Skateboard Clothing Size Chart: A Comprehensive Guide
Skateboarding is not just a sport but a lifestyle, and the clothing associated with it has become a significant part of skate culture. When it comes to choosing the right clothing for skateboarding, one of the most important factors is finding the right fit. Comfort, durability, and flexibility are key for skaters, and these elements largely depend on the right sizing. In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that influence skateboard clothing sizing and provide an in-depth size chart for different types of skateboard clothing, including shirts, hoodies, pants, shorts, and accessories like socks and beanies.
Factors Influencing Skateboard Clothing Sizing
Before diving into the size chart, it’s essential to understand the various factors that influence sizing in skateboard clothing:
- Brand Variability: Different skate brands have different sizing conventions. A “medium” from one brand may be larger or smaller than a “medium” from another. Therefore, checking the specific brand’s size guide is always a good idea.
- Fit Preference: Skateboarding clothing tends to have different fits, including slim, regular, and oversized cuts. Some skaters prefer a more snug fit for increased mobility, while others opt for baggier styles for comfort and aesthetic reasons. These fit preferences should be considered when selecting your size.
- Fabric and Material: The type of fabric used in the clothing will affect how it fits. For instance, stretch denim or spandex blends may allow for more flexibility, while cotton fabric might be more rigid. Make sure you’re familiar with the material composition to understand how it might affect sizing.
- Body Type and Proportions: Your individual body type will play a role in how skateboard clothing fits. Taller or shorter skaters may need to adjust sizing based on their height, while those with a more athletic or stocky build may need to choose different fits for comfort.
- Intended Use: The type of activity or riding style (street, park, or downhill) can affect your clothing choices. Street skaters, for example, may prefer looser pants that won’t restrict movement, while downhill skaters may lean toward more fitted clothing to reduce drag and increase comfort at high speeds.
Skateboard Clothing Size Chart
Here is a comprehensive size chart for skateboard clothing, broken down into several categories:
1. T-Shirts and Long-Sleeve Shirts
T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts are essential pieces in any skater’s wardrobe. These shirts must provide comfort, breathability, and freedom of movement.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Length (inches) | Length (cm) | Sleeve Length (inches) | Sleeve Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 34–36 | 86–91 | 28–30 | 71–76 | 28–29 | 71–74 | 8–9 | 20–23 |
| Medium | 38–40 | 96–101 | 30–32 | 76–81 | 29–30 | 74–76 | 9–10 | 23–25 |
| Large | 42–44 | 107–112 | 32–34 | 81–86 | 30–31 | 76–79 | 10–11 | 25–28 |
| X-Large | 46–48 | 117–122 | 34–36 | 86–91 | 31–32 | 79–81 | 11–12 | 28–30 |
| XX-Large | 50–52 | 127–132 | 36–38 | 91–97 | 32–33 | 81–84 | 12–13 | 30–33 |
- Fit Consideration: Skateboard t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts often come in a variety of fits. A classic fit will provide comfort without restricting movement, while slim-fit or athletic cuts may offer a more streamlined look.
- Fabric: Common materials include cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. A slight amount of spandex can offer added flexibility for street skating.
2. Hoodies and Sweatshirts
Hoodies and sweatshirts are essential for colder weather, offering warmth and flexibility for all types of skateboarding. Since these garments are worn over other layers, they are often sized slightly larger.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Length (inches) | Length (cm) | Sleeve Length (inches) | Sleeve Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 34–36 | 86–91 | 28–30 | 71–76 | 26–27 | 66–69 | 24–25 | 61–64 |
| Medium | 38–40 | 96–101 | 30–32 | 76–81 | 27–28 | 69–71 | 25–26 | 64–66 |
| Large | 42–44 | 107–112 | 32–34 | 81–86 | 28–29 | 71–74 | 26–27 | 66–69 |
| X-Large | 46–48 | 117–122 | 34–36 | 86–91 | 29–30 | 74–76 | 27–28 | 69–71 |
| XX-Large | 50–52 | 127–132 | 36–38 | 91–97 | 30–31 | 76–79 | 28–29 | 71–74 |
- Fit Consideration: The most popular fit for skate hoodies is regular or oversized. These provide room for movement and layering.
- Fabric: Hoodies typically use heavier fabrics like fleece or French terry cotton. They may also feature stretch fabrics for extra flexibility.
3. Pants and Jeans
Pants or jeans are crucial for skaters as they need to balance durability with comfort. Whether you’re grinding on a rail or landing tricks, you want pants that won’t restrict movement and will stand up to the wear and tear of skating.
| Size | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Inseam (inches) | Inseam (cm) | Hip (inches) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 28–30 | 71–76 | 30–32 | 76–81 | 36–38 | 91–97 |
| Medium | 30–32 | 76–81 | 32–34 | 81–86 | 38–40 | 97–102 |
| Large | 32–34 | 81–86 | 34–36 | 86–91 | 40–42 | 102–107 |
| X-Large | 34–36 | 86–91 | 36–38 | 91–97 | 42–44 | 107–112 |
| XX-Large | 36–38 | 91–97 | 38–40 | 97–102 | 44–46 | 112–117 |
- Fit Consideration: Many skaters prefer pants with a looser fit, such as baggy or straight-leg styles. However, skinny jeans or slim-fit pants are also popular among skaters, particularly those who prefer a more tailored look.
- Fabric: Skate pants are typically made from durable cotton denim or corduroy. Stretch fabrics are often incorporated to provide added mobility.
