Size Guides & Charts

Polo Fit Guide

How to Choose the Right IDEA Polo Size

Choosing the right uniform size is easiest when you measure a shirt or polo your student already owns and likes wearing. The IDEA Polo Size Chart is based on garment measurements, not body measurements, so we recommend comparing the chart to a polo or shirt that already fits your student well.

For the best results, use a shirt that is similar to the IDEA polo style and that has already been washed and dried. Lay it flat, measure it carefully, and then compare those measurements to the size chart.

IDEA Polo Size Chart

Measurement (in)	Youth					Adult
Measurement (in)	XS (2T)	S (3–4)	M (5–6)	L (7–8)	XL (10–12)	S (14–16)	M	L	XL	2XL
Body Length	17.5	18.5	19.5	20.5	23	25.75	26.5	28	30.75	32.25
Shoulder	9.75	10.75	11.75	12.75	14.75	16.5	18	19.25	21.5	22
Chest	11.75	12.75	13.75	14.75	16.75	18.5	20	21.5	23.5	25
Sleeve Length	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5	9	10	11	11.5

Please use the graphic below to guide your measurements.

Sizing Guide

Start with a polo, school shirt, or similar short-sleeve shirt that your student already wears comfortably.

Choose a garment that:

Fits comfortably across the chest and shoulders
Is not too tight under the arms
Gives your student room to move, sit, raise their hand, and play
Has a length you like, whether worn tucked or untucked
Has already been washed and dried

Avoid using a shirt that is very oversized, stretched out, too tight, or made from a very different type of material.

Place the shirt on a flat surface, such as a table, bed, or floor.

Before measuring:

Button the shirt if it has buttons
Smooth out wrinkles
Line up the shoulders and side seams
Do not stretch or pull the fabric
Use a measuring tape or ruler
Measure in inches

The chart measurements are taken from the garment lying flat.

Use the letters on the size guide graphic: A, B, C, and D.

A — Body Length

Measure from the top back of the shirt near the collar/neck seam down to the bottom hem.

This tells you how long the polo will be on your student.

Why it matters:
Body length helps determine whether the shirt will give enough coverage and whether it will stay tucked in comfortably if your student wears it tucked.

B — Shoulder Width

Measure across the back of the shirt from one shoulder seam to the other shoulder seam.

Why it matters:
Shoulder width helps determine whether the shirt will sit correctly on your student’s upper body. If the shoulders are too narrow, the shirt may feel tight. If they are too wide, the shirt may look oversized.

C — Chest Width

Measure across the front of the shirt from one underarm seam to the other underarm seam.

This is a flat measurement, not a full body/chest circumference.

Important:
Do not measure all the way around the student’s chest for this chart. The chart uses the width of the shirt while it is lying flat.

Why it matters:
Chest width is one of the most important measurements. It helps make sure the polo is not too tight around the torso and gives your student room to move comfortably.

D — Sleeve Length

Measure from the shoulder seam down the outside/top of the sleeve to the sleeve opening.

Why it matters:
Sleeve length helps confirm how the shirt will fit around the upper arm. It is usually not the main measurement for choosing a size, but it is helpful when comparing sizes.

Once you have measured your student’s current shirt, compare your numbers to the IDEA Polo Size Chart above.

Focus on the measurements in this order:

Chest Width
Shoulder Width
Body Length
Sleeve Length

The chest and shoulder measurements are usually the most important for comfort. Body length is also important, especially if your student needs the shirt to stay tucked in or prefers more coverage.

After comparing your garment measurements to the chart, choose the size that is closest to the shirt your student already wears comfortably.

A good rule is:

Choose a size that is equal to or slightly larger than the shirt that currently fits your student well.

For example, if your student’s current polo measures close to:

Body Length: 20 inches
Shoulder: 12.5 inches
Chest: 14.5 inches
Sleeve: 7.25 inches

The closest match would likely be Youth L / 7–8, because it gives a similar fit with a little room.

When to Size Up

We recommend choosing the next size up when:

Your student is between two sizes
The current shirt is already snug
The chest or shoulder measurement is close to the next size
Your student is growing quickly
You want extra room for comfort
You prefer a looser fit
The polo needs to last through more of the school year

For school uniforms, a little extra room is usually better than a shirt that is too tight.

When Not to Size Down

Avoid choosing a smaller size just because of the size label or grade range.

For example, if your student usually wears a Youth M but the shirt that fits them best measures closer to a Youth L, use the measurements and choose the Youth L.

Size labels are only a guide. The measurements are the best way to choose the right fit.

Youth vs. Adult Sizes

Some students may move from youth sizes into adult sizes depending on their height, body shape, or preferred fit.

Please note that there is a noticeable jump from Youth XL / 10–12 to Adult S / 14–16. Adult sizes are generally longer and wider. If your student needs more room in the chest and shoulders, an adult size may be a better fit, even if they are still in elementary or middle school.

Lightweight Fit Guide

How to Choose the Right IDEA Lightweight Jacket Size

Choosing the right lightweight jacket size is easiest when you measure a jacket your student already owns and likes wearing. The IDEA Lightweight Jacket Size Chart is based on garment measurements, not body measurements, so the best way to find the right size is to compare the chart to a jacket that already fits your student well.

Because jackets are usually worn over a polo or shirt, it is important to choose a size that gives your student enough room to move comfortably without feeling too tight.

