T-Shirt Size Chart: Garment Measurements, Unisex vs Women's and Youth Sizes
T-shirts are sold by letter size, but the useful numbers are the garment's own width and length. Here they are for a standard unisex tee, with how to measure one you already own and how women's, oversized and youth sizes compare.
A standard unisex crew-neck t-shirt in size medium measures about 20 in (51 cm) across the chest laid flat, which is a 40 in (102 cm) circumference, and about 29 in (74 cm) long from shoulder to hem. Each size up adds roughly 2 in (5 cm) to the flat width and 1 in (2.5 cm) to the length.
- Medium, flat chest
- 20 in (51 cm)
- Medium, length
- 29 in (74 cm)
- Per size up
- +2 in wide, +1 in long
- Medium fits chest
- 38-40 in (97-102 cm)
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T-shirt size chart: garment measurements
These are the finished measurements of a classic-fit unisex crew-neck tee, the cut most blank and printed shirts use. They match the published spec sheet of the widely sold Gildan 5000; other classic blanks are within about 1 in (2.5 cm). Width is measured flat, 1 in below the armholes. Length runs from the highest point of the shoulder, beside the collar, to the hem.
| Size | Chest width, flat | Chest circumference | Body length | Fits body chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18 in 46 cm | 36 in 91 cm | 28 in 71 cm | 34-36 in 86-91 cm |
| M | 20 in 51 cm | 40 in 102 cm | 29 in 74 cm | 38-40 in 97-102 cm |
| L | 22 in 56 cm | 44 in 112 cm | 30 in 76 cm | 42-44 in 107-112 cm |
| XL | 24 in 61 cm | 48 in 122 cm | 31 in 79 cm | 46-48 in 117-122 cm |
| 2XL | 26 in 66 cm | 52 in 132 cm | 32 in 81 cm | 50-52 in 127-132 cm |
| 3XL | 28 in 71 cm | 56 in 142 cm | 33 in 84 cm | 54-56 in 137-142 cm |
The striking detail is how little room a tee has. The shirt's chest circumference is roughly equal to the top of the body range it is sold for, so a medium worn on a 40 in chest has almost no ease and relies on the stretch of the knit. That is why a tee that fits well new can feel tight after a hot wash.
Because width grows twice as fast as length, people with long torsos often size up for length and end up with a shirt that is too wide. Tall sizes (sold as LT, XLT and so on) keep the width and add about 2 in (5 cm) of length, which solves that problem.
How to measure a t-shirt you own
The most reliable way to choose a tee is to measure one that already fits and compare it with the brand's garment chart.
- Lay it flat on a table, front up, smoothing out wrinkles without stretching the fabric.
- Chest width (pit to pit). Measure straight across, 1 in below the bottom of the armholes, from side seam to side seam.
- Body length. From the highest point of the shoulder seam next to the collar, straight down to the bottom of the hem.
- Sleeve length. Brands measure this two ways: from the shoulder seam to the sleeve hem (short-sleeve tees, usually 8 to 10 in, 20 to 25 cm), or from the center back of the collar to the sleeve hem. Check which one the chart uses.
If a brand's chart says a medium is "38-40 in", that is your body chest. If it says "20 in" or "chest width", that is the shirt laid flat. Double flat widths before comparing them with your tape measurement.
Unisex, men's and women's t-shirt sizes
Most printed tees are unisex, which in practice means a men's cut. Women's or "fitted" tees use the same letters but are cut for a smaller frame: narrower shoulders, shaped side seams, shorter sleeves and a shorter body. Converting by letter alone leads to mistakes, so convert by bust or chest.
| Women's size | Bust | Close-fitting unisex | Relaxed unisex |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS (US 0-2) | 31-33 in 79-84 cm | XS | S |
| S (US 4-6) | 33-35 in 84-89 cm | XS or S | S |
| M (US 8-10) | 35-37 in 89-94 cm | S | M |
| L (US 12-14) | 38-40 in 97-102 cm | M | L |
| XL (US 16-18) | 41-44 in 104-112 cm | L | XL |
A unisex tee chosen this way will still be longer than a women's tee and will have shoulder seams that drop slightly past the shoulder. Hips wider than the bust also matter: a unisex shirt is straight-sided, so if your hips measure more than the shirt's chest circumference, the hem will ride up. Full women's size conversions are in the clothing size chart.