4. Shorts
For warmer weather, shorts are a must-have in any skater’s wardrobe. They need to be breathable, durable, and flexible to handle the rigors of skateboarding.
| Size | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Inseam (inches) | Inseam (cm) | Hip (inches) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 28–30 | 71–76 | 10–11 | 25–28 | 36–38 | 91–97 |
| Medium | 30–32 | 76–81 | 11–12 | 28–30 | 38–40 | 97–102 |
| Large | 32–34 | 81–86 | 12–13 | 30–33 | 40–42 | 102–107 |
| X-Large | 34–36 | 86–91 | 13–14 | 33–36 | 42–44 | 107–112 |
| XX-Large |
- Fit Consideration: Skateboard shorts typically feature a relaxed or looser fit, though some skaters may prefer a slim or straight-leg cut. Baggy shorts allow for more freedom of movement, which is particularly beneficial when performing tricks.
- Fabric: Shorts are usually made from lightweight materials such as cotton, cotton-blends, or technical fabrics designed to wick away moisture. Some shorts may also incorporate stretch materials to enhance flexibility.
5. Socks
Socks may seem like a minor detail in skateboarding attire, but they are an essential piece of gear. They help with comfort, prevent blisters, and provide additional cushioning for your feet.
| Size | Shoe Size (US) | Shoe Size (EU) | Shoe Size (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5–7 | 36–39 | 3–5 |
| Medium | 8–10 | 40–42 | 6–8 |
| Large | 11–13 | 43–46 | 9–11 |
| X-Large | 14–16 | 47–49 | 12–14 |
- Fit Consideration: Skate socks should be snug, providing enough cushioning to prevent discomfort while riding. Some skaters prefer longer socks, such as crew or knee-high socks, for added support and protection.
- Fabric: Common materials for skate socks include cotton, wool, and synthetic blends. Many skate socks feature reinforced areas in the heel and toe for added durability, while moisture-wicking technology helps to keep feet dry.
6. Beanies and Hats
Beanies and hats are a key accessory in skateboard culture. Not only do they provide warmth in cooler weather, but they also offer a stylish element to a skater’s outfit. The size of a beanie or hat typically depends on head circumference.
| Size | Head Circumference (inches) | Head Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 21–22 | 53–56 |
| Medium | 22–23 | 56–58 |
| Large | 23–24 | 58–61 |
| X-Large | 24–25 | 61–64 |
- Fit Consideration: Beanies typically fit snugly around the head, while hats like snapbacks or trucker caps may have adjustable straps to accommodate a variety of head sizes.
- Fabric: Beanies are generally made from knit wool or acrylic, which provides warmth and stretch. Hats are often made from cotton or polyester, and some may feature mesh panels for ventilation.
3. Skate Shoes
Shoes are arguably the most important piece of skateboarding apparel. They need to be durable, provide grip, and support the foot for the various movements involved in skating. Skate shoes come in various styles, from low-top to high-top, and each offers a different fit and feel.
Shoe Sizing for Skateboarding
Skate shoes are typically sized according to standard US, UK, or EU measurements, but many skate shoe brands offer a more specialized fit.
Shoe Size Chart
| Size | US Men’s | US Women’s | UK | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.5 | 5 | 38 | 24.0 |
| 7 | 7 | 8.5 | 6 | 39 | 25.0 |
| 8 | 8 | 9.5 | 7 | 40 | 26.0 |
| 9 | 9 | 10.5 | 8 | 41 | 27.0 |
| 10 | 10 | 11.5 | 9 | 42 | 28.0 |
| 11 | 11 | 12.5 | 10 | 43 | 29.0 |
Key Tips:
- Shoes should fit snugly to prevent slipping or blisters, but they should also provide enough flexibility to allow for comfortable foot movement.
- Some skaters prefer to size up if they wear thick socks, while others may go for a tighter
fit for increased board control.
- When buying skate shoes, remember that they tend to break in after a few uses, so a slightly snug fit at first is generally okay as long as it isn’t painful.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Clothing Size for You
When selecting your skateboard clothing, it’s important to remember that fit preferences can vary widely between skaters. The key is to find the balance between comfort, durability, and flexibility. To help ensure the best fit:
- Take Measurements: Before purchasing any clothing, take your body measurements. Measure your chest, waist, hips, and inseam for pants to ensure you select the right size. This can be especially helpful for finding the right fit in shirts, pants, and shorts.
- Know Your Preferred Fit: Consider how you want your clothing to fit. Do you prefer loose, baggy clothes, or a more streamlined, fitted look? Keep in mind that skaters generally prioritize comfort and movement, so don’t sacrifice fit for style.
- Check the Brand’s Size Chart: Different brands can have slightly different sizing, so it’s always a good idea to consult the brand’s specific size chart before making a purchase.
- Consider the Material: If you’re purchasing clothing made from stretchy materials (e.g., pants with spandex blends or tees with added elastane), you might want to go a size down for a more snug fit. Conversely, if you prefer a looser, more relaxed fit, you can go up a size.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, try on the clothing before purchasing. This is the best way to ensure that the fit is right for you and that the clothing feels comfortable for skating.
- Ask for Recommendations: Fellow skaters can be a great resource when it comes to sizing advice. They can offer insights into how certain clothing fits during skateboarding sessions, particularly for specific brands or types of clothing.
Conclusion
Skateboard clothing is an essential part of both the sport and the culture, blending style with performance. With the right fit, skateboard clothing enhances comfort, flexibility, and durability—ensuring that you can skate without worrying about your attire. When choosing the right clothing, consider not just your size but also the type of fit and material that will best suit your skating needs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, finding the right gear is crucial to fully enjoy the skating experience. By following the size charts and taking personal preferences into account, you’ll be ready to hit the pavement with confidence and style.