How Does YMC Fit? Size and Fit Guide

YMC does not have a single fit. At AURA, the London label is stocked in models with very different volumes: a high-waisted wide-leg trouser, a tapered painter trouser, a loose jean, an oversized t-shirt and a sweatshirt that is wider than it is long. The model name matters as much as the size label. In a size 32, the Deadbeat and Painter trousers and the Bez Jeans have almost the same waist (88 to 90 cm), but their front rise ranges from 27 to 35.6 cm: they do not sit at the same height at all. This guide compares the YMC models currently sold at AURA using the size charts published by YMC, size by size, and explains how to compare them with clothes you already own. The full selection is in the YMC collection.

In short

• Widest trouser: Deadbeat, described by YMC as a high-waisted wide-leg trouser, with the highest rise (35.6 cm in a 32).
• Closest-fitting trouser: Painter, tapered leg and regular fit according to YMC, mid-rise (31 cm front rise in a 32).
• Jeans: Bez, the only YMC jean at AURA, loose fit, the lowest rise (27 cm in a 32) and the longest leg (75 to 76.5 cm inside leg).
• Boxiest top: Studio Sweatshirt, 68 cm wide for 65.5 cm long in a medium.
• Longest top: the Hawkeye shirt, 71.5 cm centre back in a medium, against 69 cm for the Triple T.
• Outerwear: the Bonehead Jacket is short (69.6 cm centre back in a medium), the Tyrell Coat long (115.5 cm). Both are cut oversized and unisex.

Mind the name: at AURA, the Bonehead is a hooded jacket, not a trouser.

The main YMC fits at AURA

Fit: the terms YMC uses on its product pages. Key measurement: YMC size chart, in a 32 for bottoms and a medium for tops.

For tops, the key measurement reads chest width × centre back length.

How do YMC trousers fit?

YMC publishes three measurements for its trousers: waist, inside leg and front rise. The brand does not describe its measuring method. The waist values (78 to 100 cm) correspond to a full circumference, not a flat width. YMC publishes neither thigh width nor leg opening, so leg volume cannot be quantified from official data. It shows in YMC's description and in the photos below, taken on the same model, in the same setting and framing.

From left to right: Earth Deadbeat Indigo, Painter Trouser Black, Bez Jeans Indigo. Same model, same framing.

Comparison in a size 32

What the figures show: the waists differ by only 2 cm (88 to 90 cm), so the rise is what sets the models apart. The Deadbeat has 4.6 cm more rise than the Painter and 8.6 cm more than the Bez: it sits clearly higher on the waist. The gap is constant from 28 to 36. Conversely, the Deadbeat and Painter have a short inside leg (68 and 68.5 cm), 7 cm less than the black Bez and 8.5 cm less than the indigo Bez.

Same order, cropped on the leg: the arc-shaped Deadbeat leg, the tapered Painter leg, the loose and long Bez leg.

YMC Deadbeat Trouser

A high-waisted wide-leg trouser with centre front pleats, a split-leg panel, a deep hem and an arc-shaped silhouette, according to YMC. It has the highest rise in the selection: 33.6 cm in a 28, 35.6 cm in a 32, 37.6 cm in a 36. YMC shows it in a 32 on a 6'2" model. At AURA, the model on the Deadbeat Black product page is 1.80 m tall, weighs 65 kg and wears a 30. Two versions: Earth Deadbeat Indigo, in organic cotton denim, and Deadbeat Black, in organic cotton twill with 3% elastane. The fabric changes the drape, not the pattern.

Note: YMC has published a different chart for older men's Deadbeat runs, with a waist 2 cm smaller at every size (87.2 cm in a 32) and the same rise. The women's Deadbeat uses letter sizes and a 61 cm inside leg. The chart above is the one for recent men's Deadbeats, including the Earth Deadbeat Indigo.

YMC Painter Trouser

A painter trouser with a tapered leg, mid-rise and regular fit, a screwdriver leg pocket, a hammer loop and a button fly. Its 31 cm rise in a 32 places it between the Deadbeat and the Bez; its 68.5 cm inside leg is close to the Deadbeat's. Based on YMC's descriptions, it is the least voluminous of the three. YMC shows it in a 32 on a 6'1" model. At AURA, the Painter Black is in organic cotton corduroy.

The Painter Olive in moleskin is an older run, sold in S, M and L. YMC no longer publishes its chart: its letter size cannot be matched to a 28 to 36 size of the corduroy Painter.

How do YMC jeans fit?

The Bez Jeans is a loose-fit, relaxed 5-pocket jean with large back patch pockets. It has the lowest rise of the YMC bottoms (27 cm in a 32) and the longest leg. YMC shows it in a 32 on 6'1" and 6'2" models. The three versions sold at AURA share the same waist and rise; only the inside leg differs:

Chart for the Bez Black (Selvedge and Coated). The Bez Indigo uses the same values with a 76.5 cm inside leg. None of the three versions contains elastane. YMC gives no shrinkage figure for the two raw denims, so no shrinkage value can be stated. The Bez Coated has a resin coating and an enzyme stone wash; YMC notes that colour may transfer, especially when wet.

