Navigating sizing in contemporary independent streetwear can be challenging, especially when a brand abandons standard factory templates in favor of authentic upcycling. Better With Age (BWA), a luxury upcycled label founded by Remy Renzullo, takes genuine vintage blanks—ranging from 1980s single-stitch tees and heritage denim to 90s heavyweight fleece—and manually reworks them into 1-of-1 pieces. Because every garment originates from a different historical era and original manufacturer, understanding how sizing behaves across categories is essential before making an investment.

The Philosophy of Vintage Blank Sizing

Traditional retail brands manufacture clothing using standardized, computerized grading scales where a size Medium or Large remains identical across thousands of units. In contrast, the foundation of Better With Age Clothing relies entirely on sourcing authentic vintage garments.

A 1990s Levi's denim jacket or a vintage athletic hoodie from thirty years ago carries drastically different shoulder drops, chest widths, and fabric shrinkage rates than modern apparel. Consequently, sizing labels on upcycled garments serve merely as a baseline rather than an absolute guarantee of fit. Examining exact measurements and understanding how each category behaves is key to choosing the right size.

1. Denim and Bottoms Sizing

Bottoms are among the most sought-after items in the brand's catalog, celebrated for their custom embroidery, tapestry paneling, and unique wash profiles.

When shopping for Better With Age Jeans, you cannot rely solely on the waist number printed on the original tag. Through the reworking process—which often involves seam-ripping, altering rises, and adding vintage waistband extensions—the physical fit can shift.

• The Waist Fit: True vintage denim (such as USA-made 100% cotton blanks) does not stretch like modern elastane blends. It is generally recommended to measure a pair of your best-fitting non-stretch pants flat and compare them against the seller's actual flat-lay measurements.

• The Rise and Leg Opening: Most pairs feature a mid-to-high rise with a relaxed or straight leg, providing an authentic vintage drape over footwear.

2. Headwear and Accessory Sizing

Unlike soft-knit apparel, headwear relies on vintage structural frameworks that require different fit considerations.

An authentic Better With Age Hat is typically constructed using vintage deadstock snapback bases, structured trucker caps, or unconstructed dad hats.

• Snapbacks and Strapbacks: Because they utilize adjustable plastic closures or metal buckles, they accommodate standard head sizes comfortably.

• Crown Depth: Vintage blanks often feature a slightly lower profile and softer front panels compared to modern, high-crown streetwear caps, offering a more classic, balanced look on various head shapes.

3. Lightweight Tops and Single-Stitch Shirts

Tops serve as primary canvases for the brand's signature hand-stamping, vintage distressing, and aged water-based screen prints.

When evaluating a Better With Age Shirt, the primary characteristic to look for is single-stitch hem construction, which is typical of authentic 80s and 90s vintage tees.

• Boxy Proportions: Vintage single-stitch blanks are naturally boxier and shorter in body length than modern slim-fit apparel.

• Shoulder Seams: The shoulder seams often sit lower down the arm, providing a relaxed, comfortable drape across the upper torso. If you prefer a fitted look, check the pit-to-pit chest measurements carefully, as vintage sizing runs smaller than contemporary oversized streetwear cuts.

4. Warm-Weather Bottoms and Cut-Offs

Summer collections bring out relaxed lower-body options tailored for breathability and freedom of movement.

Styling or purchasing Better With Age Shorts requires looking at both the inseam length and the waistband construction. Ranging from cut-off canvas utility pants to heavy-weight fleece sweatshorts, these pieces are designed to sit slightly above the knee. The elastic or drawstring waistbands offer flexibility, while the raw-edge hems feature reinforced stitching to prevent excessive fraying during regular wear.

5. Heavy Fleece Hoodies and Outerwear Layering

Heavyweight fleece pieces are prized for their thick texture, custom distressing, and cozy, lived-in feel.

When selecting a Better With Age Hoodie, you are getting a garment crafted from dense, vintage cotton-poly fleece blanks.

• The Fit Profile: These hoodies feature generous chest widths, dropped shoulders, and double-layered hoods that hold their structure upright.

• Sizing Recommendation: Because vintage fleece blanks can vary wildly in torso length, check whether the piece has been cropped or altered during the reworking process. Sticking to your true size yields an authentic vintage drape, while sizing up provides an exaggerated, oversized streetwear silhouette.

Sizing Quick-Reference Matrix

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do two items in the exact same tagged size fit differently?

Because the brand uses authentic vintage blanks sourced from various decades and original manufacturers, physical dimensions like chest width, sleeve length, and waist size vary naturally from piece to piece.

Should I size up when buying vintage-blank denim jeans?

It depends on the specific pair's flat-lay measurements. Because vintage 100% cotton denim lacks modern spandex stretch, comparing the actual waist measurement to a pair of pants you already own is much safer than relying on the vintage tag size.

Are Better With Age shirts cut oversized like modern streetwear brands?

Not necessarily. While they feature a vintage boxy shape and dropped shoulders, genuine 80s and 90s vintage blanks are often slightly shorter in total body length compared to modern, exaggerated oversized t-shirts.

Do the fleece hoodies shrink when washed?

Since the blanks are already decades old and have undergone pre-shrinking through past wear and washing, they are relatively stable. However, to preserve hand-distressing and prevent any fiber contraction, always wash them in cold water and air dry flat.

How can I verify exact measurements before purchasing a 1-of-1 item?

Most authorized stockists and secondary marketplace sellers list exact flat-lay measurements (such as pit-to-pit, shoulder width, total length, and inseam). Always review these specific numbers against your personal clothing measurements before buying.