Ease is the difference between a garment's measurements and your body’s measurements. With all sweater patterns, the amount of "ease", or looseness, is a personal preference. Negative ease is a measurement smaller than your body measurement, which creates a close-fitting garment. Positive ease is a measurement larger than your body for a looser fit. The best way to decide on any size is to measure a favorite sweater whose fit you like and check the pattern schematic or measurements to choose a size.
Here's a general fit guideline:- Very close = chest + 0 inches ease
- Close Fit = chest + 1 - 2 inches ease
- Standard Fit = chest + 2 - 4 inches ease
- Loose Fit = chest + 4 - 6 inches ease
- Oversized = chest + 6 inches and up