Crime Junkie Podcast Hoodie Sizing and Quality Guide 2026

Most true crime fans make the same mistake when buying a Crime Junkie hoodie: they pick their standard size without considering how they actually wear it. If you're planning to curl up for a multi-episode binge, you want a fit that's comfortable, not restrictive. This Crime Junkie podcast hoodie sizing guide will help you choose the perfect size and maintain your merch for years of listening.

Crime Junkie Hoodie Sizing Chart

Getting the right fit starts with understanding the numbers. Our hoodies are unisex and use standard US sizing. Here's the abbreviated chart:

• Small: Chest 36-38", Length 27"
• Medium: Chest 40-42", Length 28"
• Large: Chest 44-46", Length 29"
• X-Large: Chest 48-50", Length 30"
• 2X-Large: Chest 52-54", Length 31"
• 3X-Large: Chest 56-58", Length 32"

These measurements are for the garment itself, not your body. To find your size, measure a hoodie you already own that fits the way you like. Lay it flat, measure the chest from armpit to armpit and double it. Compare to the chart above.

Step 1: Measure Your Favorite Hoodie

Don't rely on your t-shirt size. Hoodies have more room in the chest and longer sleeves. I recommend measuring a hoodie you wear often - especially one you use for lounging or layering. Write down the chest width and length. This is your baseline.

Pro tip: Add 2" to the chest measurement if you plan to wear layers underneath. Many of our customers in colder climates order one size up for that reason.

Step 2: Consider the Design Placement

Some of our most popular designs - like the "Full Body Chills" graphic or the "Ashley Flowers Quote" hoodie - have prints that extend across the chest and shoulders. If you're between sizes, going with the larger size ensures the design doesn't get stretched or cut off at the seams. I've seen too many medium-sized prints warp on a tight small.

How Does the Hoodie Fit? True to Size or Oversized

Our Crime Junkie hoodies are designed as a classic, true-to-size unisex fit. That means if you normally wear a large in other unisex hoodies (like from Gildan or Hanes), a large will fit similarly: not too snug, not too baggy. The shoulders hit at the natural shoulder line, and the hem falls around the hip.

But here's where it gets personal. Many in the true crime community prefer an oversized look for comfort. If that's you, go up one size. A large gives you a relaxed silhouette without looking sloppy. I personally size up for my "Mysterious" hoodie - it's my go-to for all-night research sessions.

Common mistake: Assuming "unisex" means men's sizing. Women often find their usual women's size in unisex hoodies runs boxier. If you want a more fitted look, try a size down from your usual women's size. For example, women's medium → unisex small.

Material and Print Quality

Every Crime Junkie hoodie is made from a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend. The cotton provides softness and breathability, while the polyester adds durability and helps the hoodie hold its shape after repeated washes. The fabric weight is 8 oz - substantial enough for warmth but not so heavy that it feels stiff.

The prints are done with screen-printing or direct-to-garment (DTG) depending on the design complexity. Screen-printed graphics (like the classic logo) have a slight texture and will last for years with proper care. DTG prints feel softer but require more gentle handling to prevent fading.

I recommend examining the inside of the hoodie after the first wash. A quality print will show no cracking or peeling. Ours hold up because we use high-quality inks and cure each garment properly.

Care Instructions for Longevity

To keep your Crime Junkie hoodie looking fresh, follow these steps:

• Wash inside out in cold water. This protects the print from friction.
• Use mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners - they can break down the fabric fibers and fade the design.
• Hang dry or tumble dry low. High heat is the enemy. It shrinks cotton and cracks prints. I hang dry all my merch hoodies; they last twice as long.
• Don't iron directly on the print. If you must iron, turn the hoodie inside out and use a low setting.

Following these steps will prevent the dreaded "pilling" on the fabric and keep the colors vibrant even after dozens of washes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing size based on height alone. Hoodie length varies between brands. Always measure your chest and compare to the chart. A tall person might need a large for length but find the chest too loose. In that case, pick the size that fits your chest and accept a slightly shorter length - it still looks fine.
• Assuming preshrunk means no shrinkage. Our hoodies are garment-washed to minimize shrinkage, but some natural shrinking (2-3%) can still occur in the first hot water wash. Always wash cold to maintain size.
• Ignoring the design placement. Large designs on small hoodies get distorted. If you're between sizes, the larger size will display the artwork better.
• Buying multiple sizes without measuring. I've had customers order both medium and large, then return one. Save shipping costs by measuring once.

Pro Tips from the Community

• Layer for winter marathons. Size up by one if you plan to wear it over a long-sleeve tee or flannel. The 8 oz fabric works great as an outer layer.
• Test the fit with a bulky item in the pocket. Our hoodies have a generous front pocket. Before removing tags, toss your phone and a small book in the pocket to see if the hoodie pulls. If it drags at the shoulders, go up a size.
• Match the hoodie to your listening style. If you listen while walking (like me, on daily true crime walks), go with a slightly fitted size to avoid flapping in the wind. If you're stationary, oversized is fine.
• Check the washing label inside. Every hoodie has specific care instructions. Follow them - ignoring the label is the #1 reason prints fade.

Recommended Gear & Products

If you're ready to buy, here are my top picks from the store:

• Classic Crime Junkie Logo Hoodie - A timeless design that fits true-to-size. The screen-printed logo is durable and looks great after years of wear. Perfect for everyday use.
• "Full Body Chills" Graphic Hoodie - A fan favorite with a larger chest print. I recommend going one size up to let the design breathe. The DTG print has a soft hand feel.
• Ashley Flowers Quote Hoodie - Features a quote from the show. The print is centered on the back, so it's ideal for layering. Sticks to true sizing.

All these hoodies share the same fabric and quality standards. Choose the design that speaks to your inner detective.

Key Takeaways

• Measure a hoodie you already own, not your body, to find your size.
• Our unisex hoodies are true to size; size up for an oversized fit.
• The 50/50 cotton-polyester 8 oz fabric balances comfort and durability.
• Wash cold, hang dry, and avoid high heat to preserve prints.
• The right size depends on whether you want a snug or relaxed fit - consider layering and design placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Crime Junkie hoodies shrink?

Are these hoodies true to size?

What is the fabric blend?

How long do the prints last?

Can I get a more fitted look?