Size Guide for Tops – Clara & Leila

Size Guide for Tops - Sweaters, Shirts, Crop Tops

Shopping online for clothing can be challenging and stressful, often leaving you anxious about getting the perfect fit—worried it might be too long, too wide, too short, too tight, or too baggy when it arrives.

At Clara & Leila, we understand your concerns, that’s why we’ve created a detailed page with clear instructions, allowing you to easily select the right size using just a ruler or measuring tape and a garment you already own.

Even with this guidance, we at Clara & Leila want to instill complete confidence in your shopping experience. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer all customers a one-time size exchange on every purchase. If the clothing doesn’t fit as expected after arrival, we’ll ship you a new item in the correct size, completely at our cost.*Terms and conditions apply.*

How To Measure - Tops

We recommend measuring a garment you already own that fits you well, like a long-sleeve shirt or sweater.

To ensure accurate sizing, please only measure a top with a TIGHT FIT (NON-STRETCHY) OR NORMAL FIT (NOT RELAXED OR LOOSE FIT), as using an oversized garment may result in incorrect measurements and the wrong size selection.

If you are purchasing a loose-fit top, please do not compare measurements or choose a larger size just to ensure it’s loose on you—we’ve already designed it to be comfortably relaxed as seen in the product images; the size chart is provided purely as a reference guide for selecting your size based on your existing garments, IT IS NOT the dimensions of the product you’ll receive.

This helps you compare it directly to our size charts and choose the right size without guessing. Lay the garment flat on a smooth surface and use a soft measuring tape or ruler. Don’t stretch the fabric—keep it relaxed.

Size Chart - Tops (cm)	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Shoulder to Shoulder	36-39	38-41	40-43	42-45	44-47	46-49	48-51
Chest	38-41	40-43	42-45	44-47	46-49	48-51	50-53
Outfit Length	59-63	61-65	63-67	65-69	67-71	69-73	71-75
Sleeve Length	56-59	57-60	58-61	59-62	60-63	61-64	62-65

1. Shoulder to Shoulder

This measures the width across the shoulders of the garment, from one shoulder seam to the other. It’s important for ensuring the top doesn’t feel too tight or droopy at the shoulders.

Step 1: Lay the garment perfectly flat on its back without stretching it.
Step 2: Find the shoulder seams—these are the stitched lines where the sleeves attach to the body of the top.
Step 3: Place one end of the measuring tape at the edge of one shoulder seam (right where the seam meets the sleeve).
Step 4: Stretch the tape straight across to the edge of the opposite shoulder seam.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm.

2. Chest (Armpit to Armpit)

This is the width across the chest area, measured flat. It’s essentially half the full chest circumference of the garment and helps determine if the top will fit comfortably around your bust/chest without being too snug or baggy.

Step 1: Lay the garment perfectly flat on its front.
Step 2: Smooth out any wrinkles, but don’t pull or stretch the fabric.
Step 3: Find the armpit seams—these are the stitched lines under the arms where the sleeve meets the body.
Step 4: Place one end of the measuring tape at the bottom edge of one armpit seam.
Step 5: Stretch the tape straight across the front to the bottom edge of the opposite armpit seam.
Step 6: Read the measurement in cm.
Tip: Measure about 2-3 cm below the armpit for accuracy if the seams are curved. For stretchy fabrics, it might expand a bit when worn.

3. Sleeve Length

This measures the length of the sleeve from the shoulder seam to the cuff. It’s useful for long-sleeve tops to ensure the sleeves aren’t too short or long on your arms.

Step 1: Lay the garment flat with the sleeve extended straight out (not folded).
Step 2: Find the shoulder seam (where the sleeve attaches to the body).
Step 3: Place one end of the measuring tape at the top edge of the shoulder seam (right at the stitching).
Step 4: Run the tape along the outer edge of the sleeve (the top side, following any curve) down to the end of the cuff or hem.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm.

4. Outfit Length (Top to Bottom)

This measures the full length of the outfit from the highest point at the shoulder to the bottom hem. It’s key for knowing where the outfit will hit on your body (e.g., at the waist for crops or hips for standard lengths).

Step 1: Lay the garment flat on its back.
Step 2: Identify the highest point of the shoulder—this is usually near the neck seam, at the top of the shoulder line (not the collar).
Step 3: Place one end of the measuring tape at that highest shoulder point.
Step 4: Run the tape straight down the center of the back (or front, if it’s symmetric) to the bottom edge of the hem.
Step 5: Read the measurement in cm. (If the hem is uneven, measure to the longest point.)
Tip: Measure the back if the front is shorter due to design. If your garment is curved at the bottom, follow the center line.

Understanding Overlapping Numbers in Our Size Charts

You might notice that the measurement ranges in our size charts overlap slightly between sizes, like 35-37 cm for XS shoulders and 36-38 cm for S. This is normal and designed to make sizing easier and more flexible—here’s why, explained simply:

Why Overlaps Exist: Clothing sizes aren’t “one-size-fits-all” because fabrics stretch differently, bodies vary, and fits (like fitted vs. loose) add extra room. For example, a 36 cm shoulder might work in an XS if you want a snug fit or in an S if you prefer a bit more space. Overlaps account for these real-life differences, so there’s no “gap” where a measurement doesn’t fit any size.
How to Handle Overlaps: If your measurement falls in the overlap (e.g., 37 cm for shoulders), look at your other measurements (like chest) to decide. Then, think about your style preference:
- Choose the smaller size (e.g., XS) for a tighter, more fitted look.
- Choose the larger size (e.g., S) for more comfort or room to layer.
Example: If your top measures 36 cm shoulders, 42 cm chest, and 62 cm length, it overlaps XS and S in shoulders but might match S overall—check the full chart!
If your measurements don’t match perfectly or you have questions about a specific product, contact xia@claraleila.com for personalized advice.