleeve length, and the hoodie starts to look borrowed. On a shorter person this stands out more. Check the hem length in the chart.
The instruction for being between two sizes is simple: take the larger for a more relaxed hoodie fit.
Materials
Hoodies: 288 g/m² Cotton Heritage base, heavy medium. Firmer than an ordinary basic hoodie, but not as thick as a 300-360 g/m² heavyweight. More on weight classes in the GSM guide.
T-shirts: Comfort Colors base, unisex cut. Exact weights vary by model. See the product page.
Markings: the front badge is embroidered, back prints are DTG. Embroidery handles washing better than a print.
Use cases
Work and campus
The most restrained option is the Potero Standard Hoodie, the only one in the range with no back print. Just the embroidered badge on the front.
Training and getting there
T-shirt on its own, hoodie for warming up and cooling down. Note that a cotton-based hoodie is not technical training wear. It does not move moisture the way a sports fabric does.
Cold season
Merino underneath, hoodie as the mid layer, shell over the top. Take the hoodie one size up if a thick base layer goes under it. The logic is covered in the layering guide.
Decision tree
- Do you wear merino or a thick t-shirt under the hoodie? → hoodie one size up
- Do you want a loose fit? → one size up, check the hem length
- Buying it as a gift? → t-shirt in their own size, hoodie one up
- Unsure between two sizes? → take the larger
Recommended models
Restrained
- Potero Standard Hoodie: no back print, easiest to combine.
- Defender QRF Hoodie: works everywhere.
Equipment and heritage themes
- Kaukopartio Hoodie: the most story-rich option.
- RK-95 TP Hoodie and the RK-95 T-shirt.
- Leopard 2A6 T-shirt.
- Kenttälapio T-shirt.
Statement
Current colour options are always on the product page.
Care
- Wash inside out at 30-40 °C with similar colours.
- Avoid tumble drying. Hang or dry flat.
- Do not iron over the print.
- Do not use bleach.
A little shrinkage in the first wash is possible. Keeping black black has its own guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a unisex hoodie suitable for a woman?
Yes, when the size is chosen by the measurements. The unisex cut is straighter through the shoulders, so the size is chosen from the chart rather than from the letter.
Is the number in the chart a chest circumference?
No. It is the chest width, armpit to armpit, with the garment laid flat.
Does the fabric stretch with use?
Not significantly. A dense 288 g/m² knit holds its shape. So take the right size straight away. Do not rely on it giving.
Will it shrink in the wash?
A little shrinkage in the first wash is possible. Wash at 30-40 °C and avoid tumble drying.
What size for a gift?
T-shirt in their own size, hoodie one size up. A cap is one adjustable size. A safe choice. Gift buying has its own piece.
What if the size is wrong?
There is a 14-day right of withdrawal from delivery. Notify first by email at hq@poterostandard.fi. The item must be unused, unwashed and resaleable. Trying it on is fine.
Short summary
Unisex sizing works when a reference garment is measured and compared against the chart. Remember that the numbers are widths. Between two sizes, the larger is usually the right choice for a hoodie. Since the garments are made to order, that one minute with a tape measure is worth spending.
