A Guide for How to Measure a T-Shirt

Having precise t-shirt measurements on your store is vital—it contributes to your store’s credibility and customer satisfaction.

T-shirt sizes vary a lot from brand to brand, and that’s often confusing for shoppers. That’s why “how to measure a t-shirt” is one of the most commonly asked questions.

Providing accurate measurements lets customers know exactly what they’re getting and reduces returns, enhancing overall business efficiency.

So, if you’re selling custom t-shirts online, knowing how to measure them properly is a must. Here’s a simple guide to help you do it right.

Key t-shirt measurements

Precise measurements are the foundation for a good fit. These measurements determine how the garment drapes on the body and how happy your customers will be with the shirts they get.

You can find the length and width measurements of each shirt in the size chart on its product page.

Source: Women’s Fashion Fit T-Shirt on Printful catalog

Please note that product measurements are provided by our suppliers and may vary by up to 2″ (5 cm). We recommend ordering a sample of the shirts you want to sell and measuring them yourself.

When taking measurements, it’s important to lay the shirt on a flat surface so it doesn’t stretch or move around while you’re measuring.

Also, ensure you’re not pulling on the fabric because that will give you inaccurate numbers.

Here are the measurements people shopping online will appreciate and how to take them.

Length

Source: Printful

To measure the length, lay out the shirt on a flat surface and measure the distance from the highest point of the shoulder down to the t-shirt’s bottom seam.

Width

Source: Printful

To get the chest width, measure from the bottom of one armpit to the other.

Additional measurements

The length and width are the key measurements. To enhance the shopping experience and ensure your customers get the right size, you can add the following additional measurements.

Waist

Source: Printful

Measure the waist area by placing your measuring tape from one outer edge to the other.

Hem

Source: Printful

To find out how wide the bottom seam is, measure from one side of the shirt to the other while dragging your measuring tape by the bottom hem.

Neck to shoulder

Source: Printful

Measure from the middle of the neckline to the highest point of the shoulder, to the tip of the shoulder.

Shoulder width

Source: Printful

To get the shoulder width, measure the distance from one tip of the shoulder to the other.

Sleeve length

Source: Printful

Measure from the tip of the shoulder to the sleeve opening.

Sleeve cuff

Source: Printful

Measure the sleeve opening by laying the shirt on a flat surface, measuring the sleeve cuff, and multiplying it by two.

T-shirt fit

What do you think is the most important aspect of a shirt? Color and design are key, of course. But the unsung hero of the perfect tee is the fit. 

In the t-shirt world, there are three main fits to consider: regular, fashionable, and relaxed. Each one offers a different feel and style, shaping how the t-shirt looks and feels when you wear it.

The regular fit, as the name suggests, is the standard t-shirt style that sits comfortably on the body and is not closely form-fitting. The fashion fit, on the other hand, is a little more fitted, hugging the body for a sleeker look. And the relaxed fit drapes loosely around the body for a laid-back, casual comfort.

Each fit has its own unique attributes and appeals to different personal tastes and body types. In the sections to follow, we’ll delve into each fit in more detail.

Read also: 6 Tactics to Increase Your T-Shirt Business Profit Margin

Regular fit

When talking about t-shirts, you’ll often hear the term “regular fit.” Simply put, a regular fit t-shirt, also known as a standard fit, is designed to hang loosely on the body, providing a comfortable and relaxed feel. It’s not too tight or too baggy, striking a balance that suits most body shapes.

The key to a standard-fit t-shirt is its cut. It’s generally straight-sided, meaning the chest, waist, and bottom hem measurements are similar. The sleeves usually have a moderate length that falls around the middle of the upper arm, providing ample room for movement.

A standard-fit t-shirt is a go-to option for those seeking a casual, easy-going look. It’s well-suited for everyday wear and versatile enough to be paired with various outfits. 

Best standard fit t-shirts

We’ve rounded up three of the best t-shirts you can design and add to your store. Unless you have a predominantly male audience, we recommend picking unisex shirts to appeal to a wider demographic. 

Unisex Organic Cotton T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella STTU755

This t-shirt is made from 100% organic ring-spun cotton. Fabric made from ringspun cotton is considered superior to cotton produced through other processes because the finished product is finer, softer, and more durable.

Note that we show the EU sizes for Stanley/Stella products. The sizes correspond to a smaller size in the US market, so US customers should order a size up.

Unisex Staple T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3001

The fabric is soft and lightweight and will feel pleasant on the skin. This shirt is also made from ring-spun cotton or, depending on the color, a cotton and polyester blend. If you’re curious about the proportions, you can check out its product page description.

