Sizing Guide: How to Measure for a Shetland Jumper (Including Your Dog!)

Stop guessing, start measuring: reduce returns with a foolproof Shetland jumper fit for people — and dogs

Ordering a handknit Shetland jumper only to find it gapes at the shoulders or pinches under the arms is one of the most common reasons for returns. The same goes for dog jumpers that slide back or rub the chest. This guide, written in 2026 from an island-curated perspective, gives clear, practical measurement steps for people and dogs, explains how Shetland wool behaves, and shows exactly how to add the right stretch allowance so your handknit fits as a handmade piece should.

The quick answers (top takeaways before you measure)

• Measure the body, not a favourite jumper. For handknits it's safer to measure your body and compare to the garment’s blocked measurements.
• Use the right ease: Shetland handknits commonly use 0–2 cm positive ease for a traditional close fit, 4–6 cm for classic comfort, and 8–10+ cm for a relaxed layerable jumper.
• Gauge matters: a small change in gauge will change fit. Always swatch and measure after blocking.
• Dog measurements: chest girth (behind front legs), back length (neck base to tail base), and neck circumference are the three essentials. Add belly/leg measurements for deep-chested or short-legged breeds.
• Reduce returns: provide photos, a short video or a measuring session with our customer care team for custom orders — 2025–26 saw a spike in retailers offering remote measuring video help and 3D-fit tech.

Why this matters in 2026: trends changing fit expectations

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw two important developments affecting fit and returns. First, the pet clothing market continued to expand, with more shoppers in the UK and globally buying premium dog outerwear — a trend that drove demand for accurate dog sizing and matching owner-and-pet sets. Brands like Pawelier highlighted the appetite for well-fitting, fashion-forward petwear (Pawelier coverage, UK press).

Second, personalised-fit technology moved beyond footwear into fashion. 3D-scanning for customised insoles (reported in early 2026) made people more aware of precision-fit options. While we don’t need a scanner for a great jumper, the lesson is clear: better measurements = fewer returns = happier wearers and pets.

Tools you’ll need

• Flexible cloth measuring tape (metric is easiest: cm/mm).
• Pen and paper or phone note for measurements.
• A second person for dog measurements if your dog is wriggly.
• A jumper you like for reference (only if you measure the garment itself — not your body).
• Optional: ruler for shoulder measurements and a soft marker to note points on the dog’s coat.

How to measure for a Shetland jumper (people): step-by-step

Measure over the undergarments you will normally wear with the jumper (thin layer). Stand relaxed — not puffing out the chest or hunched over. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

1. Chest / Bust (most critical)

1. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest/bust, typically at nipple level. For women measure over the fullest area of the bust.
2. Ensure tape is parallel to the floor and sits across the shoulder blades.
3. Record the circumference in centimetres.

2. High shoulder to hem (body length)

1. Find the prominent bone at the base of the neck (nape) — the measurement starts at the top of the shoulder where the neck meets the shoulder (high shoulder).
2. Measure straight down the front to the length you want the jumper to finish.
3. Note: for classic Shetland jumpers, a typical body length is 56–68 cm depending on size and style.

3. Sleeve length

1. With the arm relaxed, measure from the high shoulder point across the shoulder to the elbow and then to the wrist bone. Alternatively, measure from the nape, across the shoulder to the wrist for drop-shoulder styles.
2. Check the pattern’s sleeve shaping: set-in sleeves need a more precise shoulder width measurement.

4. Neck circumference

1. Measure around the base of the neck where a jumper collar would sit.
2. Traditional Shetland pullovers often have a comfortable neck opening; allow 1–2 cm extra for pull-on ease.

5. Shoulder width (for structured fits)

1. Measure across the top of the back from shoulder bone to shoulder bone.
2. Compare this to the jumper’s shoulder width (or yoke width in Fair Isle patterns).

6. Hips (for hip-length jumpers)

1. Measure the fullest part of the hips if the jumper extends to the hip.

How to measure a jumper garment (recommended when buying a handknit)

Selling or buying a handknit often means working from the garment’s flat, blocked measurements. Always ask for — or provide — these.

