How many times have you bought a shirt only to find it’s a little too small or way too large? Been there! It’s time to say “bye” to that pesky situation once and for all. Just use the t-shirt size calculator and charts featured below!
2.14 billion people purchase clothing online instead of at a store, so the time has never been better to make sure your t-shirts perfectly fit your body. Let’s calculate the right shirt size for you!
What You’ll Find in This Article
This article has everything you need to know about shirt sizing: You’ll find:
- What is a Shirt Size?
- T-shirt size calculator
- Adult shirt size chart
- Gildan shirt size chart
- Youth shirt size chart
- List of youth shirt sizes
- Difference between men and women shirts
- How to measure a t-shirt
- List of different types of shirts
- List of t-shirt materials
- Tips of finding the perfect t-shirt fit
What is a Shirt Size? Top
A shirt size is the measured fit of a shirt on your body. Most manufacturers use small, medium, large, XL, 2XL, or 3XL for sizing. Some also distinguish between men’s and women’s fits.
How Do I Know My T-Shirt Size? Top
T-shirt size can be kind of tricky to figure out, especially if you don’t have access to a fitting room. Use the calculator and charts below to figure out the best shirt size for you!
You should do two things to find the right t-shirt size:
- Enter your height and weight in a t-shirt size calculator.
- Consult size charts using your body’s dimensions.
Enter Your Height & Weight
The calculator below will provide you with a recommended size from small (S) to 5XL. All you need to do is enter your height and weight!
People come in all kinds of shapes, and every manufacturer has different guidelines when it comes to their clothing sizes. With that in mind, don’t take this recommendation as the end all, be all.
Go the extra mile and measure your bust, waist, and arms. You can then use the charts in the next section to cross compare and make sure the calculator’s size is good for you.
Consult the Best T-Shirt Size Charts
It’s time for the next step! Grab a tape measure, check your body’s dimensions, and compare the measurements to the t-shirt size charts below.
Adult Shirt Size Chart Top
Men and women can use this adult size chart to figure out which t-shirt is right for their body.
If the inches don’t line up with the suggestion from the size calculator, you might want to go with a smaller or larger shirt. Adjust based on what you think will be most comfortable for you!
Gildan Size Chart Top
Gildan is a popular brand that offers thousands of t-shirts for men, women, and children. Their shirts come in many sizes and can be customized with a design or logo.
Do you need Gildan t-shirts? Follow this size chart for their 100% Cotton Adult T-Shirts!
*Measurements in Gildan size chart are courtesy of Primeline, a top promotional products supplier in the United States.
*Measurements in Gildan size chart are courtesy of Primeline, a top promotional products supplier in the United States.
No matter what the brand, you should always go with a larger t-shirt if you’re stuck between two sizes. This is especially true for 100% cotton shirts like the ones offered by Gildan, which tend to shrink in the dryer.
Youth Shirt Size Chart Top
Use the following youth size chart to help buy shirts that fit your child. Here’s how it all breaks down based on age, height, and weight.
This chart is based on the average and isn’t perfect. Feel free to adjust based on your child’s weight and height. For instance, if they’re taller than others in their age group, you might need to go a size or two higher.
Another thing to keep in mind is that kids are always growing. So if you’re looking for a Christmas gift in July, you’ll want to think 5 months into the future.
Did you get a large tee as a gift, but you actually wear a medium? You can shrink a shirt using a boiling pot of water!
What Sizes Are Youth T-Shirts? Top
Youth shirts are labeled from XS to XL. Babies will have their sizes marked by their age from newborn to toddler.
Here is a full list of youth shirt sizes:
- NB (newborn)
- 0 – 3 months
- 6 months
- 6 – 9 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 2T
- 3T
- 4T
- 5T
By the time a child is about 5-years-old, you should start looking at youth tees with regular sizes. Kids aren’t going to be able to squeeze into that onesie forever!
What is the Difference Between Men & Women Shirts? Top
The main difference between men’s and women’s shirts is in the fit. Male t-shirts are structured to be looser and have more space in the sleeves. Female tees, on the other hand, are cinched at the waist and have shorter sleeves.
