Tight leggings that slip, sheer stof, or a waistband that rolls can ruin a launch. I have seen brands lose repeats because their fit guide was vague.
A good sportstøj fit guide tells buyers what to expect: how strong the compression feels, where the waistband sits, and which body measurements match each size. When I write it, I pair clear measurements with “feel” notes from wear tests, so customers pick the right size on the first try.
I learned this the hard way when a buyer told me, “Your fabric is great, but your størrelsesvalg reads like a guess.” I fixed my process, and I also fixed my repeat rate. I will walk you through the same steps, and I will keep it practical, because fit is where money is saved or lost.
Compression or comfort: how do I define the fit level for each style?
Buyers often ask me, “Is this legging tight or just snug?” If I answer with one word, returns go up and trust goes down.
Define compression as a feeling plus a number. I label each style as light, medium, or high compression, then I add stretch and recovery data, and where pressure is strongest (waist, hip, calf). This tells shoppers if they should size up for comfort or stay true for support.
What “compression” means in plain language
When I say “compression,” I mean controlled squeeze that supports muscles and smooths lines. I do not mean “hard to breathe.” I always write the compression claim in the same structure: (1) level, (2) where it feels strongest, (3) the intended use, and (4) who should size up.
What I measure so the words match the product
I use three simple checks in sampling. I check fabric weight, stretch, and recovery. I also check negative ease, which is how much smaller the garment is than the body at key points. I do not show every lab detail to shoppers, but I use it to keep the guide honest.
| Compression level | Typical use case | Fabric feel notes I write | What I test in-house | Buyer-facing sizing note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lys | yoga, lounge, daily | “soft hold, easy bend” | high stretch, gentle recovery | “true to size for comfort” |
| Medium | training, studio, travel | “snug at waist and hip” | balanced stretch and snap-back | “size up if between sizes” |
| Høj | running, HIIT, shaping | “firm hold, strong support” | lower stretch, strong recovery | “size up for less squeeze” |
Where brands make the biggest mistake
Many brands copy a “high compression” label from a competitor. The fabric changes, the pattern changes, and the label stays. I keep the label tied to fit tests. I run a short wear test with at least three body types. I ask them one direct question: “Can you finish a workout and still want to keep it on?” When the answer is “no,” I change the size advice or the pattern, not the marketing line.
How do I turn body measurements into reliable sizes across markets?
A size “M” can mean three different things across countries. When a buyer sells in two regions, confusion shows up fast, and it hits repeat orders.
I build the guide around body measurements, not letters. I show waist and hip ranges, and I explain how to measure. I also list garment measurements and tolerance, so buyers know what to expect from bulk production.
The two charts I always include
I include a body measurement chart and a finished garment chart. The body chart helps the shopper pick a size. The garment chart helps the buyer confirm grading and check bulk. When a buyer like Maria pushes hard on quality, the garment chart also lowers arguments later, because it sets a clear target.
How I write measurement instructions so shoppers do it right
I keep measurement steps short, and I add “common mistakes.” I say, “Do not pull the tape tight” and “Keep it level.” I also tell shoppers to measure over thin underwear, not jeans. These lines look small, but they cut wrong-size choices.
| Måling | How I instruct the shopper | Where the tape sits | Common mistake I warn about | Why it matters for activewear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talje | “Measure the narrowest point” | above belly button or natural waist | tape angled down in back | waistband fit and rolling risk |
| High hip | “Measure around upper hip” | 8–10 cm below waist | measuring too low | front panel tension and comfort |
| Full hip | “Measure the widest point” | around seat | tape not level | squat-proof fit and seam stress |
| Indersøm | “Measure from crotch to ankle” | inside leg | measuring from waist | ankle opening and length choice |
How I set tolerance so bulk matches samples
I always publish tolerance for key points. I keep it realistic for stretch items. I also note that some measurements are taken relaxed and some are taken stretched. If I do not define this, two factories can read the same tech pack and ship different fits.
| Point of measure | Taken relaxed or stretched | Typical tolerance I use | What I tell the buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waist opening | relaxed | ±1.0 cm | “Elastic and fabric may vary by batch” |
| Hip (1/2) | relaxed | ±1.0–1.5 cm | “Check after 24h relaxation” |
| Indersøm | relaxed | ±1.0 cm | “Same size can feel longer by stretch” |
| Stig op | relaxed | ±0.8 cm | “Small change affects waistband comfort” |
What I do when markets do not match
Some regions prefer tighter fits. Some prefer more ease. I do not create a new pattern for every market first. I start with size advice: “If you prefer a compressive fit, choose true size. If you prefer comfort, size up.” Then I watch sales data with the buyer. If one market keeps sizing up, I change grading in the next run.
What waistband engineering details stop rolling, digging, and gapping?
A waistband can make a perfect legging feel wrong. I have seen a strong fabric lose the whole order because the waist rolled after ten minutes.
I prevent waistband problems by treating it like a system: rise, waistband height, elastic choice, stitch choice, and front-to-back balance. When I write the guide, I explain where the waistband sits and how it should feel, so shoppers know what “right” is.
The three failure modes I watch for
I look for rolling, digging, and gapping. Rolling often comes from too soft a top edge or too much height without support. Digging often comes from strong elastic with a short rise. Gapping often comes from a mismatch between waist and hip shaping, or a straight waistband on a curvy body.
The waistband options I explain to buyers
I show buyers simple choices. I name the pros and cons in plain words. I also connect the choice to the customer type. This is important for B2B work, because a brand may want one waistband for a fashion launch, and another for performance.
| Waistband type | How it is built | Bedst til | Risiko | What I add in the fit guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-fabric double layer | same fabric folded or doubled | smooth feel, fashion look | can roll if too tall | “medium hold, smooth top edge” |
| Insert elastic in tunnel | elastic inside casing | stable hold, basic styles | can dig if elastic is stiff | “firm at waist, size up if sensitive” |
| Power mesh inner layer | mesh layer inside waistband | high support, shaping | can feel warm | “strong hold, best for training” |
| Bonded waistband | fused layers, clean edge | sleek, no stitches feel | needs good bonding process | “flat feel, no top-edge bite” |
The small engineering details that change comfort
I pay attention to waistband height and the top edge finish. A taller waistband spreads pressure, but it can roll if the top edge is weak. I often add a hidden stabilizer, like a light elastic at the top, or a firm stitch line that supports the edge. I also balance front and back rise. If the back rise is too low, the waistband slides down in squats. If the front rise is too high, some customers feel trapped.
The words I use in the customer-facing guide
I avoid vague lines like “tummy control.” I use lines that describe fit: “sits at high waist,” “holds without pinching,” “no-roll edge,” and “stays in place during squats.” I also add one direct test: “If the waistband leaves deep marks after normal wear, size up.” That line saves a lot of returns, and it protects the brand image.
Konklusion
When I spell out compression, measurements, and waistband build details, buyers choose faster and customers keep products longer. That is how I protect margins and repeats.
Hvorfor jeg skriver dette
I am Lancy Chia from Truekung in China. I run a wholesale-only factory with over 200 workers. I make activewear and many other fashion categories, and I support OEM/ODM for brands and supermarkets. I build fit guides, size charts, and tech pack checks as part of my production workflow, because I want buyers to feel safe when they reorder.
If you want me to review your current size chart, or if you want a fit guide template that matches your target market, you can email me at [email protected]. You can also see my company at https://truekung.com.
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