Cardigan Size Chart (How to Find Your Knitwear Fit)
A cardigan's open front means chest and length matter more than a precise waist. Because you'll often layer it over a shirt, many people size for room. Use the chart to find your base size, then adjust for how you'll wear it.
Cardigan Size Chart (to-fit chest/bust, inches)
| Size | Chest / Bust | Length | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32–34 | 25" | 22" |
| S | 34–36 | 26" | 23" |
| M | 37–39 | 27" | 24" |
| L | 40–42 | 28" | 25" |
| XL | 43–45 | 29" | 26" |
Notes
Size for what goes underneath. A cardigan worn over just a tee fits true to size; one meant to layer over a shirt or hoodie should go up a size for room. Decide the use before you pick the size — it's the single biggest fit variable for knitwear.
Check the length against your torso. Cropped, hip-length, and longline cardigans differ by several inches. The 'length' column is measured from the shoulder seam down — compare it to a cardigan you already own to picture where it will land.
Knit gauge affects drape, not just size. Chunky knits eat width and feel bulkier; fine-gauge knits drape close. Two cardigans in the same 'M' can feel a size apart, so read the fabric description alongside the measurements.
FAQs
Should I size up in a cardigan?
Size up if you'll layer it over shirts or thicker tops, or if you want a relaxed drape. For a fitted cardigan worn over a tee, stay true to size — going up then leaves the shoulders and sleeves oversized.
How do I measure for a cardigan?
Measure your chest or bust at the fullest point and match it to the chart. Because cardigans hang open, the waist matters less; focus on chest, plus the garment length so you know where the hem lands.
Do cardigans stretch out over time?
Knits relax with wear and can grow slightly, especially looser gauges and natural fibers. If you're between sizes, the smaller one often settles into a better long-term fit than the larger one, which can sag.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.