Thanks to its fabric, this is one of the best t-shirts for printing. Plus, the fabric’s been pre-shrunk to reduce the shrinking that naturally occurs when washing and drying garments.

Men’s Classic Tee | Gildan 5000

This shirt’s made from pre-shrunk, durable cotton that’s heavier than both previous t-shirt materials. That leads to a more structured look on the body.

Read also: Custom Dad Shirt Ideas for Father’s Day

Now that we’ve established what’s a standard t-shirt, let’s move on to the equally popular fitted t-shirt.

Fashion fit

Unlike traditional straight, boxy t-shirts, a fashion-fit t-shirt, also known as a fitted t-shirt, is designed to hug the body a bit more closely. The sleeves are typically shorter, the body’s a bit longer, and the fit is generally more tapered.

This type of fit is enhancing the wearer’s physique, emphasizing the chest and arms by reducing excess fabric that can make a t-shirt look loose-fitting. The result is a more modern look that many people prefer, especially those looking for a slightly more dressed-up version of the casual tee.

Fashion-fit shirts are perfect for people who want to look good and feel comfy. They’re a step up from your basic tee, giving you a sharper, trendier look. But they’re still just as comfortable. 

Let’s move on to three fashion-fit shirts that would be a great addition to your store.

Best fashion fit t-shirts

Here are our picks for fitted shirts for both men and women. To find more t-shirts for your store, check out our product catalog.

Read also: How to Price Custom Shirts

Women’s Fashion Fit T-Shirt | Gildan 880

This shirt has a semi-contoured silhouette that is form-fitting, but the fabric gives into movement easily. This shirt is flattering and comfortable.

Women’s Fitted Eco Tee | Stanley/Stella STTW032

Printful customers praise this tee for accentuating the body while remaining comfortable. That’s thanks to the feminine-cut construction and ring-spun cotton fabric, which is soft and lightweight. 

Note that this fabric isn’t pre-shrunk, so it will get smaller after a wash. That's why we recommend ordering a size up.

Men’s Fitted T-Shirt | Next Level 3600

This t-shirt’s well-suited for men who want to emphasize their form. The construction’s creating a fitted look but doesn’t restrict movements. The fabric is soft, medium-weight, and pre-shrunk to maintain its shape after washing.

Next, let’s explore loose-fit shirts: what they are, how they look, and some examples of relaxed shirts you can design with Printful.

Relaxed/loose fit

A “relaxed” or “loose” fit is another popular choice. This type of fit is all about comfort and casual style. A loose-fit t-shirt is designed to hang loosely on the body rather than clinging or hugging the contours. It provides ample room around the chest, waist, and arms, ensuring unrestricted movement.

For many, the appeal lies in its laid-back vibe, making it a go-to choice for casual, everyday wear. But beyond style, it’s also about feeling free and easy in your clothes. The relaxed fit means you won’t feel tightness around your body, making it a comfortable choice for longer wear.

Loose-fit t-shirts suit various body types and can be styled in a number of different ways. They encapsulate an easy, breezy fashion.

Best relaxed-fit t-shirts

Here are some of our favorite relaxed-fit shirts you can design and start selling today.

Women’s Relaxed T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 6400

The fabric and construction make this shirt a great choice for casual or business casual wear. Thanks to the pre-shrunk fabric, the shirt will keep a relaxed fit wash after wash.

Read also: Mom Shirt Ideas for the Best Moms in the World

Lightweight Cotton T-Shirt | OGB-910

Due to the construction of this tee, it’ll look good on both men and women. The material’s a lightweight, breathable cotton that will feel soft on the skin and make the wearer comfortable.

Unisex Performance Crew Neck T-Shirt | A4 N3142

This tee will keep the wearer cool and dry through any activity. It’s made from premium moisture-wicking fabric with odor resistance, stain release, and UV protection for dynamic indoor and outdoor adventures. 

Design this tee with our newest t-shirt printing technique: the durable, crack-resistant direct-to-film (DTF) print.

Read also: DTG vs. DTF Printing: Which Method Is Better for Your Designs? 

Conclusion

Armed with the knowledge of t-shirt measurements and their relevance, you have the power to transform your store’s offerings and delight your customers. Build trust and credibility by ensuring that shoppers know exactly what they’re getting. 

Whether it’s the regular, fashion, or relaxed fit, understanding these styles allows you to curate a diverse and appealing collection that caters to different tastes and body types. 

So, embrace the insights shared in this blog and make waves in the world of t-shirts, one accurate measurement at a time. 

Read also: Crafting Your Success: How to Develop a Winning T-Shirt Business Plan