Bez Jeans vs Deadbeat

In a 32, the Bez has 0.8 cm more waist, 8.6 cm less rise and 7 to 8.5 cm more inside leg. Both are roomy trousers, but they do not sit at the same height: the Bez sits lower with a long leg; the Deadbeat sits high with a short, wide leg.

How do YMC t-shirts, sweatshirts and shirts fit?

For its tops, YMC publishes chest, centre back length and sleeve. The method is not detailed, but the scale of the values (60 cm chest for a medium t-shirt) corresponds to a flat width, armpit to armpit, not a circumference. To compare boxiness objectively, AURA uses a simple ratio: chest width divided by length. This ratio is AURA's analysis, not YMC data.

Triple T Navy, Studio Sweatshirt Taupe and Hawkeye shirt in black.

In a medium, the Studio Sweatshirt is 8 cm wider than the Triple T and 3.5 cm shorter (2.5 cm for the Black version). It is the only top in the selection that is wider than it is long: objectively the boxiest. The Hawkeye shirt is the longest: 2.5 cm longer than the Triple T, and 3.3 cm wider.

YMC Triple T

An oversized crew neck t-shirt with dropped shoulders and side vents, according to YMC. Every Triple T run published by YMC shares the same chest width (57 to 66 cm from S to XL); length varies by a centimetre between runs. YMC shows it in a medium on 6'1" and 6'2" models; at AURA, the 1.80 m, 65 kg model also wears a medium. Four versions at AURA: Navy and Black in organic cotton, Navy Multi in striped jacquard, Beige/Stone in cotton and linen. Linen and jacquard change how the fabric holds, not the published measurements.

YMC Studio Sweatshirt

An oversized crew neck sweatshirt, loose fit and unisex sizing, with a raw hem. YMC shows it in a medium on 6'2" male models and in a small on female models. The Taupe version is in Italian textured cotton jersey, the Black in 400gsm Portuguese loopback. Same chest width; the Black is 1 cm longer in M and L.

YMC Hawkeye Shirt

A collarless shirt with a band collar, two chest pockets and a relaxed fit. The chart below is the one YMC publishes for the Hawkeye currently on its website, a different run from the Hawkeye Black sold at AURA (cotton, linen and cupro blend): it is given as a guide. At AURA, the 1.80 m, 65 kg model wears a medium.

How do YMC jackets and coats fit?

Bonehead Jacket in grey and Tyrell Coat in black, same model.

YMC lists both as oversized with unisex sizing, and shows them in a medium on 6'1" to 6'2" male models. Centre back length is the only measurement that can be compared between them: in a medium, 69.6 cm for the Bonehead and 115.5 cm for the Tyrell, a 45.9 cm difference.

YMC Bonehead Jacket

A lightweight hooded jacket with a water-repellent finish, drawcords at the hood and hem, and elasticated cuffs. For chest and sleeve, YMC publishes values on a different scale from its sweatshirts and coats (97 cm chest in a medium) without describing the method: they cannot be compared with a flat width and should not be converted.

YMC Tyrell Coat

A raglan-sleeve trench coat, fully lined, with a detachable throat guard. In a medium, its published chest width (69.8 cm) is 1.8 cm more than the Studio Sweatshirt's. As YMC does not detail its method, this gap is only indicative and is not enough to recommend a size for wearing knitwear underneath.

Which YMC size should you choose?

• Several size systems. Trousers and jeans in numeric sizes 28 to 36; tops and jackets in letter sizes. Sweatshirts, jackets and coats use unisex sizing.
• The model matters as much as the label. In a 32, the waist varies by 2 cm between Painter, Deadbeat and Bez, but the rise by 8.6 cm.
• No general rule. YMC gives no sizing advice on its product pages. Its 6'1" to 6'2" models wear a 32 in bottoms and a medium in tops, on every model featured here where the brand states it.
• The volume is intentional. Triple T, Studio, Bonehead and Tyrell are designed oversized. Going down a size reduces the volume but changes the silhouette YMC intended.

How to compare your measurements with YMC

YMC does not publish a measuring method. The most reliable approach is to measure a garment that fits you, laid flat, and compare it with the charts above.

For trousers or jeans

1. Lay the trousers flat, fly closed.
2. Waist: measure the waistband edge to edge, then double it to get a circumference comparable with YMC's values.
3. Front rise: from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband, at the front. This is the measurement that separates YMC models the most.
4. Inside leg: from the crotch seam to the hem.
5. Thigh and leg opening: useful for you, but YMC does not publish them; rely on the model description and the photos.

For a t-shirt, sweatshirt or shirt

1. Chest: flat, armpit to armpit. Do not double it: YMC's figures are on the scale of a width.
2. Length: at the centre back, from the base of the collar to the hem.
3. Shoulders: YMC does not publish this measurement; dropped-shoulder models such as the Triple T do not lend themselves to it anyway.
4. Sleeve: YMC's method is not specified; compare sleeves between YMC models of the same category rather than with another brand.

