When choosing a clothing size, it is always a good idea to measure a similar garment that fits well at home and compare it to the sizing chart of the garment you are considering. The other things you may need to consider are size tolerance, shrinkage and stretching. ABOUT SIZE TOLERANCE  Our goal is to provide the best fitting clothes possible and to deliver within our stated size tolerances. A size tolerance is the allowable limit of variation in clothing measurements. Minor variation in sizing due to the cutting and sewing process is unavoidable. This makes it virtually impossible to guarantee more precise sizing than within our sizing tolerances. Our general size tolerance is +/- 2.5 cm (1 inch) per measurement, which is an industry standard value. SHRINKAGE AND STRETCHING  Shrinkage and stretching are not calculated into the sizing tolerance value. Fabrics may shrink or stretch up to 3% when laundered or stretch over time. This is especially true for natural fibers. “Handwash only” clothes on the other hand may be completely ruined if washed in a machine.