T-Shirt Size Chart: The Complete Sizing Guide for Every Brand (2026)

Getting the right t-shirt size should not be a guessing game. Whether you are ordering custom apparel for your team, buying merch for your brand, or simply trying to find a shirt that actually fits, the challenge is the same: sizes are not universal. A medium from one brand can fit like a large from another, and generic S/M/L labels tell you almost nothing about actual garment dimensions.

This guide eliminates the guesswork. I have compiled exact measurements for the seven most popular blank t-shirt brands used in custom apparel, along with step-by-step measurement instructions, fit type explanations, and guidance for ordering sizes for groups. Bookmark this page - you will reference it every time you place a custom apparel order.

How to Measure Yourself for a T-Shirt

Before looking at any size chart, you need three key measurements. You can measure yourself or, for better accuracy, have someone help you. All you need is a flexible measuring tape. Use our Body Measurement Guide tool for an interactive walkthrough.

Measurement 1: Chest (Most Important)

The chest measurement is the single most important number for finding your t-shirt size.

1. Stand naturally with your arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically right at nipple level.
3. Keep the tape level all the way around - not angled up or down at the back.
4. The tape should be snug but not compressing your chest. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your body.
5. Breathe normally and take the measurement at the end of a natural exhale.
6. Record the number in inches.

Pro tip: Compare your chest measurement to the "chest width" on size charts by dividing by 2. Size charts typically show the garment laid flat (one side only). If your chest measures 40 inches, look for a garment with a 20-21 inch chest width for a standard fit, or 22-23 inches for a relaxed fit.

Measurement 2: Body Length

1. Find the point where your shoulder meets your neck - the seam of a well-fitting shirt sits here.
2. Measure straight down from this point to where you want the shirt to end. For most people, this is mid-hip.
3. Alternatively, measure a t-shirt you already own that fits well: lay it flat and measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where it meets the collar) straight down to the bottom hem.

Measurement 3: Sleeve Length

1. For a standard crew neck tee, the sleeve is measured from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve hem.
2. Most t-shirt sleeves fall between 7.5 and 9.5 inches, covering roughly half the upper arm.
3. This measurement matters most for fitted styles where a too-short sleeve can look awkward on larger arms.

The Best Method: Measure a Shirt You Already Own

If you own a t-shirt that fits you well, the most reliable sizing method is measuring that garment flat and comparing those measurements to the brand's size chart. Lay the shirt on a flat surface, smooth out wrinkles, and measure: chest width (armpit to armpit), body length (highest shoulder point to bottom hem), and sleeve length (shoulder seam to sleeve hem). These flat garment measurements correspond directly to what size charts show.

Universal T-Shirt Size Chart (XS-5XL)

This general reference chart shows typical measurements across most brands. Use it as a starting point, then check the brand-specific charts below for exact dimensions. All measurements are in inches and represent the garment laid flat.

Men's / Unisex Standard Fit

Women's Standard Fit

For a quick comparison across brands, use our interactive T-Shirt Size Chart Tool or take our Custom Fit Quiz for a personalized recommendation.

Bella+Canvas 3001 Size Chart

How does the Bella+Canvas 3001 fit? The Bella+Canvas 3001 runs slim through the chest compared with standard blanks, roughly 1-2" narrower than a Gildan 5000 at the same size label. Body length is long (29" at medium), shoulders are lightly fitted. Popular for streetwear and retail merch because of its tighter, modern silhouette. Size up one if you prefer a relaxed fit.

The Bella+Canvas 3001 is the most popular premium blank in custom apparel. It is a 4.2 oz, 100% combed and ring-spun cotton tee with a retail fit - meaning it runs slimmer and shorter than traditional blanks. If you are between sizes, size up.

Sizing Note: The Bella+Canvas 3001 is the slimmest-fitting blank on this list. If the wearer typically prefers a relaxed fit or is between sizes, order one size up. This is especially important when ordering for groups where people may not have tried this brand before. For pricing on Bella+Canvas custom orders, see our Custom T-Shirt Pricing Guide.

Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton Size Chart

How does the Gildan 5000 fit? The Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton is the industry reference for a classic boxy unisex fit, 20" chest and 29" body length at medium, straight cut through the waist. Heavier 6oz cotton gives structure but shrinks 3-5% on first wash. The default choice for team uniforms, swag, and event giveaways because it fits a wide range of body types without sizing issues.

The Gildan 5000 is the classic workhorse of custom apparel. It is a 5.3 oz heavy cotton tee with a traditional, generous fit. It runs wider and longer than modern-fit blanks, making it a forgiving choice for group orders.

Sizing Note: While the chest measurements look similar to the Bella+Canvas 3001, the Gildan 5000 fits noticeably roomier due to its tubular construction and boxier cut. Someone who wears a Bella+Canvas medium may find a Gildan medium feels like a relaxed large. The 5000 is also more prone to shrinkage - see the shrinkage section below.

Gildan 64000 Softstyle Size Chart

How does the Gildan 64000 fit? The Gildan 64000 Softstyle is a lighter, slightly slimmer alternative to the Gildan 5000, 4.5oz ring-spun cotton with a more modern silhouette. Chest is 1" narrower than the 5000 at the same size label. Softer hand-feel, better print finish, preferred for retail and fashion-oriented custom merch. Size up one if you want a relaxed fit similar to the Gildan 5000.

The Gildan 64000 Softstyle bridges the gap between budget-friendly Gildan and premium Bella+Canvas. It is a 4.5 oz ring-spun cotton tee with a semi-fitted silhouette that sits between the slim 3001 and the boxy 5000.

Next Level 3600 Size Chart

How does the Next Level 3600 fit? The Next Level 3600 is a fitted premium unisex tee, 4.3oz combed ring-spun cotton with a tapered waist and shorter body length than Gildan. 19" chest and 28" body length at medium. Popular in fitness, fashion, and event merch because of its soft hand-feel and sharper fit. Runs closer to women's sizing at smaller labels; size up one for a standard unisex fit.

The Next Level 3600 is a premium 4.3 oz combed cotton/polyester blend with a modern, slightly fitted cut. It is the closest alternative to the Bella+Canvas 3001 with a nearly identical fit profile.

Comfort Colors 1717 Size Chart

How does the Comfort Colors 1717 fit? The Comfort Colors 1717 is a relaxed garment-dyed heavyweight tee, 6.1oz ring-spun cotton pre-shrunk and pigment-dyed for a soft, vintage finish. Fit runs true to Gildan 5000 but body length is 1-2" longer. Popular for college merch, festival apparel, and anywhere a lived-in feel is desired. Minimal additional shrinkage after first wash because the fabric is pre-treated.

The Comfort Colors 1717 is a 6.1 oz heavyweight garment-dyed tee beloved for its vintage wash aesthetic and relaxed fit. It is the go-to blank for lifestyle brands, sorority and fraternity apparel, and creators wanting that broken-in look. It runs large and boxy.

Critical Note: A Comfort Colors medium has the same chest width as a Bella+Canvas large (22 inches). If your team typically wears Bella+Canvas and you switch to Comfort Colors, communicate clearly that they should size down. This is the most common sizing mistake in custom apparel orders.

Champion T425 Size Chart

How does the Champion T425 fit? The Champion T425 is a heavyweight classic-fit tee, 6.1oz cotton with a boxy straight cut similar to Gildan 5000 but with Champion's sewn-in reinforced collar and the iconic C-logo option. 20" chest and 29" body length at medium. Favoured for athletic teams, collegiate apparel, and brands wanting a premium heavy blank at a middle price point.

The Champion T425 is a 6 oz heavyweight cotton tee with the recognizable Champion "C" logo on the sleeve. It carries brand cachet and a classic athletic fit.