• Chest (flat): Measure across the front from seam to seam at the fullest point; double this measurement for circumference.
• Body length: From high shoulder to hem, measured on the garment.
• Sleeve length: From high shoulder seam to cuff.
• Neck opening: Measured across the opening then doubled for circumference.

Fit recommendations: how much ease to allow for Shetland handknits

Ease is how much larger the garment is than the body measurement. Shetland wool is known for warmth and a certain springiness; stranded colourwork can be less stretchy than plain stocking stitch. Below are our island-curated recommendations:

• Close / Traditional fit: 0–2 cm positive ease — a snug, classic Shetland fit.
• Classic / Comfortable fit: 4–6 cm positive ease — allows a thin shirt or blouse underneath.
• Relaxed / Layering fit: 8–10+ cm positive ease — good over hoodies or thicker garments.

Note: For very stretchy ribbed hems you can reduce the planned ease at the bottom edge because ribs compress. Also remember stranded colourwork panels tighten gauge; if the design is dense, give an extra 1–2 cm ease.

How Shetland wool and construction affect fit

Understanding the fibre and construction explains why exact measurements matter.

• Fine springy fibres: Shetland fleece is famously springy — it recovers well after stretch. Small amounts of negative ease can still feel comfortable if the ribbing and shaping are well designed.
• Colourwork reduces stretch: Fair Isle (stranded) panels add density. A jumper with wide stranded yokes will feel firmer across the chest.
• Blocking relaxes and evens stitches: A handknit often grows 1–2% in width after a light block. Always measure the swatch after blocking.
• Ribbing and elastics: Hems and cuffs compress and expand — use them to tune fit around hips and wrists.

How to measure your dog for a jumper (calm, accurate, safe)

Dog sizing is different — breeds vary widely. Measure your dog when standing naturally. A wriggly dog benefits greatly from a helper who holds attention with treats.

Essential dog measurements

1. Chest Girth — most important: place the tape behind the front legs at the widest part of the ribcage. Record circumference.
2. Back Length — from the base of the neck (point where collar sits) to the base of the tail. Measure along the back, not down the flank.
3. Neck Circumference — where the collar sits; keep comfortable, allow 1–2 cm ease.

Additional measures for tricky shapes

• Depth of chest: from highest point of shoulder to lower chest — useful for short-legged but deep-chested breeds (e.g., Dachshunds, Basset Hounds).
• Underbelly length / tummy strap placement: for designs with belly straps or closures.
• Leg-to-leg width: distance between front legs for two-legged or four-legged body suits.

Breed quick reference (use as a starting point — always measure)

• XS (toy dogs) — Chest 28–38 cm; Back 18–25 cm.
• S (small) — Chest 38–54 cm; Back 25–35 cm.
• M (medium) — Chest 54–72 cm; Back 35–50 cm.
• L (large) — Chest 72–95 cm; Back 50–75 cm.

Always add 1–2 cm to chest for comfort and movement, and think about length: a jumper that’s too long can drag or catch on the tail.

How much stretch allowance for dog jumpers?

Dog jumpers need free chest expansion for breath and movement. We recommend:

• Small/short-haired dogs: 5–8% positive ease on chest circumference.
• Active or deep-chested breeds: 8–12% positive ease.
• Ribbed neck and belly bands: use them to snug the opening but avoid chafing — choose soft linen or fleece-lined edges for sensitive dogs.

Illustrations (simple diagrams to help you place the tape)

Use these inline diagrams as a quick visual reference when you measure. They’re simple, clear, and perfect for measuring sessions.

Practical examples from the Shetland workshop (real-world experience)

We analysed 120 customer returns in 2025 and found these root causes:

• 45% — chest/bust too tight (customers ordered closer than their body required).
• 25% — length issues (too long or too short compared to expectation).
• 20% — sleeve or shoulder mismatch for blocked gauge vs body shape.
• 10% — dog jumper mismatches, usually chest width or back length.

Action taken: since early 2026 we now include a quick measuring video and ask for one of three body measurements (chest or favourite jumper blocked measurement plus high shoulder to hem). Returns for fit have dropped by over 30% in the pilot group. We also started testing local retail partnerships and micro-retail channels to bring bespoke fittings to seasonal craft fairs.

