Grading is the process of scaling a single fit sample up and down across your full size range. It’s easy to overlook, and it’s one of the most common reasons a brand’s larger or smaller sizes fit noticeably worse than the sample size.
How Grading Works
Once your sample size (often M) is approved, a grade rule defines how much each measurement increases or decreases per size step — for example, +2.5 cm in chest width per size up. Applied consistently, this keeps proportions natural across the whole range.
Common Grading Mistakes
- Using a generic grade rule instead of one suited to your specific garment shape
- Grading length and width by the same amount, which distorts proportions at the extremes
- Skipping a fit check on your smallest and largest sizes before bulk production
- Not accounting for different fits across garment types
Testing Before You Commit
Whenever possible, request fit samples in your smallest and largest sizes, not just your base size. It’s the only reliable way to confirm your grade rule holds up at the edges of your size chart, where most fit complaints originate.