Hanes 5250 Tagless Size Chart

How does the Hanes 5250 fit? The Hanes 5250 Tagless is a mid-weight classic fit, 6.1oz pre-shrunk cotton with Hanes's signature no-tag collar. Runs slightly smaller in the chest than Gildan 5000 (19.5" vs 20" at medium) but similar in body length. Popular for schools, healthcare, and budget uniform programs because of its low unit cost and consistent sizing across wash cycles.

The Hanes 5250 is a 6.1 oz preshrunk cotton tee with the tagless neck label that Hanes popularized. It offers a traditional American fit similar to the Gildan 5000 - generous and boxy.

Brand Comparison at a Glance: Medium Size

This table shows how dramatically a "medium" varies across brands. All measurements are for a men's/unisex medium, laid flat.

Notice the Comfort Colors 1717 in medium has a 22-inch chest - the same as a large in Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and Gildan. This is why brand-specific size charts matter more than generic S/M/L labels. Use our Unisex Size Converter to translate between brands.

Men's vs Women's vs Unisex Fit Differences

Understanding the structural differences between these cuts prevents sizing disasters, especially when ordering for mixed groups.

Men's / Unisex Cut

• Straight body from chest to hem (no waist shaping)
• Wider shoulders
• Longer body length
• Longer, wider sleeves
• Higher neckline

Important: "Unisex" in the custom apparel industry means men's cut. It is not a gender-neutral middle ground. Women ordering unisex tees should typically size down one full size from their women's size for a comparable fit.

Women's Cut

• Tapered waist (narrower at the midsection, wider at chest and hip)
• Narrower shoulders
• Shorter body length (1-2 inches shorter than equivalent men's size)
• Shorter, capped sleeves
• Wider, lower neckline (often scooped or v-neck)

Cross-Sizing Reference

Relaxed vs Fitted vs Oversized: Understanding Fit Types

Beyond size labels, the fit type of a garment dramatically changes how it wears. Two shirts in the same size can look completely different depending on their cut.

How much extra room defines each fit:

• Fitted: 2-3 inches of ease beyond your chest measurement (e.g., 40" chest, 42-43" garment chest)
• Classic: 4-5 inches of ease (e.g., 40" chest, 44-45" garment chest)
• Relaxed/Oversized: 6+ inches of ease (e.g., 40" chest, 46"+ garment chest)

Youth T-Shirt Sizing Guide

Youth sizing is essential for family events, school orders, sports teams, and creator merch targeting younger audiences. Youth sizes use age-based labels but vary by brand just like adult sizes.

Transition note: A youth XL is approximately equivalent to an adult XS in chest width. For teens aged 14-16, an adult small or extra small typically works better than scaling up in youth sizes. When in doubt, measure the child's chest and compare to the garment measurements directly.

Tall Sizing Guide

Tall sizes add 2-3 inches of body length without increasing the chest width. This is critical for people who are tall but not necessarily broader - sizing up a standard shirt gives more chest room but often still does not provide enough length.

Tall sizing is generally recommended for individuals 6'2" and above. Not all brands offer tall options in their standard blanks. If tall sizing is important for your order, discuss options when requesting your custom quote from Arklavo.

How to Order for Groups: Size Distribution Curves

When ordering for a team, event, or merch launch, getting the size distribution right is critical. Order too many smalls and you will be stuck with inventory. Over-order XXLs and the same problem. Use our Size Run Calculator for precise calculations.

Standard Size Distribution (When You Cannot Collect Individual Sizes)

Best Practice: Always Collect Individual Sizes

The distribution curves above are educated estimates. The far better approach is collecting actual sizes from your group before ordering. Use a simple Google Form with the following fields:

• Name
• T-shirt size (with the brand-specific size chart linked)
• Preferred fit (fitted vs relaxed)
• Any notes (between sizes, prefer to size up, etc.)

Order 5-10% extra in M and L - these are the most commonly exchanged sizes and having spares prevents fulfillment delays. Read our YouTube Merch Complete Guide for more on ordering strategy.

