You know why this Gallery Dept sizing thing keeps coming up? Cause it’s a total nightmare if you don’t get it right upfront. Went through the wringer myself recently, so here’s exactly how I tackled it, step by frustrating step.
Starting Point: The Hot Mess Feeling
Honestly, my first try was a disaster. Saw a hooded flannel shirt online that looked killer. Figured, “Hey, I’m usually a medium in most stuff, let’s roll with that.” Clicked buy, waited impatiently. When it finally showed up? Boom. Felt like I was swimming in it. Arms crazy long, shoulders way out there. Looked less like cool streetwear, more like I’d borrowed my big brother’s clothes. Major bummer, especially for the price tag. Sent that baby right back, losing cash on return shipping already. Annoying start.
Getting Down to Brass Tacks: The Measuring Tape Comes Out
Right, lesson learned. No more guessing. Time for actual homework. First thing I grab my measuring tape. Not that cloth one – gotta find the proper tailor’s tape measure. Found mine buried in the junk drawer.
- Measured my actual chest (relaxed, not puffing out!).
- Checked my shoulder width properly, where the shirt seam should hit.
- Sleeve length? Measured from the center back of my neck, down over the shoulder to the wrist bone.
- Waist and length too – just to be thorough.
Wrote these numbers down physically in my notebook – phone notes sometimes disappear!
Hitting the Charts (And Hitting Walls)
Okay, armed with my actual stats. Headed over to the Gallery Dept site, dug out their size chart. And… confusion started again. Their “medium” chest measurement? Showed something like 42-44 inches. But my chest? Only 40 inches max.
Panic Mode Question: Did that mean I needed a small? But my shoulders are wider than average. Small shoulders felt like a gamble. Went searching other sites selling Gallery Dept. Huge mistake. Found three different retailers, each with their own size chart claiming to be for Gallery Dept! Charts didn’t match each other, some looked ancient. Major frustration – whose chart do you even trust?
The “Ah-Ha!” Moment (Kinda)
Deep breath. Stepped away from the charts. Decided to try something different: I scoured actual user fit pics like a detective. Found pics on forums, some shopping sites with customer pics, even Insta tags where people posted themselves wearing the specific styles I liked (CPO crewneck vs. Flannel vs. graphic tee – big differences!). Paid less attention to the stated size and more to how the actual garment hung on people who looked roughly my build. Saw someone tagged in a CPO shirt as “medium” who looked similar to me height-wise, but way skinnier? Okay, maybe the item runs small. Saw a bulkier dude rocking a large hoodie that looked perfect – chest measurements seemed closer to mine. Started getting a clearer, real-world picture beyond numbers.
The Order and The Test Drive
Liked a CPO Crewneck this time. Based on chart confusion, user pics, and knowing my broad shoulders? I gambled on a Medium again, but with way more info. Shirt arrived. Held it up – felt apprehensive. Put it on.
Result? Chest felt roomy but not swimming. Shoulders? Perfect spot. Sleeves? Spot on length. Success! Wore it around the house for hours, moved in it. Kept feeling the shoulder seam – didn’t ride up on my neck. Perfect. No plans to return this one!
The Takeaway (What Actually Works)
So, my hard-earned checklist for Gallery Dept sizing?
- Measure Yourself Honestly: Forget your “usual” size in other brands. Chest/shoulders/sleeves matter most.
- Use THE Source Size Chart (But Warily): Gallery Dept’s own site first, but compare dates if possible. Know it might not be perfect.
- Seek Real People’s Evidence: Fit pics are gold. Find people with your body type in the specific item style.
- Understand the Specific Cut: CPO? Flannel? Graphic Tee? Vintage Wash? They fit differently. Don’t assume one size fits all styles.
- Know Your Priorities: Shoulders MUST fit right. Chest can be a bit loose but not massive. Sleeves should hit the wrist bone.
Saving return shipping fees feels good. Feeling confident in the fit feels even better. This process? Tedious, yeah. But way cheaper and less annoying than winging it. Happy fitting!
