Ease Calculator — Garment Fit from Body Measurements

Ease is the difference between your body measurement and the finished garment measurement. Positive ease means the garment is larger than your body (looser fit). Negative ease means the garment is smaller (stretchy, close fit). Zero ease means the garment matches your body measurement exactly.

It depends on the garment style and your preference. Fitted tops: 0 to +5cm. Standard jumpers: +5 to +10cm. Relaxed cardigans: +10 to +15cm. Oversized styles: +15 to +25cm. Stretch fabrics like ribbing can use negative ease. Always consider the yarn's stretch and drape.

Chest ease is the most commonly specified, but ease applies to all measurements. Sleeve ease is typically less than body ease. Hip ease may need to be different from chest ease depending on body proportions. Many patterns only specify chest ease and let other measurements follow proportionally.