Oversized, boxy and slim t-shirts
- Classic fit: the measurements in the table above.
- Slim or fashion fit: usually about 1 in (2.5 cm) narrower flat per size, with tapered sides and shorter sleeves. If you are at the top of a size's chest range, go up one.
- Oversized or boxy: cut 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm) wider flat than classic, often with dropped shoulders and a shorter body for the width. Order your normal size; sizing up again usually makes the sleeves reach the elbow.
- Longline: extra length, often 3 in (8 cm) or more, with a curved hem. Fine for tall wearers who do not want extra width.
Youth t-shirt sizes
Youth tees use their own letters, each covering two children's sizes. Youth XL is close to an adult XS or S in chest, but shorter in the body.
| Youth size | Kids' size | Approx. age | Child's chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 4-5 | 4-5 | 23-24 in 58-61 cm |
| YS | 6-8 | 6-7 | 25-26 in 64-66 cm |
| YM | 10-12 | 8-10 | 28-30 in 71-76 cm |
| YL | 14-16 | 11-13 | 31-33 in 79-84 cm |
| YXL | 18-20 | 14-15 | 34-36 in 86-91 cm |
Ages vary widely, so size children by chest or by height. Height-based European sizes are listed in the clothing size guide.
Fabric, weight and shrinkage
T-shirt fabric weight is quoted in ounces per square yard in the US and grams per square meter (gsm) elsewhere; 1 oz/yd² equals 33.9 gsm.
| Weight | gsm | Feel and fit effect |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5-4.5 oz/yd² | 119-153 gsm | Lightweight, drapes and clings; often tri-blend or ringspun |
| 5-6 oz/yd² | 170-203 gsm | Standard heavy cotton; holds its shape |
| 6.5 oz/yd² and up | 220 gsm and up | Heavyweight, stiff and boxy; often cut oversized |
- 100% cotton shrinks most, mainly in length, when washed hot and tumble-dried. Buy preshrunk cotton or allow for it by choosing the longer option when between sizes.
- Polyester and tri-blends barely shrink but can lose shape at the collar.
- Garment-dyed tees have already been washed during dyeing, so their listed measurements are close to what you keep.
For collared shirts sized by neck and sleeve, see the shirt size chart. Sleeveless versions are covered in the tank top size guide, and the heavier-knit equivalents in the hoodie size chart. Gym tees and compression tops follow the athletic wear size guide.
Frequently asked questions
How wide is a medium t-shirt?
A classic unisex medium is about 20 in (51 cm) across the chest when laid flat, measured 1 in below the armholes. Slim or fashion-fit mediums are often 19 in (48 cm), and oversized styles 22 in (56 cm) or more.
What does pit to pit mean on a t-shirt?
It is the straight-line width of the shirt laid flat, from one armpit seam to the other. Double it to get the shirt's chest circumference: a 21 in pit-to-pit tee has a 42 in (107 cm) chest.
What size unisex t-shirt should a woman order?
Compare your bust with the unisex chest range rather than translating letters. A woman who wears a women's M (35-37 in bust) usually fits a unisex S for a close fit or M for a relaxed fit; the unisex shirt will be longer and wider at the shoulders.
What size t-shirt fits a 42-inch chest?
A large, which is cut for a 42-44 in (107-112 cm) chest and measures about 22 in (56 cm) flat. If you are at the top of a range or the shirt is 100% cotton that is not preshrunk, consider the next size up.
Should I size up for an oversized t-shirt?
Only if the shirt is a regular cut. Going up one size adds about 2 in of flat width but also 1 in of length and longer sleeves. Shirts sold as oversized or boxy are already cut wide, so order your normal size.