Measure first. Select with confidence.
The correct size improves comfort, coverage, movement, and the overall team presentation. Always use the size chart assigned to the specific product or collection. Sizing can vary by fabric, silhouette, compression, and design, so do not assume an athlete will wear the same size across every product or brand.
What you will need
- A soft, flexible measuring tape
- Close-fitting clothing or a performance undergarment
- A second person to take the measurements
- The product-specific size chart
- A roster for recording each athlete’s measurements and selected size
Do not measure over a sweatshirt, loose T-shirt, jeans, or bulky clothing. Keep the tape level and comfortably close to the body without pulling it tight.
How to take the measurements
Height
Stand barefoot with heels together and the back straight. Measure from the top of the head to the floor. Height is a supporting measurement and should not be used alone to choose a uniform size.
Bust or chest
Measure around the fullest part of the bust or chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and ask the athlete to breathe normally.
Natural waist
Measure around the narrowest part of the torso, generally above the belly button and below the rib cage. Ask the athlete to bend slightly to one side; the crease that forms usually identifies the natural waist.
Low waist
For styles that sit below the natural waist, measure around the point where the waistband is intended to rest. Use the product instructions to determine whether natural-waist or low-waist measurement is required.
Hips or seat
Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat. Keep the tape level all the way around.
Torso or girth
Start the tape at the top of one shoulder. Bring it down the front of the body, through the legs, and up the back to the starting point. This measurement is especially important for one-piece garments, longline tops, bodysuits, and styles where vertical fit affects coverage.
Inseam
Measure from the top of the inner thigh to the desired hem or ankle, depending on the garment. The athlete should stand straight with legs relaxed.
Sleeve length
With the arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder point over the elbow to the wrist bone. For raglan or specialty sleeves, follow the product-specific instructions.
Skirt length
Measure from the intended waistband position to the desired finished hem. Confirm any league, school, studio, or competition coverage requirements before ordering.
How to choose a size
- Compare every relevant measurement with the chart for the exact product.
- If the measurements fall into different sizes, select the size that accommodates the largest key measurement unless the product instructions recommend a different approach.
- Consider the intended fit. Competition apparel may be close-fitting, while warmups or outerwear may allow more ease.
- Consider growth only after confirming that added room will not affect safe movement, coverage, or appearance.
- Do not automatically size down for a tighter look or size up without checking length and girth.
- Contact us before ordering when an athlete is between sizes or has a significant difference between bust or chest, waist, hip, and torso measurements.
Youth and adult sizing
Youth and adult ranges are separate patterns, not simply smaller or larger versions of the same garment. When measurements overlap between the top of the youth range and the bottom of the adult range, compare all key measurements and the athlete’s proportions. The best choice may depend on torso length, shoulder width, hip measurement, and the intended garment fit.
Team fitting best practices
- Assign one trained person to take or supervise all measurements.
- Measure all athletes using the same method and tape.
- Record actual body measurements before recording the selected size.
- Hold fittings as close as practical to the order date.
- Check the final roster twice for athlete name, garment piece, size, and quantity.
- Keep a signed or acknowledged copy of the final roster.
- If using a fit kit, try on the complete style where possible, not only one garment piece.
- Ask athletes to perform basic movement checks—arms overhead, squat, lunge, jump, and controlled stretch—while maintaining appropriate coverage.
Fit kits and samples
Fit kits or samples may be available for selected programs. Availability, deposit, shipping charges, return deadlines, missing-item fees, and the styles included will be confirmed separately. A fit kit is the best way to evaluate a standard size, but the purchaser is still responsible for the final roster.
Custom sizing and alterations
Unless your quote specifically includes a bespoke individual pattern, garments are made to the selected standard size or the measurements and specifications shown in the order. Some athletes may prefer or require local alterations. Do not alter an item that may have a manufacturing issue until Cheersparkle has reviewed and authorized the next step.
Important fit notice
Size charts and fitting support are tools to help the purchaser make a selection; they are not a guarantee of an exact individual fit. Body shape, preferred compression, growth, undergarments, fabric stretch, and design details all influence fit. Custom and made-to-order products cannot normally be returned or exchanged because of an incorrect customer-selected size.
Need sizing help?
Send the product link and the athlete’s relevant measurements to sales@cheersparkle.com before ordering. Do not send sensitive medical information.