T-shirts are fashion items perfect for everyone. They are one of the universal clothing items. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, old or young. They’re perfect for sleeping in or going to work. Also, they’re easy to wear and maintain, making them ideal for a casual Sunday spent in the house with your family watching TV.
However, choosing the perfect size for your T-shirt may be confusing. Today, we will show you how to pick up the most suitable T-shirt size according to your body measurements and the international T-shirt size chart.
T-shirt size charts
For Men
Use a flexible, soft measuring tape. And let’s measure your body to determine the size of your t-shirt.
Chest: circumference around your chest at the fullest point.
Waist: circumference around the natural waistline (narrowest/slimmest portion of your torso located just above your navel).
The T-shirt size chart below helps you determine the right size based on the measurement results you just got.
Men’s T-shirt Size Chart by Body Measurement, Inches:
| US Size | Waist | Chest |
| XXS | 26-27’’ | 29-31’’ |
| XS | 27-29’’ | 30-32’’ |
| S | 29-31’’ | 33-36’’ |
| M | 31-32’’ | 38-40’’ |
| L | 33-34’’ | 42-44’’ |
| XL | 34-36’’ | 46-48’’ |
| XXL | 36-40’’ | 48-50’’ |
| 3XL | 40-46’’ | 50-52’’ |
Men’s T-shirt Size Chart by Body Measurement, CM:
| US Size | Waist | Chest |
| XXS | 69-74 | 74-79 |
| XS | 71-76 | 76-81 |
| S | 76-81 | 86-91 |
| M | 81-84 | 97-102 |
| L | 84-87 | 107-112 |
| XL | 91-97 | 116-122 |
| XXL | 102-107 | 122-127 |
| 3XL | 112-122 | 127-132 |
For Women
Measure your body to determine the size of your T-shirt.
Chest: the circumference of your bust to its fullest extent using a flexible measuring tape.
Waist: your natural waistline circumference. The waistline is just above the belly button and is the narrowest/slimmest area of your torso.
You can use the chart below to find your T-shirt size.
Women’s T-shirt Size Chart by Body Measurement, Inches:
| US Size | Waist | Chest |
| XXS (00) | 20-22” | 26-28” |
| XS (0) | 23-24” | 28-30” |
| S (0-2) | 25-26” | 30-32” |
| M (4-6) | 27-28” | 32-34” |
| L (8-10) | 30-32” | 36-38” |
| XL (12-14) | 33-34” | 40-42” |
| XXL (16-18) | 36-38” | 44-46” |
Women’s T-shirt Size Chart by Body Measurement, CM:
| US Size | Waist | Chest |
| XXS (00) | 51-56 | 66-71 |
| XS (0) | 58-61 | 71-76 |
| S (0-2) | 64-66 | 76-81 |
| M (4-6) | 69-72 | 81-86 |
| L (8-10) | 76-81 | 91-97 |
| XL (12-14) | 84-89 | 102-107 |
| XXL (16-18) | 91-96 | 112-118 |
If you have body measurements that fall between two sizes, we recommend the larger size. However, you can try both sizes if necessary.
Please note that T-shirt sizing can vary between brands. For the most accurate sizing, it’s always recommended to refer to the specific size chart of the brand you are interested in.
Common Shirt Fit Styles
The rule for choosing T-shirts is the same as choosing any other clothes: do not conceal your muscles. Even if you don’t have lots of muscle, you can still show it off and disguise the additional fat.
Here is a quick list of the most widely worn styles of T-shirts:
Classic Fit: It provides a relaxed and looser fit, offering more room in the chest, shoulders, and waist. It’s well-suited for individuals with a broader frame or those who prefer a more traditional and comfortable garment.
Slim Fit: Slim Fit is the most body-hugging of the three styles. It’s designed to accentuate the body’s contours and is narrower across the shoulders, chest, and waist. This style is often preferred by individuals with a leaner build or those who want to showcase their physique. However, it can feel more restrictive compared to Modern or Classic fits, especially for individuals with a muscular build.
Modern Fit: This fit is a middle ground between Classic and Slim fits. It offers a slightly tailored look without being too tight. Modern fit clothes are designed to contour the body more than Classic fit, but not as closely as Slim fit. This fit works well for a variety of body types, including both slender and larger builds. It’s a good choice for those seeking a contemporary look that’s not overly snug.