Which YMC model should you choose?

For a roomy trouser

The Deadbeat: wide leg and arc-shaped silhouette according to YMC, high waist with a 35.6 cm rise in a 32, short leg (68 cm). It sits high on the waist.

For a more tapered leg

The Painter: tapered leg, regular fit, mid-rise (31 cm rise in a 32). Based on YMC's descriptions, it is the least voluminous bottom in the selection.

For a relaxed jean

The Bez Jeans: loose fit, low rise (27 cm in a 32), long leg. Choose the version by denim: raw Indigo (76.5 cm inside leg), raw Selvedge Black or the already washed Coated Black (75 cm).

For a boxy top

The Studio Sweatshirt: 68 cm wide for 65.5 cm long in a medium, a ratio of 1.04. For summer, the Triple T is still oversized but longer than it is wide (60 × 69 cm).

For a more classic silhouette

The Painter is the only model in the selection that YMC describes as a regular fit. On top, the Hawkeye shirt is cut relaxed rather than oversized, and it is the longest top (71.5 cm in a medium).

YMC in brief

YMC, short for You Must Create, was founded in London in 1995 by Jimmy Collins and Fraser Moss. The name comes from a line by industrial designer Raymond Loewy: "You must create your own design style". The label makes understated, functional clothing built to last, drawing on workwear and military uniforms, and shaped by subcultures, music and a post-punk DIY attitude. Every YMC piece featured here is listed as made in Portugal, on YMC's product pages and on AURA's. The label also has a collaboration with Merrell, covered in our article on the Merrell x YMC Moab 2 Slide.

YMC available at AURA

See the current selection, with available sizes, in the YMC collection.

• Deadbeat: Earth Deadbeat Trouser Indigo, Deadbeat Trouser Black
• Painter: Painter Trouser Black (corduroy), Painter Trouser Olive (moleskin)
• Bez Jeans: Bez Jeans Indigo, Bez Jeans Selvedge Black, Bez Jeans Coated Black
• Triple T: Triple T Navy, Triple T Black, Triple T Navy Multi, Triple T Beige/Stone
• Studio Sweatshirt: Studio Sweatshirt Taupe, Studio Sweatshirt Black
• Hawkeye: Hawkeye Shirt Black
• Bonehead Jacket: Bonehead Jacket Grey, Bonehead Jacket Olive Green
• Tyrell Coat: Tyrell Coat Black

YMC pieces are available in our Rennes store and online, with delivery across France and Europe.

Frequently asked questions

How does YMC fit?

It depends on the model. Trousers and jeans run from 28 to 36, tops and jackets in letter sizes. At the same size, the models have very different volumes: compare the measurements in the chart for the model you want, not just the label.

Does YMC run large?

There is no single rule. Triple T, Studio Sweatshirt, Bonehead Jacket and Tyrell Coat are designed oversized by YMC; the Painter is a regular fit. The volume of the oversized models is intentional: going down a size reduces it but changes the intended silhouette.

Which YMC size should I choose?

Measure a garment that fits you and compare it with the model's chart. YMC gives no sizing advice; its 6'1" to 6'2" models wear a 32 in bottoms and a medium in tops.

What is the difference between the Deadbeat and the Painter?

In a 32, almost the same waist (89.2 and 88 cm) and inside leg (68 and 68.5 cm), but 4.6 cm more rise on the Deadbeat. The Deadbeat is high-waisted with a wide leg; the Painter is mid-rise with a tapered leg.

How does the YMC Deadbeat fit?

High-waisted: 35.6 cm rise and 89.2 cm waist in a 32, with a short 68 cm inside leg. YMC shows it in a 32 on a 6'2" model; at AURA, a 1.80 m, 65 kg model wears a 30.

How does the Bez Jeans fit?

A loose jean with a low rise: 27 cm rise and 90 cm waist in a 32. The inside leg is 76.5 cm on the Indigo and 75 cm on the Black versions. No elastane; YMC gives no shrinkage figure.

How does the YMC Triple T fit?

Oversized with dropped shoulders: 60 cm chest width for 69 cm length in a medium. It stays longer than it is wide, unlike the Studio Sweatshirt.

Which YMC trouser is the widest?

The Deadbeat, which YMC describes as wide-leg with an arc-shaped silhouette. As YMC does not publish thigh width, the difference in volume cannot be quantified.

Are YMC sizes the same across models?

No. In a 32, the waist ranges from 88 to 90 cm across Painter, Deadbeat and Bez, but the rise runs from 27 to 35.6 cm and the inside leg from 68 to 76.5 cm.

Is the YMC Bonehead a trouser?

At AURA, the Bonehead is a lightweight, water-repellent hooded jacket, cut oversized with unisex sizing.

Where can I buy YMC in France?

At AURA, in our Rennes store and online at aura-estore.com, with delivery across France and Europe.