Whether you’re ordering apparel for a military graduation, sending a gift to a service member in training, or buying proud family shirts for the whole group, choosing the right size is one of the most common questions families have.
Military apparel fits differently depending on:
- the brand
- the garment type (tees vs hoodies vs polos)
- style (unisex, women’s, athletic cut)
- how your service member’s body has changed during training
This guide makes sizing simple, predictable, and stress-free.
Why Sizing Can Feel Confusing — And Why It’s Normal
Boot camp changes bodies.
Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen often finish training:
- leaner
- more muscular
- broader in the shoulders
- smaller in the waist
So if you’re buying apparel for your graduate, know this:
Your service member may not be the same size they were when they left for training.
On top of that, apparel brands vary slightly in fit.
This guide helps eliminate the guesswork.
The Three-Step Method for Choosing the Right Size
Step 1 — Check the Garment Type
Unisex tees, hoodies, and polos all fit differently.
General guidelines:
- Unisex T-Shirts: True to size for most adults
- Women’s Cuts: More fitted; size up if between sizes
- Hoodies: True to size, but size up if you prefer more room
- Polos: Athletic fit; many customers size up for comfort
- Long Sleeves: Slightly slimmer through the arms
Step 2 — Compare to a Shirt They Already Wear
This is the most accurate method:
- Take a tee or hoodie they already love
- Lay it flat
- Measure width (armpit-to-armpit) and length
- Match those measurements to the size chart
This removes all guesswork.
Step 3 — Factor In Personal Fit Preference
Some families want:
- tighter “athletic” fit
- looser, relaxed fit
- layered fit for colder graduations
If someone is between two sizes, the rule is:
- Choose the larger size for hoodies, polos, and women’s cuts.
- Choose the true size for unisex tees.
How Boot Camp Changes Fit (By Branch)
Every branch produces similar changes, but each environment impacts recruits differently.
Army (BCT & OSUT)
- Stronger legs
- Leaner waist
- Broader shoulders
- Typically down 5–15 lbs
Marine Corps (PI & San Diego)
- Most dramatic physical transformation
- Very lean midsection
- Increased back/shoulder size
- Very active PT culture
Marines often go down in waist size but up in shoulder/chest fit.
Navy (Great Lakes)
- Moderate leaning-out
- Slight increases in upper-body strength
- Recruits often exit close to pre-boot camp size
- Some lose weight in first 4–6 weeks
Air Force (Lackland)
- Less dramatic but noticeable lean-out
- More even muscle development
- Many remain true to size
Coast Guard (Cape May)
- High cardio + seamanship + water training
- Leaner, stronger overall
- Waist size often decreases
If you’re buying for a graduate, these patterns can help guide sizing.
How to Size Proud Family Apparel (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents)
Family apparel is the biggest part of Graduation Weekend, and photos matter.
Here’s the breakdown:
Moms
Unisex tees: true to size
Women’s tees: size up if between sizes
Hoodies: size up for comfort
Dads
Unisex tees & hoodies: true to size
Polos: size up for a more relaxed feel
Teens
Unisex tees: true to size
Hoodies: consider up one size for growth + layering
Kids
Youth tees: true to size
Youth hoodies: size up for room to layer
Matching family shirts look best when everyone is comfortable — not squeezed.
FAQs: Families’ Most Common Sizing Questions
My service member bulked up — should I size up for them?
Generally no. Even with muscle gains, most graduates drop waist size and remain true-to-size for unisex tees.
Are Oak & Liberty shirts pre-shrunk?
Yes — nearly all are pre-shrunk cotton or blended fabric for consistent fit.
If I’m ordering for a graduation weeks away, what size should I pick?
Choose their current size unless you know they’ve lost over 10–15 lbs.
Do polos run smaller?
They run slightly more fitted. Many customers prefer one size up.
What if the weather will be cold?
Choose a hoodie one size larger for layering over tees.
Is women’s sizing tighter?
Yes — women’s cuts are more tapered. Size up if between sizes or if unsure.
Sizing Tips for Graduation Photos (Huge for Families)
Graduation photos last a lifetime. For best results:
- choose coordinated colors
- ensure everyone has room to move
- avoid sizing too tight (especially in heat/humidity)
- hoodies look great for colder graduations
- tees photograph best in navy, black, gray, olive, red
For large families, consider: Unisex tees — most universal and easiest to match.
The Easiest Way to Get Sizing Right Every Time
Here’s a simple rule families love:
- If you want a fitted look, choose true size.
- If you want comfort, choose the next size up.
You truly can’t go wrong with that formula.
Shop Graduation-Ready Apparel With Confidence
Whether you're preparing for graduation day or supporting your service member throughout their military journey, Oak & Liberty makes sizing simple and stress-free.
👉 Shop Proud Family Apparel
👉 Browse Graduation Collections by Branch
👉 Explore Hoodies, Polos, Long Sleeves & More
👉 Find Matching Apparel for the Whole Family
At Oak & Liberty, we’re proud to support families through every milestone — from boot camp to first duty station and beyond.