Cowichan Sweater Gift Guide: Choosing the Right Design and Size for Someone Else

• Posted on 31 August 2026
• 0

Buying a Cowichan sweater as a gift comes with one real challenge: sizing someone else without them trying it on. Every Cowichan sweater is hand-knitted and one of a kind, so there's no standard size chart to fall back on. Here's how to get the size right and how to choose a design that means something to the person you're buying for.

Start with the size, not the design

It's tempting to pick a design first, since the patterns are what catch your eye. But size is what determines whether the gift actually gets worn, so it's worth settling that question before you fall in love with a specific sweater. Once you know the size range you need, you can shop within it and choose freely from the designs available in that range.  If you can’t find your size in stock then you’ll need to put in a custom order which takes a little time.

How Cowichan sweater sizing works

Cowichan sweaters are knit by hand, one at a time, so sizing is a general guide rather than an exact science. Because each sweater is tapered differently and arm widths, for instance vary piece to piece, two sweaters listed at the same size can fit slightly differently, which is normal for handmade work.

If you know the recipient's usual sweater or jacket size, that's a good starting point. If they tend to run large or small for their size, lean toward the roomier end of the range rather than the snug end.

We may be able to arrange a special order. To find the right fit, you need to provide us with:

Basics: Height, weight, and men’s or women’s fit.

Body measurements: Chest, waist, and hip/hem measurement where you would like the bottom of the sweater to sit.

Length measurements: Back length from the centre back of the neck to the desired hem, and arm length from the centre back of the neck, across the shoulder, to the wrist.

Please also describe your build—for example, broad shoulders, long torso, or athletic—and whether you prefer a closer fit, relaxed fit, or room for layering.

We generally allow approximately 4 inches of ease for slimmer builds and 6–8 inches for broader or fuller builds.

Oversize and Big & Tall sizes may have an additional charge due to the extra wool, knitting time, and workmanship required. We will provide a quote before proceeding.

Choosing a design that means something

Cowichan sweater patterns are not just decoration. Eagle, hummingbird, thunderbird, wolf and geometric designs each carry meaning rooted in Coast Salish teachings around identity, land and family history. If the person you're buying for has a connection to a particular animal or symbol, whether through their own heritage, their interests, or simply something that resonates with them, that connection makes the gift more personal than picking whatever pattern looks best in a photo. Our guide to Cowichan sweater symbols breaks down what each common motif represents.

What makes it a gift worth giving

A genuine Cowichan sweater is hand-knitted by Coast Salish knitters from natural, undyed wool, and that craftsmanship is part of what makes it a meaningful gift rather than a mass-produced one. For the full history behind the sweater and what to look for to confirm a piece is genuine, see our Cowichan sweater history guide. Browse the full Cowichan Sweaters & Accessories collection to see current designs and sizes.

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger should a Cowichan sweater be than the person's normal size? 

As a general rule, the chest measurement should run 3 to 6 inches larger than the recipient's chest, since these sweaters are meant to fit with some room rather than snugly.

What if I only know their jacket or sweater size, not exact measurements? 

That's not enough. You’ll need to acquire the measurements to get a good fit.

Are all Cowichan sweaters the same size for a given label, like large or extra large? 

No. Each sweater is hand knit individually, so two pieces labeled the same size can have slightly different chest, arm and back measurements. Check the specific measurements listed for the piece you're considering rather than relying on the size label alone.

Do the designs mean anything, or are they just patterns? 

Traditional Cowichan motifs like eagle, wolf, hummingbird and geometric designs carry meaning tied to identity, land and family history in Coast Salish culture. Our Cowichan sweater symbols guide covers what each one represents.

For more common questions on caring for and choosing a Cowichan sweater, see our Cowichan sweater FAQ.