In a nutshell, you can recognize whether a T-shirt is a modern fit, classic fit, or slim fit by checking its design and its offering room when dressed. A well-fitting T-shirt should feel comfortable, complement your physique, and align with the look you’re aiming to achieve.
Different Body Shapes & Suitable Shirt Fit Styles
A well-fitted T-shirt will be a good fit and flatter your body. Knowing your body shape is essential for determining the perfect shirt style, whether you want a classic, slim, modern, or traditional one.
For Men
For men, you can classify body shapes into five main categories:
Rectangle: This shape is the most preferred for men. It involves a flat body with equal widths in the waist and shoulders. The best T-shirt choice is a classic or slim one.
Triangle: Men with triangle-shaped bodies have smaller shoulders and more weight at their hips. Classic cuts are fantastic for people with triangle bodies.
Inverted Triangle: The inverted rectangle body shape features a broad and muscular shoulder paired with slim hips. If you want to be more casual and relaxed with your body shape, a modern-styled shirt is a good choice. On the other hand, a slim-fitting shirt is the best if you want to highlight your athletic build.
Rhomboid: Rhomboid is a body type that looks similar to the rectangle and inverted-triangle body shapes. However, this body type has shoulders wider than the hips, compared with the rectangle body shape. And people with this body shape don’t have shoulders that are overly broad like inverted-triangle shoulders. A slim or classic tee would be perfect for a rhomboid.
Oval: Oval-shaped men are similar to the rectangle in that they have a wider frame and a longer torso. Modern or classic shirts will work well.
For Women
For women, you can break down body shapes into five major classes
Rectangle: Women whose bodies are rectangular-shaped have a well-balanced weight. This type of body will appreciate a classic shirt.
Triangle: This body shape is also called “pear-shaped”. It is defined by a wider hip and bottom, slim shoulders, and a well-tuned waist. You can emphasize your toned waist by wearing slim-fit T-shirts.
Inverted Triangle: An inverted body features broad shoulders and a narrow bust with narrow hips. Straight-cut shirts will work well for an inverted triangle physique. Those who want to show off their shoulders can opt for a slim-fitted T-shirt.
Round: For women with a round body, a classic T-shirt is the best option to create a flattering look.
Hourglass: This body type features a narrow waist, equal hips, and bust. An hourglass body will love a classic or slim-fitting tee.
Five Tricks to Choose the Perfect T-shirt Size
It can be confusing to figure out what T-shirt size you should wear because there is so much confusion. Most likely, you will be in different sizes in different stores!
So how can you know which size is right for you? Here are some guidelines to help you decide if your t-shirt really fit.
1. Size / Tightness
The tee should not be too loose. It will make you look awkward and unnatural. Tees that are too tight can make your body look unflattering. For those who are small, a T-shirt with a fitted torso will be a better choice. Choose a structure that has more room for you if you’re bigger.
2. Shoulder Seams
How well the seams can determine how suitable a shirt fits at your shoulders. These seams should meet at the end of your shoulder, which is the top of your arm. If the meeting point extends past your upper arm, the shirt might be too large for you. Similarly, if they don’t meet at the ends of your shoulders, the shirt might be too small.
3. Length
The hem of the T-shirt should not rise above your belly if you lift your arms. Mostly, the tee’s hem should be lower than your hips. Of course, there are always exceptions. Some people, such as street dancers, prefer oversized tees.
4. Form
Many cheap T-shirts don’t have any shape. They can look unattractive because they feel like boxes when you put them in. Choose a T-shirt that follows the lines of your body more. Avoid tees whose shapes are like large squares.
Additional factors to be aware of:
- Examine the pockets for fraying and holes. Because some pockets are made with leftover or poor-quality cloth, it’s essential to check that they are durable.
- Look at the sewing on the buttons. If your shirt has buttons, make sure it is tight. Always ensure the shirt comes equipped with an extra button.
- Inspect the button holes. This is a critical inspection point if there are buttons on the shirt. You will want to make sure that the button fits correctly and that it isn’t too loose or too snug.
Final Words
In conclusion, choosing the right T-shirt size is important for both comfort and appearance. By accurately measuring your body and considering the fit and material of the T-shirt, you can find a size that fits you well and looks great. Keep in mind that different brands and styles may have different size charts, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific size chart for the T-shirt you are interested in.
If you want to learn more shopping tips, welcome to our website or leave a comment to communicate with us about your fashion ideas!
