Vintage Nike T-Shirt Sizing: Measurements And Fit Guide

Vintage Nike T-shirts are highly sought after by collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and resellers. The measurements of a vintage Nike T-shirt vary depending on the size, with options ranging from XS to XXL. When measuring your body to determine the correct size, it is important to follow certain guidelines. For the chest, measure around the fullest part, keeping the tape horizontal. For the waist, measure at the narrowest point, typically where your body bends side to side, again with the tape horizontal. For the hips, measure around the fullest part, keeping the tape horizontal. It is also worth noting that vintage Nike T-shirts from the 1970s may not feature Nike tags, as these became standard in the 1980s.

Chest, waist, and hip measurements

To find the correct size for a vintage Nike T-shirt, you need to take your chest, waist, and hip measurements. These measurements refer to your body measurements, not your clothing measurements.

Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure horizontal.

Waist

Measure around the narrowest part of your waist (typically where your body bends side to side), keeping the tape measure horizontal.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure horizontal.

If your measurements for the chest and waist correspond to two different suggested sizes, order the size indicated by your chest measurement. If you're between two sizes, order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit.

Sleeve length

When measuring for a vintage Nike T-shirt, it is important to consider the sleeve length to ensure a comfortable fit. The sleeve length of a T-shirt is the distance from the centre of the back of the neck to the end of the sleeve cuff. This measurement is crucial as sleeves that are too short or too long can affect the overall fit and comfort of the T-shirt.

For tall individuals, Nike offers tall sizes (6'–6'5"/183–196 cm) with a sleeve length that is proportionately longer than regular sizes. The increase in sleeve length for tall sizes is approximately 1.75"/4.5 cm, providing a better fit for individuals with longer arms.

To determine the correct sleeve length for a vintage Nike T-shirt, it is recommended to measure the arm length. This can be done by measuring the distance from the base of the neck, where the collar sits, to the wrist. It is important to keep the arm relaxed and slightly bent at the elbow for an accurate measurement.

Additionally, when choosing a vintage Nike T-shirt, it is worth considering the desired fit. If a tighter fit is preferred, it is advisable to choose a smaller size, while opting for a larger size will result in a looser fit. This applies particularly when measurements for the chest and waist suggest different sizes, in which case, it is generally recommended to refer to the chest measurement for the most suitable size.

In summary, the sleeve length of a vintage Nike T-shirt is an important factor in achieving a comfortable and desired fit. By considering the arm length and the desired fit, individuals can choose the most suitable size to ensure the T-shirt sleeves are neither too short nor too long.

Size and fit

Vintage Nike T-shirts are highly sought-after items, with collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and resellers all looking for the perfect shirt. Sizing and fit are important factors to consider when purchasing vintage clothing, as these can vary significantly from modern clothing sizes.

Firstly, it is important to understand how to measure your body correctly. When measuring your chest, ensure that you keep the tape measure horizontal and go around the fullest part of your chest. For the waist measurement, again, keep the tape measure horizontal and wrap it around the narrowest part of your waist, which is typically where your body bends side to side. Finally, for hip measurements, keep the tape measure horizontal and go around the fullest part of your hips.

When choosing a size, if you are between two sizes, it is generally recommended to go with the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit. Additionally, if your chest and waist measurements correspond to two different suggested sizes, it is advised to choose the size indicated by your chest measurement.

It is worth noting that vintage Nike T-shirts from the 1970s may not have featured Nike tags, as these became more common in the 1980s. As such, the sizing and fit may vary even more significantly for these older shirts.

When purchasing a vintage Nike T-shirt, it is always a good idea to refer to the specific measurements provided by the seller, as these can help ensure a proper fit. Additionally, some vintage Nike T-shirts may be labelled with modern sizes, which can make it easier to choose the correct size.

Overall, when shopping for a vintage Nike T-shirt, taking accurate body measurements and referring to size charts and specific measurements provided by sellers will help ensure that you find a shirt that fits well and complements your style.

Vintage Nike T-shirts from the 70s and 80s

Nike's first apparel was a t-shirt made for the 1972 Olympic trials, which featured hot-pressed runners' names on the rear. In the 70s, Nike was yet to become a footwear company, so many of their t-shirt designs from this decade did not feature Nike tags, which later became a staple in the 80s.

Measurements

To find your correct size, you can refer to Nike's size chart, which provides body measurements. If your measurements fall between two sizes, it is recommended to order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit. If your chest and waist measurements correspond to two different sizes, you should order the size indicated by your chest measurement.

• Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure horizontal.
• Waist: Measure around the narrowest part (usually where your body bends side to side) with the tape measure kept horizontal.
• Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, again keeping the tape measure horizontal.

Examples of Vintage Nike T-shirts from the 70s and 80s

70s Nike T-shirts

• Vintage 70s Nike Swoosh T-Shirt in gray, made in the USA, with a size of medium for adults.
• Rare Early Vintage Nike Logo Shirt with a CHED tag, featuring a Swoosh design from the 70s and 80s. It is a marathon shirt in size medium.
• Vintage 70s Nike Blue T-Shirt in size XL, featuring the classic original logo.
• Vintage 70s Nike UCLA Track & Field College Pinwheel Tag T-Shirt in size small.
• Vintage 70s Nike Running "There Is No Finish Line" T-Shirt with a blue logo, made in the USA, in size medium.
• Vintage 70s Nike Orange Swoosh V-Neck T-Shirt in blue, made in the USA, in size medium for adults.

80s Nike T-shirts

• Vintage 80s Nike Sportswear Swoosh Logo Graphic Shirt with cut sleeves, made in the USA, in size small/medium.
• Vintage 80s Nike T-Shirt in blue with a Swoosh logo, made in the USA, in size large.
• Vintage 1983 Nike Marathon "Gathering Of Eagles" Long-Sleeve Shirt with a single stitch, in size medium.
• Vintage 80s Nike Billy Ball University Of Mississippi T-Shirt in white, in adult size XL.
• Vintage 1984 Nike Shelter Island 10K T-Shirt, a rare find in size medium, made thin, and in blue.
• Vintage 80s Nike "Bloomsday Run" T-Shirt, a paper-thin and distressed design from the 70s, in size extra small for men.

Where to buy vintage Nike T-shirts

There are several online stores where you can buy vintage Nike T-shirts. Here are some options:

Etsy:

Etsy is a great place to find unique and creative vintage items, including Nike T-shirts. You can find a wide variety of styles and designs from different sellers around the world. Etsy also offers personalized and made-to-order items, so you can request customizations to your T-shirt if needed.

EBay:

EBay is another online marketplace that offers a vast selection of vintage and pre-loved items, including Nike T-shirts. You can find various styles, sizes, and colors to choose from, with new listings added frequently.

Official Vintage:

Official Vintage is a dedicated vintage clothing store that offers a range of pre-loved and vintage Nike T-shirts. They specialize in providing genuine designer clothing that has been carefully checked for quality and style. You can find a variety of sizes and designs to suit your taste.

Thrifted.com:

Thrifted.com is a popular online vintage clothing store in Europe that offers a range of vintage Nike items, including T-shirts. They have a collection of 1990s sportswear, featuring retro designs and colors. You can find unique pieces to elevate your streetwear style.

When buying vintage Nike T-shirts, it's important to consider the measurements to ensure a proper fit. Nike provides size charts on their website, recommending that you measure your chest, waist, and hips to determine the correct size. If you're between sizes, you can choose the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit.

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