Men’s shirts have the following features:
- Cut straight up and down without shaping
- Wide shoulders
- Loose sleeves that are longer than women’s shirts
- Less space in the chest area
- Buttons on the right side
Women’s shirts have the following features:
- Stitching that cinches at the waist to add shape
- Narrow shoulders
- Fitted sleeves that are shorter than men’s shirts
- More space in the chest area
- Buttons on the left side
Recently, there’s been a move for manufacturers to create more gender-neutral clothing. According to CNBC, many retailers are starting to offer “unisex” t-shirts and apparel designed to fit either men or women. The idea is to be more inclusive when it comes to fashion.
How to Measure a T-Shirt Top
Skip the size calculator and charts if you’re buying a new t-shirt from the store. You can measure the clothing right then and there! Who cares if you get weird looks? It’s worth it to know your tee will look amazing on you!
Here’s how to measure a t-shirt:
- Lay the shirt on a flat surface.
- Get the length by measuring from the top of the collar to the bottom of the t-shirt.
- Measure the waist to ensure the shirt is small or large enough for the desired body type.
- Place the tape measure across the chest area to get the dimensions.
- Run the tape measure from the left shoulder seam to the right shoulder seam to check that it will fit the back.
- Figure out the sleeve length by going from the shoulder seam to the bottom.
- Check that the short sleeve shirt won’t be too tight on the arms by measuring from the shoulder joint to the armpit.
- From the middle of the neck to the shoulder, measure the seam so you know whether or not the collar will be comfortable.
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Step One: Lay the T-Shirt Flat 
Smooth the t-shirt out on a flat surface. Run your hand over the tee to make sure there are no bumps.
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Step Two: Measure the Length 
Grab a measuring tape and use it to figure out the shirt’s length. Start at the top right or left of the collar and go all the way to the bottom. Make sure you have a notebook and pencil so you can record the measurements.
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Step Three: Measure the Waist 
Lay the tape measure flat across the t-shirt going from the left to the right of the waist area.
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Step Four: Measure the Chest 
Run the tape measure across the chest to get the dimensions.
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Step Five: Measure From Shoulder to Shoulder 
Figure out if the t-shirt will fit across your back by running the tape measure from the left shoulder seam to the right shoulder seam.
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Step Six: Measure the Sleeve Length 
Now it’s time to check if the shirt will fit on the arms. Measure from the shoulder seam to the bottom of the sleeve opening for short sleeves. For long sleeves, measure from the seam to the end of the wrist.
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Step Seven: Measure the Armhole 
You don’t want your short sleeve t-shirts to be too tight in the shoulders. Make sure the armhole is large enough by measuring from the shoulder joint to the armpit.
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Step Eight: Measure the Neck to Shoulder 
Last but not least, you’ll want to measure from the neck to the shoulder. Start at the top middle of the collar and go across to the right or left shoulder where the sleeve begins. This will give you an idea of whether or not the tee is too tight around your collar.
Do you want to see shirt measuring in action? Watch this video!
What Are the Different Types of T-Shirts? Top
There are over 20 different types of t-shirts that you can wear. Some are pretty casual, while others are more formal. These styles are available for men, women, and kids.
Find the shirt style that’s right for you! Here are the different types of t-shirts you can choose from:
- Short sleeve
- Cap sleeve
- Three-quarter sleeve
- Full sleeve
- Crop top
- Crewneck
- V-neck
- Scoop neck
- Bateau/boat neck
- Cowl neck
- Turtleneck
- Off shoulder
- Collared/polo
- Henley
- Dry fit/muscle
- Ringer
- Hooded
- Baseball/raglan
- Rugby
- Longline/t-shirt dress
Short Sleeve
Basic t-shirts have high, rounded necklines and sleeves that hit below the shoulder. They are long enough to cover your entire torso and are designed to fit comfortably throughout the day.
Cap Sleeve
Cap sleeves hit the shoulders right in the middle. The design is meant to slim your arms and create a flattering look. You can dress these t-shirts up by pairing them with jeans and a nice jacket for date night!
Three-Quarter Sleeve
Let’s say it’s a chilly day, but you have a bracelet you want to show off. Throw on a shirt with three-quarter sleeves. The arms hit about 3 inches above your wrist.
