T-Shirt Fit Guide: Find the Right Cut, Weight, and Style for Your Brand
Not all T-shirts are created equal. Choosing the right fit, fabric weight, and style can totally change how your merch looks—and how your audience feels wearing it. In this guide, we break down the differences between fitted, relaxed, and oversized T-shirts, and help you understand the cuts and characteristics of our most popular unisex styles: the Creator 2.0, Sparker 2.0, and Freestyler.
1. Understand the Key Fit Categories
Let’s start with the basics. Fit refers to how a T-shirt sits on the body. Here are the three main styles we use at Nerds:
- Fitted: Closer to the body, clean silhouette
- Relaxed: Looser, easy fit without looking oversized
- Oversized: Dropped shoulders, boxy cut, fashion-forward
Each has its moment—and choosing the right one depends on your brand, audience, and how you want people to feel in the shirt.
2. Match Fit to Brand Vibe
At Nerds, we always recommend thinking about your audience first. Do you want a classic cut that’s universally flattering? A heavier style that feels bold and premium? Or a modern oversized look that’s trending in streetwear?
👕 Creator 2.0 — Unisex, 180gsm
This is your versatile go-to. The Creator 2.0 is a straight unisex fit—neither tight nor baggy—and made from a smooth 180gsm fabric. It works great for all types of brands and is ideal when you want an easy win across all body types. Size normally for a classic look, or go one up for a slightly looser feel.
🌀 Sparker 2.0 — Relaxed Fit, 215gsm
Need something with a bit more presence? The Sparker 2.0 has a relaxed, slightly boxier shape with a loose knit texture. At 215gsm, it feels more substantial without being heavy. This one’s a sweet spot for creative brands or team T-shirts where you want a touch of style. Runs slightly loose—perfect as is, or size down for a trimmer cut.
🏀 Freestyler — Oversized Fit, 240gsm
This is the one for brands that want to go bold. The Freestyler is a heavyweight 240gsm tee with an exaggerated oversized cut: dropped shoulders, wide body, and tons of personality. It’s perfect for fashion brands, festivals, or merch collabs. Size normally for a truly oversized fit, or size down for something more relaxed (but still roomy).
3. Consider Fabric Weight and Feel
Fabric weight doesn’t just affect durability—it also shapes how the T-shirt drapes and feels. Here’s how our top three compare:
- 180gsm (Creator 2.0): Lightweight, breathable, everyday comfort
- 215gsm (Sparker 2.0): Mid-weight, textured, modern vibe
- 240gsm (Freestyler): Heavyweight, structured, high-impact
Heavier tees hold shape better and feel more premium, but lighter styles are cooler and more versatile for warm-weather or layering.
4. Sizing Tips for Better Merch
Getting sizing right is key to happy wearers. Here’s what we suggest:
- 📏 Always check the size chart—especially for oversized cuts
- 📦 Offer size recommendations in your store or merch kit (e.g. “True to size” or “Runs large”)
- 📸 Show fit on different body types if you can (we can help with that too 😉)
At Nerds, we can guide you through the right cut and size choices depending on your audience and use case—whether it’s uniforms, merch drops, or swag packs.
Wearable Merch That Actually Fits
The best merch is the kind people actually want to wear—and that starts with the right T-shirt. Whether you’re keeping it classic with the Creator 2.0, going easy with the Sparker 2.0, or making a statement with the Freestyler, Nerds is here to help you build merch that fits your brand—and your people—perfectly.
Need help picking the right tee?
