Choosing The Right T-Shirt Size: A Quick Guide

T-shirts are a versatile garment, suitable for a range of occasions and activities. However, finding the right fit can be a challenge due to inconsistent sizing across brands. When it comes to guessing a T-shirt size, it's important to consider both the style and the measurements. While trying on different sizes is ideal, there are also measurement guidelines that can help you estimate the correct size. These include chest circumference, shoulder seam length, sleeve length, and overall shirt length. Additionally, factors such as gender-specific sizing and fabric type can impact the fit.

Measure your chest

Measuring your chest is key to making sure you buy a T-shirt that fits your torso comfortably without being too tight or loose.

Stand upright with your body relaxed. Breathe in and out, and imagine your body is hanging from a string connected to the middle of your head. This is a technique actors use to straighten out their body naturally while staying relaxed.

Hold the measuring tape in front of you. Loop it around your back, going under your arms, and bring it to your front.

Measure the fullest part of your chest. Ensure that it's not too tight or loose, and note down the measurements.

Be sure to wear your everyday undergarments (bras, camisoles, etc.) underneath so that you have a better understanding of what the actual fit of the T-shirt will be like. This will give you the most accurate measurements.

If you are measuring a T-shirt, rather than your body, to determine your size, place the T-shirt face-up and completely wrinkle-free on a flat surface. Place one end of the measuring tape to the end of the shoulder seam and stretch it across the chest to the other shoulder seam.

Measure your waist

When measuring your waist to determine your T-shirt size, it's important to take accurate measurements to ensure a better fit. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Find the Right Spot

Locate the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually where your belly button is. This is the spot you'll be measuring.

Step 2: Prepare the Measuring Tape

Get a flexible measuring tape that is at least 36" long. Avoid using a standard 12" ruler, as it will not provide accurate measurements. Ensure the measuring tape is loose enough to slide around easily but still close to your body.

Step 3: Stand in a Relaxed Position

Stand up straight with your body in a relaxed, natural position. Keep your body relaxed, and do not suck in your stomach. Maintaining a relaxed posture will ensure accurate measurements.

Step 4: Measure Your Waist

Wrap the measuring tape around your waist at the spot you identified in Step 1. Make sure the tape is flat and runs around the narrowest part of your waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor for an accurate measurement.

Step 5: Record Your Measurement

Note down your waist measurement in inches or centimetres. It is recommended to record measurements to the nearest 1/4 inch, as a difference of even 1/4 inch can impact the fit of your T-shirt.

Pro Tip:

When measuring your waist, it's important to measure twice to ensure accuracy. Additionally, keep in mind that sizing may vary depending on the brand or country. Always refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer or retailer when ordering T-shirts online.

Measure your hips

Measuring your hips is an important step when determining your T-shirt size. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Find a full-length mirror

Although measuring your hips is easier to do on your own than other body parts, using a mirror will help you ensure that the tape measure is not twisted or uneven. Stand in front of the mirror to take your measurements.

Step 2: Remove outer garments

Take off your outer clothing, such as pants and shirts. You can keep your thin underwear on and still obtain an accurate measurement. However, avoid wearing jeans or anything too bulky, as this will affect the measurement. If you always wear the same bulky clothes, you can keep them on if you are measuring to track weight loss.

Step 3: Place your feet together

Stand with your feet together when taking the measurement. This ensures that you are not creating a larger measurement than your actual hip area. At the very least, your feet should not be wider than your shoulders, but keeping them together is best.

Step 4: Find the widest point

Your hip measurements should be taken at the widest point of your hips. This is because you want an accurate representation of your body, and the hips represent the widest point on your bottom half. Once you have the tape measure in place, you may need to adjust it slightly to find the widest spot. Remember that everyone's body is different, so it may take a few tries to find the right placement.

Step 5: Use a cloth tape measure

Hold one end of the tape measure on one hip. It doesn't matter which side you start with. Pull the tape measure around your backside, ensuring it doesn't twist and that it wraps around your rear end. You can also start by holding both ends of the tape measure and stepping over it so it sits on your backside.

Step 6: Check in the mirror

Check in the mirror to ensure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor and isn't twisted anywhere. The tape should be snug against your hips, but not too tight—it should be tight enough that you can only fit a finger underneath it.

Step 7: Read and record your measurement

Look down or in the mirror to find your hip measurement, which is where the end of the tape meets a number. Record this number so you can refer to it later when choosing your T-shirt size.

Measure your sleeve length

To measure your sleeve length, you will need a measuring tape. Place one end of the measuring tape at the base of the centre of the back of your neck. From there, run the measuring tape over your shoulder and down to your hand. There are different ways to measure sleeve length, depending on the type of shirt. For a casual shirt, you would measure to the point where your hand starts to widen at your wrist. For a dress shirt, you would measure to the centre of the meaty part of your palm. For a jacket, the sleeve should end above your wrist, never past the heel of your palm.

If you are measuring for a shirt with a separate cuff piece, such as a button-up or jacket, you will need to take a separate measurement to reduce confusion. Measure from the top of your shoulder seam to the bottom edge of the sleeve.

Remember, sleeve length is not always based on arm length. Each person has different shoulder widths, and the shape of the sleeve armhole will also affect the shoulder and sleeve measurements.

Compare your measurements to a sizing chart

When ordering a T-shirt, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate size, especially when ordering for a group. To guess a T-shirt size, it is important to compare your measurements to a sizing chart.

Firstly, it is important to consider the style of the T-shirt, as well as your actual measurements. Different styles will fit differently, even if the measurements are the same. For example, a Pro-Fit T-shirt will be more narrow in the body and sleeve, so if you are planning to wear the T-shirt under a button-down shirt, this may be a better option.

Secondly, refer to the sizing chart for the T-shirt you are interested in. Each T-shirt should have its own size chart, with measurements for the body, chest, and sleeve. Compare these measurements to your own, or to a similar shirt that you already own. Be sure to pay attention to the body style, as they can differ in width and length. For example, a Tall Fit T-shirt will offer extra length for taller individuals, without necessarily being wider.

When comparing your measurements, it is important to be as accurate as possible. Take measurements of your chest, waist, and hips, and compare these to the sizing chart. If you are in between two sizes, it is usually recommended to choose the larger of the two, especially if you prefer a looser fit.

Additionally, it is worth considering the fabric of the T-shirt. Fabrics such as 100% cotton can shrink by approximately 2%, so it is important to take this into account when referring to the sizing chart.

By carefully comparing your measurements to a sizing chart, and considering the style and fabric of the T-shirt, you can make an informed guess about the correct T-shirt size.

Frequently asked questions