Full Sleeve
Full sleeve or long sleeve t-shirts are great for layering in the winter. The sleeves are long enough to cover your arms, and since they’re usually made from a thin material, they won’t feel bulky underneath your jacket.
Crop Top/Half Shirt
Show off your abs in a crop top or half shirt, which doesn’t cover the entire torso area. You may also hear this type of shirt referred to as a belly, cut-off, or baby doll shirt.
Crewneck
A crewneck collar is shaped like the letter “U”. It’s the most common type of neckline found in t-shirts since it’s not overly revealing and is flattering for all body types.
V-Neck
As the name suggests, a V-neck shirt has a neckline shaped like the letter “V”. This cut shows off more of the chest area and is worn by both men and women.
Scoop Neck
The scoop neck is like the crewneck’s bolder cousin! The neckline has a deeper “U,” so it looks like it’s literally “scooped” out of the chest area.
Bateau/Boat Neck
Think of the bottom of a sailboat, and you’ll get the basic shape of a bateau or boat neckline. This style is usually found in women’s shirts and is a little more fancy than your basic everyday t-shirt.
Cowl Neck
A cowl neckline is very similar to a hair scrunchie. It’s bunched up underneath, giving the shirt the look of a blouse without it feeling too stiff or uncomfortable.
Turtleneck
Look like an intellectual by wearing a turtleneck shirt. The sleeves are short, but the neck comes all the way up to under your chin. This is a bold choice for those who are into fashion.
Off Shoulder
The name says it all – this type of t-shirt comes off your shoulders. Like the cowl and boat neck, this style is typically found in women’s shirts. One or both shoulders is revealed, which is a bit more dressy than other tees.
Collared/Polo
Polo t-shirts have some kind of collar, whether it’s a rounded collar, a bib collar, or a peter pan collar. They’re more formal than basic tees, making them good employee uniforms or clothing for fancy events like golf outings or banquet dinners.
Henley
Men who want to dress casually, but still look good should put on a Henley t-shirt. This type of shirt is short or long-sleeved and has buttons along the chest area.
Dry Fit/Muscle
Are you going to the gym? Slip on a muscle tee, which hugs your body so you can show off your toned arms! Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas are a few of the most popular brands for dry fit shirts.
Ringer
Sometimes one color just isn’t enough! Create a two-tone look by wearing a ringer tee. The crewneck and sleeve hems are one color, while the torso area is a different color.
Hooded
If you’re having a bad hair day, throw on a hooded shirt. This type of t-shirt is often worn to work out, particularly by joggers who want to keep their ears covered on chilly evening runs.
Do you need a place to put your favorite pen? Rock a pocket t-shirt! There is a tiny pocket on the front right or left chest. It’s a pretty casual style that’s extremely popular with men, women, and kids.
Baseball/Raglan
Batter up! Go for an athletic look by wearing a raglan t-shirt. This style has half sleeves that are a different color than the torso area, which is usually white or gray. It’s a very laidback look that’s often used as baseball or softball uniforms.
Rugby
You don’t have to be an athlete to wear a rugby t-shirt. This polo style shirt has a boxy shape, stiff collar, and typically has large stripes on the front. It usually also has a men’s cut.
Longline/T-Shirt Dress
Nothing is worse than wearing a stiff dress to a holiday dinner. Be more comfortable by throwing on a longline t-shirt dress. It has the same sleeves as basic tees, but the torso goes all the way down to your knees.
You can get these types of t-shirts plain, striped, embellished, patterned, or with some kind of logo, graphic, or text printed on the front. It just depends on your style!
Are you buying printed t-shirts? Your design can be placed in many different areas of the shirt including the front, back, sleeves, and pocket!
What Are T-Shirts Made Of? Top
A majority of t-shirts are made using cotton, polyester, rayon, or a blend of these fabrics. Jersey knit, silk, lycra, and twill are also commonly used materials.