IDEA Lightweight Jacket Size Chart

Measurement (in)	Youth					Adult
Measurement (in)	XS	S	M	L	XL	S	M	L	XL	2XL
Body Length	17.5	18.5	20	21.5	23	25	26.5	27.5	28.5	29.5
Shoulder	14	15	16.25	17	17.75	18.5	18.5	20	21.5	23
Chest	16.5	17.5	18	19.5	21	23	22.5	24.5	26.5	28.5
Sleeve Length	24.5	25.5	27	28.5	30	31.5	33.5	35	36.5	38

Please use the graphic below to guide your measurements.

Sizing Guide

Start with a lightweight jacket, zip-up jacket, or similar outerwear item that your student already wears comfortably.

Choose a garment that:

Fits well over a school polo or T-shirt
Zips comfortably without pulling
Allows room to move arms and shoulders
Is not too tight across the chest
Has sleeves that fit the way you like
Has already been washed and dried

Avoid using a garment that is too bulky, too stretchy, too oversized, or very different in style from a lightweight jacket.

Place the jacket on a flat surface, such as a table, bed, or floor.

Before measuring:

Zip the jacket completely
Smooth out wrinkles
Lay the sleeves naturally
Do not stretch or pull the fabric
Use a measuring tape
Measure in inches

The size chart is based on flat garment measurements.

Use the letters shown on the jacket size guide: A, B, C, and D.

A — Body Length

Measure from the center back just below the collar straight down to the bottom hem.

This tells you how long the jacket will be on your student.

Why it matters:

Body length helps you see whether the jacket will give enough coverage and whether it will sit at a comfortable length when worn.

B — Shoulder Width

Measure straight across the top of the jacket from one shoulder point to the other.

If the jacket does not have a traditional shoulder seam, measure across the top/back where the shoulders naturally sit.

Why it matters:

Shoulder width helps determine whether the jacket will sit comfortably across the upper body. If it is too narrow, it may feel tight in the shoulders. If it is too wide, it may look oversized.

C — Chest Width

Measure across the front of the jacket from one underarm area to the other underarm area.

Make sure the jacket is zipped and laying flat.

Important:

This is a flat measurement, not a full chest circumference.

Why it matters:

Chest width is one of the most important measurements because it helps make sure the jacket will zip comfortably and give enough room for layering over a polo or shirt.

D — Sleeve Length C.B.

This chart uses Sleeve Length C.B., which means Center Back Sleeve Length.

To measure this:

Start at the center back of the neck/collar
Measure across the shoulder
Continue down the outside of the sleeve
End at the sleeve cuff

Why it matters:

This measurement helps you find a sleeve length that will be comfortable when your student reaches, writes, or moves throughout the day.

Note:

This is different from measuring just from the shoulder seam to the cuff.

Once you have measured your student’s current jacket, compare those numbers to the IDEA Lightweight Jacket Size Chart.

Focus on the measurements in this order:

Chest Width
Sleeve Length C.B.
Body Length
Shoulder Width

For jackets, chest and sleeve length are especially important because students need enough room to layer clothing underneath and move comfortably.

After measuring the current jacket, choose the size that is closest to the garment that already fits your student well.

A good rule is:

Choose the size that matches your measurements most closely, especially in chest width and sleeve length.

Because a jacket is worn over other clothing, it is often better to have a little extra room than to choose a jacket that is too snug.

When to Size Up

We recommend sizing up when:

Your student is between sizes
The jacket will be worn over a polo, long sleeve, or layered clothing
The current jacket already feels snug
Your student is growing quickly
You want extra room for comfort
The chest or sleeve measurement is very close to the next size

For outerwear, a little extra room usually gives the most comfortable fit.

When Not to Size Down

Avoid choosing a smaller size based only on age, grade, or what your student “usually wears.”

For example, if your student normally wears a Youth L in some brands, but the jacket that fits best measures closer to a Youth XL, go with the measurements, not just the label.

Every brand fits differently, and garment measurements are the most accurate way to choose the right size.

Youth vs. Adult Sizes

Some students may fall between Youth XL and Adult S.

Adult sizes are generally:

Longer in the body
Wider in the chest
Longer in the sleeves

If your student needs more room in the chest, shoulders, or sleeve length, an adult size may be a better option.

Youth Spirit Shirt Size Chart

Measurement (in)	XS (4)	S (6/8)	M (10/12)	L (14/16)
Body Length at Back	19 1/2	21 1/2	23 1/2	25 1/2
Chest Width	13 1/2	15	16 1/2	17 1/2
Sleeve Length	11 1/2	12 3/4	14	15 1/4

Adult Spirit Shirt Size Chart

Measurement (in)	XS	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL
Body Length at Back	27	28	29	30	31	32	32 1/2
Chest Width	18	19	20 1/4	22 1/4	23 3/4	25 1/4	27 1/4
Sleeve Length from Center Back	16 3/4	17 1/2	18 1/4	19	19 3/4	20 1/2	21 1/4

Body Length at Back Measured from high point shoulder to finished hem at back.

Chest Width Measured across the chest one inch below armhole when laid flat.

Sleeve Length from Center Back Measure from center back neck to shoulder point to sleeve hem.

Youth Waterproof Size Chart

Measurement (in)	XS (4/5)	S (6/8)	M (10/12)	L (14/16)	XL (18/20)
Chest Width	22–24	25–27	28–30	30–32	32–34
Sleeve Length	24	27	29 1/2	32	35

Adult Waterproof Size Chart

Measurement (in)	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL
Chest Width	35-37	38-40	41-43	44-46	47-49	50-53
Sleeve Length	36	36 3/4	37 1/2	38 1/4	39	39 3/4

Chest Width Measure under the arm and around the fullest part of the chest with arms down, keeping tape horizontal.

Sleeve Length Measure from center back neck to shoulder point to sleeve hem.