FIT & SIZING
How do I choose between Valley Fit and Ridge Fit?
Start here — it's the more important decision than size.
Valley Fit is designed for a curved torso. It's tapered through the waist with more room through the hip. If your hip measurement is noticeably wider than your chest, this is your fit.
Ridge Fit is designed for a straight torso. Consistent width from chest to hip. If your chest and hip measurements are close to the same, or you prefer a boxier silhouette, go Ridge.
Rule of thumb: hip more than 2" wider than your chest → Valley. Within 2" → Ridge. Still not sure? Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com with your measurements and I'll tell you.
How do I size within my fit?
All measurements on the size chart are finished garment measurements — not body measurements. Compare your chest measurement to the chart and add ease based on how you want it to feel:
- Slim / active: ~2" of ease above your chest measurement
- Relaxed: ~4" of ease above your chest measurement
→ Full size charts and how-to-measure guide: Size Guide
I'm between sizes. What do I do?
Size up. Alpha Direct moves with you but doesn't recover well when sized too small. A slightly larger fit layers better, breathes better, and feels more comfortable over long miles.
Do you offer custom sizing?
Yes. Custom sizing is available for an additional cost. Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com before ordering with your chest, waist, and hip measurements. I'll confirm whether a custom fit makes sense or whether a standard size will get you there.
Custom orders are final sale unless the item arrives defective or incorrect.
How do I measure myself?
Use a soft measuring tape. Measure snugly but not tight.
- Chest: circumference below the armpits at the fullest point — this is your primary measurement
- Natural waist: circumference at the narrowest point of your torso
- High hip: circumference at the garment hem level
- Sleeve: from the side of the neck along the raglan seam to the wrist
When in doubt, prioritize chest fit and size from there.
What about custom sized items?
Custom orders are final sale unless the item arrives defective or incorrect. This is disclosed at checkout. If you receive a custom item with a construction defect, the same defect process above applies.
MATERIALS AND CARE
What is Polartec® Alpha® Direct?
Polartec® Alpha® Direct is an ultralight active insulation fabric engineered to be worn directly against skin — no base layer required. At 2.5 oz per square yard, it's one of the lightest insulating fabrics available. Extremely breathable during high-output activity and fast-drying.
One thing to know: Alpha Direct is not windproof. In exposed conditions, pair it with a shell.
Is it itchy against bare skin?
No. Alpha Direct is specifically designed for next-to-skin wear. The open fiber structure means no itchy face fabric against your skin. Most people wear it without a base layer on the trail.
Polartec® Power Grid®?
Power Grid® is a lightweight fleece base layer fabric built around a proprietary grid knit construction. Instead of a uniform fleece face, the fabric has raised loft zones with open channels between them. Those channels do two things at once: the loft zones trap warmth, and the open channels move moisture and excess heat away from your body during effort.
How do I care for my Forgewell gear?
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets — they clog the fibers and reduce breathability over time. Do not iron directly on the fabric.
On trail, a quick rinse and hang at camp will have it ready by morning.
What fabrics do you use?
Polartec® Power Grid®, Polartec® Power Grid®, Lycra® Power Mesh, and upcycled Michigan fleece. Each fabric is chosen for a specific purpose.
ORDERS & SHIPPING
How long does it take to receive my order?
Every garment is cut and sewn after you place your order — there's no warehouse sitting on finished inventory. That's why lead times exist, and why every piece is made right.
Standard orders: 3–5 business days production + 3–5 business days transit. Total time from order to delivery is typically 6–10 business days.
Rush orders: 1–2 business days production + 3–5 business days transit. Rush is a flat $30 add-on at checkout — it moves your order to the front of the production queue. It does not change the carrier or speed up shipping.
Custom sizing follows the same production timeline as standard. Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com before ordering if you have fit questions — I'd rather spend 10 minutes on email than have you wait 10 days for something that doesn't fit.
Carrier will be USPS, FedEx, or UPS depending on your location and order size. UHL for international and pricing may vary. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.
Need it faster than Rush? Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com and I'll do my best to make it work.
Do you ship to Canada?
Yes. Shipping is calculated at checkout via DHL Express Worldwide. A $2.00 handling fee applies. Prepaid duties are available at checkout — selecting this option means no surprise fees at your door. Duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
Do you ship internationally outside the US and Canada?
Not at this time. Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com to be added to the notify list when international shipping opens.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Contact me as soon as possible at hello@forgewelloutdoor.com — every hour matters.
Every Forgewell piece is made to order, which means production starts within 1–2 business days of your order coming in. If you reach out before I've cut fabric, I can make changes or cancel with no issue.
Before production starts: Changes and cancellations are free. Email me with your order number and what you need.
After production has started: I'll do my best, but I may not be able to stop it. If your order is already in process, a size exchange is the most I can offer — not a cancellation.
Subject line: Change/Cancel — Order #[your order number]
The faster you reach out, the more options we have. I read every email and respond personally within 1–2 business days — usually same day.
What if I can't receive USPS packages at my address?
Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com when you order and I'll ship via FedEx or UPS instead. Just let me know before your order ships.
Will I get a tracking number?
Yes. You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking once your order ships.
Sale & Clearance Items
Sale and clearance items are final sale. No returns or exchanges.
How to Start Any Return or Exchange
Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com with your order number, the item, and your reason. Use the subject line formats above — it helps me find your order fast and gets you a response sooner.
I respond within 1–2 business days with next steps.
Ship your return in original packaging if possible. Once I receive it, refunds and exchange shipments are processed within 5–7 business days.
→ more infomation, check out: Returns/Exchanges
THE BRAND
Where is Forgewell made?
Everything is handmade by me, Melissa, in my home studio in Michigan. I source materials directly from US suppliers and keep production intentionally small so I can stay close to the quality of every piece.
Why small batch?
Small batch is a deliberate choice, not a limitation. It lets me test honestly, build carefully, and stand behind every piece that leaves the studio. I'm not interested in scaling to a point where I lose control of the quality.
What does "built to order" mean?
Nothing sits in a warehouse waiting for the right buyer. When you order, I build your piece. That means a short lead time before it ships, and it means every item is made fresh — not sitting in a box for months.
I have a product idea or trail feedback. Do you want to hear it?
Yes — genuinely. Reply to any order confirmation email or reach out directly at hello@forgewelloutdoor.com. Real feedback from people actually using the gear shapes what Forgewell builds next.
Question not answered here? Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com — I read everything and respond personally.
— Melissa, Forgewell Outdoor