1. WHY SIZES DIFFER: IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S THE CLOTHES

Have you ever wondered why you might wear a size 32 in one brand of jeans and a 34 in another? Or why that perfect shirt you bought last year from your favorite brand fits differently than the one you just ordered? You're not alone, and there's a good reason for these discrepancies.

Different brands often have different 'standard' sizes. This variation can stem from a multitude of factors:

1. Target demographics: Brands catering to different age groups or body types may adjust their sizing accordingly.
2. Design aesthetics: Some brands prefer a slimmer fit, while others go for a more relaxed look.
3. Manufacturing locations: Sizing can vary depending on where the garments are produced.
4. Fabric properties: Different materials behave differently, affecting the final size of the garment.

Even within the same brand, you might find size variations between different models or styles. This is particularly true in the world of raw denim, where fabric shrinkage after washing can significantly impact the final size.

2. WHY WE DON'T OFFER A SIZE FILTER

You might have noticed that we don't have a size filter on our store. This isn't an oversight - it's a deliberate choice to encourage our customers to look beyond the number on the tag and focus on finding the perfect fit.

Given the variations in sizing between brands and even within brands, we believe that filtering by a generic size could lead to disappointment. Instead, we encourage you to check the detailed size charts provided for each item.

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF SIZE CHARTS

This brings us to one of our most crucial pieces of advice: always check the size chart. We can't stress this enough. The size chart is your best friend when it comes to online shopping, especially for high-quality, heritage-style clothing.

In our "How We Measure" article (which we highly recommend reading), we detail exactly how we take measurements for each garment. This transparency allows you to compare these measurements with clothes you already own and love the fit of, giving you the best chance of finding that perfect fit.

Remember, it's not about the size on the tag - it's about how the garment actually fits your body. A "size 34" from one brand might fit identically to a "size 32" from another. Trust the measurements, not the label.

4. THE RAW DENIM FACTOR

When it comes to raw denim, sizing gets even more interesting. Raw denim jeans are famous for their ability to mold to your body over time, creating a personalized fit. However, they also tend to shrink after their first wash.

This shrinkage factor is why you might see two seemingly identical pairs of jeans from the same brand with different measurements. If one pair is raw and the other has been washed once, the washed pair will typically measure smaller.

For raw denim, we often recommend buying "true to size" (TTS) or even sizing up slightly to account for potential shrinkage. However, always check the product description and size chart, as some brands pre-shrink their denim to minimize this effect.

5. UNDERSTANDING JAPANESE SIZING

At Redcast Heritage, we're proud to offer a selection of high-quality Japanese brands. However, Japanese sizing can be a bit different from what you might be used to.

In general, Japanese sizes tend to run smaller than their Western counterparts. This means you often need to size up when purchasing Japanese brands, not just in tops but in jeans as well.

There's an interesting quirk with Japanese denim, though. When buying raw (unwashed) Japanese jeans, they're usually true to size (TTS). However, in their "One Wash" versions (jeans that have been washed once to remove excess dye and pre-shrink the fabric), they typically measure smaller than the tag size indicates.

For example, a pair of raw Japanese jeans in size 32 might actually measure 32 inches in the waist. The One Wash version of the same jeans in size 32 might measure 30 or 31 inches in the waist. This is why it's crucial to check those size charts and not rely solely on the size number.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE PERFECT FIT IS WORTH THE EFFORT

Finding the right size when shopping online can seem daunting, but it's worth the effort. A well-fitting garment not only looks better, but feels better too. It will ensure you get the most out of your high-quality clothing.

At Redcast Heritage, we're committed to helping you find that perfect fit. We provide detailed size charts and measurements for all our products, and our customer service team is always ready to help if you have any questions.

Remember: measure twice, order once 📏 Your perfect fit is out there, and with a little attention to detail, you'll find it.