If you've ever pulled on a new pair of Thrivin leggings, felt that snug first-second squeeze, and thought "did I order the wrong size?" - you're not alone, and you're not wrong to notice it. You just might be reading the signal backwards.
Fit is one of the most common things our customers ask us about - so we've pulled together everything you need to know, to help you get there faster.
Mistake #1: Assuming "snug" means "wrong size"
This is the big one. Thrivin's signature pieces - our sculpting leggings, scrunch shorts, compression tops and our all-in-one - are built as high compression garments. That means the snugness you feel isn't a sizing error. It's the compression doing exactly what it's designed to do: hold you in, smooth you out, and keep its shape through a full workout.
The fix: if a compression style feels firm through the waist, hips or thighs when you first try it on, that's the fabric performing correctly. True to size gives you the full sculpting hold. If you'd rather have a more relaxed, everyday feel, sizing up is a completely valid choice - it's a comfort preference, not a correction.
Mistake #2: Applying "true to size" (or "size up") to every single style
Not every Thrivin piece is built the same way, so a single sizing rule doesn't apply across the whole range. It helps to think in two groups:
- High compression, held-in styles - our leggings, shorts, compression tops, and the compression jacket. True to size gives you the sculpting hold; size up if you want something looser day to day.
- Relaxed, lower-compression styles - think our Lyocell tops, wide leg pieces, and wrap styles, along with most of our seamless bras. These are designed to sit true to size from the start, with no adjustment needed.
There are also a couple of styles - like our seamless halterneck top and cross back top - that run large by design, where sizing down is the better call if you want more shape through the body.
The fix: check the fit note on the product page before you buy. It'll tell you which of these categories a style falls into, so you're never guessing.
Mistake #3: Not using the size guide alongside the fit notes
Fit notes tell you How a style behaves. Our size guide tells you where you land in it. Used together, they solve almost every sizing question before you ever have to reach out to us.
The fix: measure yourself against our size chart first, then read the fit note on the specific style you're eyeing. If a compression style and a relaxed style both come up "your size" on the chart, remember the compression one will simply feel different on - not wrong, just different by design.
Mistake #4: Expecting the same fit forever
You're training in these and training changes bodies. A legging that fit perfectly three months ago may sit differently today, and that's not a sizing mistake on anyone's part, just muscle and body composition doing what training does.
The fix: if a long-time favourite suddenly feels off, it's worth re-checking the size guide rather than assuming something's wrong with the piece - your fit may simply have shifted, and that's a good sign, not a bad one.
Quick reference: How to choose your size
- Leggings, shorts, compression tops, the jacket, the all-in-one: true to size for the signature sculpting hold, size up for a more relaxed feel.
- Wide leg, wrap styles, Lyocell tops, most seamless bras: true to size, no adjustment needed.
- Seamless halterneck top, cross back top: runs large - consider sizing down.
Still unsure? Our size guide has full measurements for every style, and our team is always happy to help you land on the right fit before you order.
At the end of the day, sizing isn't about finding the "right" number - it's about knowing what a piece is built to do on your body. Once you know whether you're reaching for compression or comfort, the rest takes care of itself.
Shop the fit that's right for you: Gym Leggings · Scrunch Bum Shorts · Sport Bras