Common Sizing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A $15 sample order before a 500-piece run prevents more resize complaints than any other single practice in bulk custom apparel.

After years in custom apparel, these are the sizing errors I see most frequently. Every one of them is preventable.

Mistake 1: Assuming All Brands Size the Same

A medium is not a medium is not a medium. As we showed in the comparison table above, a Comfort Colors medium has the chest width of a Bella+Canvas large. Always check the specific brand's size chart, not a generic one.

Mistake 2: Ordering Unisex Sizes for Women Without Adjustment

Unisex means men's cut. Women who order their usual women's size in a unisex shirt will receive something baggy in the shoulders and long in the body. Advise women to size down one full size in unisex, or better yet, offer women's cut options.

Mistake 3: Not Accounting for Shrinkage

100% cotton garments shrink. Some are pre-shrunk, but most will still lose 3-5% in length after the first hot wash. If a fit is already borderline, that shrinkage makes it unwearable. See the shrinkage section for specific numbers.

Mistake 4: Using Body Measurements Instead of Garment Measurements

Size charts show garment dimensions, not body dimensions. A garment with a 20-inch chest width accommodates a 38-41 inch chest - not a 20-inch chest. Always compare like-for-like: garment measurements to garment measurements, or body measurements to the "fits chest" column.

Mistake 5: Not Ordering Sample Sizes

For any order of 48+ units, request samples first. A single sample in your most common size costs a few dollars but can save you from a costly size-wide error. At Arklavo, we recommend samples for all first-time orders in a new blank.

Size Charts for Hoodies, Polos, and Jackets

While this guide focuses on t-shirts, here are quick reference charts for other common custom apparel items. For detailed guides, see our Hoodie Size Guide and Polo Size Chart tools.

Hoodies: General Size Reference

Note: Hoodie sleeve length is measured from the center back neck to the cuff (unlike t-shirts which measure from shoulder seam). Most people wear the same size in hoodies as t-shirts, but if you want a slimmer look, consider sizing down. For the oversized streetwear look, size up one.

Polos: General Size Reference

Polos generally run slightly smaller than t-shirts from the same brand because they are designed for a more tailored look. If your team wears a relaxed-fit t-shirt, they may want to size up in polos. For hat sizing, use our Hat Size Calculator.

Jackets: General Size Reference

Jacket sizing typically runs true to standard sizing but adds 1-2 inches of chest width compared to t-shirts to accommodate layering. If you plan to wear a hoodie under a jacket, size up one. Most custom jacket orders align with the wearer's standard t-shirt size for a comfortable fit over a base layer.

How Shrinkage Affects Sizing

Shrinkage is the hidden sizing variable that catches many first-time custom apparel buyers off guard. How much a shirt shrinks depends on the fabric content, construction, and whether it has been pre-shrunk.

Shrinkage by Fabric Type

Shrinkage by Brand

Key takeaway: Shrinkage primarily affects length, not width. A shirt that fits perfectly in the chest may become too short after repeated hot washes. When in doubt, size up and use cold water washing.

Care Instructions to Maintain Fit

Proper care is not just about protecting the print - it is about maintaining the garment's size and shape. Include these instructions with every custom apparel order:

Washing

• Wash cold (30C / 86F or below). Cold water prevents shrinkage and protects prints.
• Turn inside out before washing. This protects the printed or embroidered surface from friction.
• Use mild detergent. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals that can degrade both fabric and decoration.
• Wash with similar colors. Especially important for garment-dyed shirts like Comfort Colors which can bleed.
• Avoid overloading the machine. Crowded loads create more friction and wear on both fabric and prints.

Drying

• Tumble dry low or hang dry. High heat is the primary cause of shrinkage and print cracking.
• Remove promptly from the dryer. Sitting in a hot dryer after the cycle ends causes unnecessary shrinkage.
• Never iron directly over a print. If ironing is needed, turn the shirt inside out and iron around the decoration.

Care by Decoration Method

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Conor Smart. Last updated 2026.