Sizing seems like the easiest part of ordering apparel.

Pick a size run.
Place the order.
Move on.

That’s how most companies do it.

And it’s also why most companies end up with leftover inventory.

Here’s the problem

People don’t wear company apparel the same way anymore.

It’s not 2010.
This isn’t a boxy tee that gets worn once at a team event and never again.

Now you’re dealing with:

• Premium brands

• Different fits (athletic, relaxed, oversized)

• A mix of in-office, remote, and hybrid employees

• And people who actually care how things fit

So when you “just order a size run,” you’re guessing.

What to do instead

1. Start with your audience, not a template

Who are you actually ordering for?

• Sales team? Different fit preference than engineers

• Younger team? More open to oversized / relaxed fits

• Client-facing? Lean toward premium, tailored brands

There is no universal size curve.
Your audience determines everything.

2. The brand matters more than you think

A medium in one brand is not the same as a medium in another.

• Nike tends to run athletic

• Lululemon is more fitted

• Carhartt runs bigger and boxier

If you ignore this, your size run is already off.

3. Stop guessing, collect data

The best way to size correctly?

Ask.

• Pre-order forms

• Webstores with size selection

• Simple surveys before placing bulk orders

Even a quick “what size do you usually wear?” is better than guessing.

4. Use webstores when possible

This is where things get easier.

Instead of holding inventory, you let people choose:

• Size

• Fit

• Sometimes even the style

No guessing.
No leftovers.

And honestly, a better experience for everyone.

Sizing isn’t just logistics.

It affects:

• Whether people actually wear what you give them

• How your brand shows up

• And whether your budget gets used well or wasted

Good sizing = things get worn.
Bad sizing = boxes in a storage room.