How to Choose T-Shirt Size Online: A Simple Fit Guide
Knowing how to choose t-shirt size is the difference between a tee you wear every week and one that stays folded in a drawer. Shopping online means no fitting room, so the goal is to replace it with two things: a shirt you already love and a size chart that lists real garment measurements.
Why sizing online feels like guessing
A size label like M or L is not a standard. One brand’s medium is another brand’s large, and cuts differ too: unisex, women’s, fitted, relaxed and oversized tees all use the same letters for very different shapes. Size charts add another wrinkle. Some list body measurements (what your body measures) and others list garment measurements (what the shirt measures lying flat). They answer different questions, so it helps to know which one you are reading. For background on why labels vary so much, see this overview of clothing sizes.
How to choose t-shirt size in 4 steps
1. Pick a tee you already love
Choose a t-shirt from your closet that fits the way you want the new one to fit. This is your reference. It works far better than guessing from a label.
2. Measure it lying flat
Lay the shirt on a table and smooth it out. Measure two things:
- Chest width: straight across, from armpit seam to armpit seam.
- Length: from the top of the shoulder seam next to the collar down to the bottom hem.
3. Compare with the size chart
Find the size whose chest width and length are closest to your reference shirt. Our Size Guide lists garment measurements in inches and centimeters for unisex sizes from XS to 5XL, so you can compare directly. Each product page shows the sizes currently available.
4. Adjust for the fit you want
The measurement match gives you the fit of your reference shirt. If you want something different, adjust:
| Fit you want | What to do |
|---|---|
| The same as your favorite tee | Match the measurements as closely as you can |
| Relaxed or oversized | Go up one size (two for a very oversized look) |
| Closer to the body | Go down one size, and check shoulder and sleeve measurements |
| Layering over long sleeves | Consider going up one size |
Body measurements vs garment measurements
If a chart lists garment measurements, compare them with a shirt you own, as described above. If it lists body measurements, find the size whose chest range includes yours, then think about ease: a shirt needs to be larger than your body to be comfortable. A regular tee usually has a few inches of room in the chest, and a relaxed one has more.
What to do if you are between two sizes
- Decide on the fit first. If you like a snug tee, take the smaller size. If you like room, take the larger one.
- Check length. If you are tall or like a longer hem, the larger size usually adds length as well as width.
- Consider shrinkage. Cotton can tighten slightly after washing. If you plan to wash warm and dry hot, the larger size is the safer pick. Better still, follow our tips for washing printed t-shirts and avoid the problem.
Does fabric change the fit?
Yes. Heavier, garment-dyed cotton tends to drape differently from a thin, fitted jersey. Our Coffee Cup tee, for example, is a garment-dyed cotton tee with a relaxed fit, so it already sits looser than a fitted cut. Read the product description for fabric and fit notes before you decide whether to size up or down.
Frequently asked questions
Are your t-shirts unisex?
Our tees follow unisex sizing. The Size Guide has the exact garment measurements for each size.
Should I size up for a printed t-shirt?
Not because of the print. A design does not change the fit of the shirt. Choose your size based on the fit you want.
What if the size is wrong?
Because every shirt is made to order, we cannot accept returns for a wrong size or a change of mind, so check the Size Guide before you order. If an item arrives damaged, defective or misprinted, we replace it or refund you. Details are in our Returns policy.
Ready to pick your size? Browse our t-shirts and apparel and measure a favorite tee first.