T-Shirt Sizing by Brand Guide
Compare sizing across major t-shirt brands. Know which run small, which run large, and how to order the perfect fit.
Quick Sizing Reference
At a glance, here's how major t-shirt brands compare in terms of fit:
When in doubt, check chest width. The most reliable way to compare sizes across brands is to look at the actual chest measurement in inches. This eliminates guesswork regardless of whether a brand runs small or large.
How to Measure Yourself
To find your perfect size, you'll need two key measurements:
Alternative: Measure a Shirt You Like
Lay a t-shirt that fits you well flat on a table. Measure:
- Chest Width: From armpit seam to armpit seam across the front
- Body Length: From the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem
Compare these measurements to the size charts below to find your match.
Size chart measurements are typically garment measurements (the actual shirt), not body measurements. A 20" chest width means the shirt is 40" around (front + back).
Gildan Sizing
Classic, slightly boxy fit. The baseline for North American t-shirt sizing.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" | 28" |
| Body Length | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" |
Gildan 64000 (Softstyle): Runs slightly smaller and more fitted than the 5000. Consider sizing up if you prefer the classic Gildan fit.
Shop Gildan t-shirts in our collection.
Bella+Canvas Sizing
Modern fitted cut. Very soft Airlume cotton. Fashion-forward silhouette.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 16.5" | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" |
| Body Length | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" |
Most people who wear Large in Gildan need XL in Bella+Canvas for a similar fit. The fitted cut hugs the body more closely. Order samples if unsure.
Browse Bella+Canvas styles in our store.
Next Level Sizing
Premium fitted cut similar to Bella+Canvas. Soft combed cotton.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 16" | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" |
| Body Length | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" |
Next Level 6210 (CVC): Same sizing as the 3600 but with 60/40 cotton-poly blend. Slightly softer hand.
Comfort Colors Sizing
Very relaxed, boxy fit. Garment-dyed vintage look. Pre-shrunk.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" | 28" |
| Body Length | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" |
While measurements look similar to Gildan, Comfort Colors has a much boxier, wider body with less taper. The relaxed fit feels 1-2 sizes larger than standard brands. Most customers size down.
View our full Comfort Colors sizing guide for more details.
Hanes Sizing
Classic heavyweight fit. Similar to Gildan but slightly wider body.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 18.5" | 20.5" | 22.5" | 24.5" | 26.5" | 28.5" |
| Body Length | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" |
Hanes Nano-T 4980: Lightweight, softer than Beefy-T. Runs slightly smaller - between Gildan and Bella+Canvas fit.
Champion Sizing
Classic athletic cut. Slightly roomier in the shoulders.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" | 28" |
| Body Length | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" |
Brand Comparison Chart
Side-by-side comparison of Medium size across popular brands:
| Brand (Size M) | Chest Width | Body Length | Fit | Sizing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 5000 | 20" | 29" | Classic | True to Size |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | 20" | 29" | Fitted | Size Up |
| Next Level 3600 | 20" | 29" | Fitted | Size Up |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | 20" | 29" | Relaxed | Size Down |
| Hanes Beefy-T | 20.5" | 29" | Classic+ | True to Size |
| Champion T425 | 20" | 29" | Athletic | True to Size |
| American Apparel 2001 | 19" | 28" | Slim | Size Up |
Understanding the Comparison
Even when chest widths are similar, fit style matters:
- Fitted brands (Bella+Canvas, Next Level) have tapered waists and narrower sleeves, feeling tighter
- Classic brands (Gildan, Hanes) have straight bodies with more room through the torso
- Relaxed brands (Comfort Colors) have boxy shapes with no taper, feeling largest
When ordering multiple brands in one order, be aware that sizes won't be equivalent. A customer who wears Medium in Gildan may need Large in Bella+Canvas and Small in Comfort Colors to achieve the same fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bella+Canvas t-shirts generally run smaller than Gildan. They have a modern, fitted cut. If you wear a Large in Gildan, you may need an XL in Bella+Canvas for a similar fit. Order a size up if you prefer a looser fit.
Gildan is considered the baseline for t-shirt sizing in North America. Most other brands are compared to Gildan. Gildan has a classic, relaxed fit. Brands like Bella+Canvas run smaller (more fitted), while Comfort Colors runs larger (more relaxed).
Comfort Colors typically runs the largest among popular t-shirt brands. Their garment-dyed shirts have a relaxed, boxy fit. Most people size down one size when ordering Comfort Colors. Gildan Hammer and Carhartt also tend to run larger.
US and Canadian t-shirt sizing is essentially the same for lettered sizes (S, M, L, XL, etc.). The measurements are identical. The main difference is that some European or UK brands may use different sizing standards, so always check measurements rather than just size letters.
For a fitted look, order true to size in fitted brands like Bella+Canvas or Next Level. For relaxed brands like Gildan, order true to size for fitted or size down if you want slim fit. Always check chest width measurements to determine the best fit for your body.
100% cotton t-shirts typically shrink 5-10% on first wash, primarily in length. Pre-shrunk shirts shrink 2-3%. Cotton-polyester blends shrink less (3-5%). Garment-dyed shirts (like Comfort Colors) shrink minimally as they're pre-shrunk during the dyeing process.
Unisex sizes are designed to fit all body types with a straight, boxy cut. Women's (ladies) sizes are contoured with a tapered waist, shorter body, and shorter sleeves. Women typically size down 1-2 sizes in unisex compared to their ladies size.
Measure your chest at the widest point under your arms. For body length, measure from the highest point of your shoulder to where you want the shirt to end. Compare these measurements to the brand's size chart. When between sizes, size up for comfort or down for a fitted look.
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