The full list of t-shirt fabrics includes:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Cotton blend (mix of cotton & polyester)
- Tri-blend (mix of cotton, polyester, & rayon)
- Jersey knit
- Silk
- Wool
- Linen
- Twill
- Poplin
- Lycra
- Modal
- Nylon
- Hemp
- Blended fabric (mix of 2 to 3 fabrics)
The material may affect how your shirt fits. For example, cotton is often tighter than polyester, jersey knit, or silk. You might want to adjust and go a size or two higher.
When buying a new shirt, check the sizing guidelines online beforehand. You can also ask the manufacturer directly for more information.
How Should My T-Shirt Fit? Top
You’re officially an expert on shirt sizes, styles, and fabrics, so it’s time to find your perfect fit! Be on the hunt for the following when shopping for t-shirts:
Breathable
The shirt shouldn’t be too tight. You want to be able to easily move your arms, while not feeling like the collar area is choking your neck. Find a tee that’s breathable and comfy to wear.
Not Too Loose
A loose t-shirt is unflattering as it makes it look like you weigh more than you actually do. The perfect tee will slightly hang off your torso, but not so much that it looks like you’re wearing a garbage bag!
Falls Below Your Hips
Avoid that weird bump at the bottom of your t-shirt! Make sure it falls around the middle of the fly area of your pants. If it’s a little long, you can always tuck it in instead.
Hides Your Belly
Unless you’re wearing a crop top, the t-shirt should be long enough to hide your stomach. Test the length by raising your arms above your head to see how far it rides up.
Works With Your Height
Big and tall t-shirts are right for you if you’re over 6 feet tall. If you’re petite, on the other hand, you may need to buy a youth size.
Flattering to Your Shape
Some t-shirts are built like boxes and end up hiding your best features. Choose a cut that works with your body type.
Only you know which t-shirts feel comfortable. Never buy or wear a shirt that makes you feel less than your best self!
Why Do We Wear T-Shirts?
People like to wear t-shirts because they’re comfy and versatile. You can dress a tee up for date night, or wear it casually while running errands. Ultimately, your favorite shirt reflects your personality, interests, experiences, and sense of style.
Your shirt is also a moving billboard for all you hold near and dear. Whether it features your favorite band’s album cover, is printed with a brand logo, or has a funny quote across the front, it represents something that you love. There’s a reason why a t-shirt sits right over our hearts!
The Bottom Line
A classic t-shirt is a staple of any wardrobe, so it’s worth getting that perfect fit. This article is always here to help you calculate t-shirt size and find your new favorite tee. Happy shopping!
References
Mohsin, M. (2021, June 20). 10 Online Shopping Statistics You Need to Know in 2021. Retrieved from,
https://www.oberlo.com/blog/online-shopping-statistics
Goodwear. How to Choose the Perfect T-Shirt Size. Retrieved from,
https://www.goodwear.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-t-shirt-size
Muscle Fit Basics. The Muscle Fit Basics Measurement Guide. Retrieved from,
https://www.musclefitbasics.com/pages/size-measurement-guide
Sizely. (2017, July 31). How to Measure a T-Shirt? Retrieved from,
https://medium.com/@SizelyApp/how-to-measure-a-t-shirt-fb96c16d75ef
Thomas, L. (2021, June 9). Lines Between Men’s and Women’s Fashion Are Blurring as More Retailers Embrace Gender-Fluid Style. Retrieved from,
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/09/gender-fluid-fashion-booms-retailers-take-cues-from-streetwear-gen-z.html
Berri Kids Boutique. (2019, July 30). Children’s Clothing Sizes 101: Your Guide to Getting the Right Fit Every Time. Retrieved from,
https://berrikidsboutique.com/blog/childrens-clothing-sizes-101-your-guide-to-getting-the-right-fit-every-time/
Size Guide. Children’s Size Chart, US Sizes. Retrieved from,
https://www.sizeguide.net/size-guide-children-size-chart.html
Thread Curve. 14 Different Types of T-Shirts. Retrieved from,
https://threadcurve.com/types-of-t-shirts/
Kilroy, J. 20 Different Types of T-Shirts. Retrieved from,
https://freshcleantees.com/blog/20-different-types-of-t-shirts
Treasurie. Types of T-Shirts – Necks, Fits, Lengths, Decorations. Retrieved from,
https://blog.treasurie.com/types-of-t-shirts/
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