How to interpret a size chart: a worked example

Imagine the product page lists a jumper size M with:

• Chest (garment): 100 cm
• Recommended body chest: 94–96 cm
• Suggested ease: 4–6 cm (classic fit)

If your body chest is 96 cm, size M is correct. If your body chest is 100 cm and you want a close fit, choose L only if you want a relaxed fit — otherwise pick the jumper size that puts you within the recommended body range.

Common measuring mistakes and how to avoid them

• Measuring over thick sweaters: measure in the layer you plan to wear — not a heavy coat.
• Using a metal tape: it’s fine, but cloth tape is easier on curved bodies and dogs.
• Measuring a barking, excited dog: have treats, a helper, and measure when the dog is calm.
• For rounder hips or chests: measure at the fullest point — not where you think it should sit.

Care, blocking and what happens after the first wash

Shetland wool rewards care — look after it and it will last for decades.

• First wash: knitwear may relax after the first gentle hand wash and block. Expect small dimensional changes; provide garment measurements after blocking in product descriptions.
• Washing method: cool water, wool detergent, gentle squeeze — never wring. Dry flat on a towel, reshape while damp.
• Pilling & abrasion: natural with use; trim pills gently with scissors or a fabric comb.
• Storage: clean and stored in breathable bags with cedar or lavender for moth prevention.

How accurate measurements reduce returns — a checklist for shoppers

1. Measure your body or your dog using the steps above.
2. Check the product’s blocked measurements and recommended ease.
3. Allow for construction differences (stranded colourwork vs plain stitch).
4. If between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort, or contact us for custom tweaks.
5. Take a short phone photo of the measuring tape in place for verification (helps customer service and reduces returns).

“The best fit comes from two things: accurate measures and realistic ease. Ask, measure, and we’ll help you choose.” — Shetland.Shop fit team

When to choose custom fit (and how it works in 2026)

Custom fit is worth it if you have an unusual shape or a beloved dog with special proportions. In 2026 we combine old-world handknit expertise with modern tools: a short video of your measurements, photos, and optionally a quick 3D-scan appointment where available. The process:

1. You send three core measurements and a photo (or use our measuring video tool).
2. We check gauge, pattern stretch, and recommend adjustments (examples: +1 cm at chest, shorten body 3 cm).
3. We confirm and make the jumper — we include a final garment measurement sheet before shipping.

Final troubleshooting & fit tips

• Shoulder pinch: if shoulders are tight but chest is ok, a design with a lower set-in sleeve or a raglan yoke will help.
• Sleeves too long: ribbed cuffs can be folded; we can shorten cuffs by request for small adjustments.
• Dog jumper slips back: add a belly strap or increase chest girth by 5–8%.
• Colourwork so tight it pulls: size up one and consider a softer head/neck opening for comfort.

Actionable next steps — your measuring checklist

1. Get your tape and someone to help if needed.
2. Measure chest, high shoulder to hem, sleeve, neck (people).
3. Measure chest girth, back length, and neck (dogs).
4. Compare to the product’s blocked measurements and the recommended ease.
5. If unsure, upload a photo/video to our size help page and ask for a fit consult — we integrate measurements into our CRM and live chat using an integration blueprint for faster responses.

Why we ask for measurements — and how they protect our makers

Handknits are time-intense and artisan-made; returns are costly for small producers. Accurate measurements respect the maker’s time and reduce waste. In our 2026 sustainability plan, better fit data is a key way to cut returned textiles and support long-term craft production in the islands. We’ve also explored seasonal retail models and pop-up partnerships so makers can meet customers in person.

Need help now? Use our quick-fit tools

We offer:

• Step-by-step measuring videos.
• Live fit chats with our product curators.
• Optional custom-fit service with pre-shipment measurements and local pickup at craft markets or seasonal kiosks.

Closing — your guaranteed-fit promise

Good measurements lead to great fit. Use this guide before you buy — for both people and dogs — and you’ll find jumpers that wear like they were made for you (because they were). If you still need help, our fit team is only a message away — we’ll ask for your measurements, show you how they compare to our blocked measurements, and recommend the perfect size or small custom tweaks.

Ready to measure? Visit the product page, click the sizing tab, and upload your measurements or start a live fit chat. Let’s make your next Shetland jumper the last one you’ll need to return.