The Ultimate Guide to T-Shirt Sizing and Fit

Straight to the point

• Understanding t-shirt fit types and sizing
• How to reduce t-shirt size-related returns
• Common t-shirt sizing complaints & how to avoid them
• Maintaining t-shirts as top sellers

The modern t-shirt as we know it was likely created during the Spanish-American war of 1898. Later produced for the U.S. Marine Corp in 1901 by Hanes, early t-shirts served strictly as undergarments. It wasn’t until Marlon Brando donned a t-shirt in the 1951 film A Streetcar Named Desire that the t-shirt began gaining mainstream popularity. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, t-shirts are a staple in wardrobes worldwide. They can be seen everywhere from department stores to the runways of Europe, and with roughly 2 billion t-shirts sold every year, there’s a good chance you’re wearing one as you read this!

If you manage an e-commerce store, chances are you sell t-shirts. While t-shirt fit and sizing may seem relatively straightforward, it’s one of the biggest factors affecting sales and returns in fashion e-commerce. 

In this guide, we’ll cover standard t-shirt fit and sizing, common sizing issues, and best practices to ensure your shoppers order the right size.

Let’s get into it!

Understanding T-Shirt Fit Types and Sizing

Despite being a very simple garment, there’s a lot of variation in t-shirt fit and sizing. T-shirt fits range from slim to oversize, and everything in between. In terms of sizing, differences between brands as well as regional sizing differences, make it virtually impossible for consumers to be certain of what t-shirt size to order. 

A Guide to T-Shirt Fit Types

Different t-shirt fits cater to different body types and style preferences. If you sell more than one fit type in your e-commerce store, it’s important that the differences between fit types are clear to your customers. 

Here’s a look at standard fit t-shirt fit types. Keep in mind that the list below is just a generalization. Your store may sell other fits or have different types than those we’ve listed here. 

1. Classic Fit

Classic, or standard fit, t-shirts are what most people think of when they think of t-shirts. They’re slightly loose but not too baggy, making them a versatile piece in anyone’s wardrobe. Classic fit t-shirts tend to be most people’s go-to for casual and everyday wear.

2. Slim Fit

Slim fit t-shirts are tighter around the chest and waist for a more tailored look. They’re ideal for lean body types or shoppers who prefer a snug fit.

3. Oversized Fit

Oversized t-shirts are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and are definitely trending right now. They’re defined by their looser fit, with longer sleeves and wider torso. The oversized fit is popular for streetwear and relaxed styles, as well as unisex designs. Oversized t-shirts are also often made of heavier weight fabrics.

4. Athletic Fit

Designed to accommodate more muscular body types, athletic fits are usually tapered at the waist with more room in the chest and arms. They tend to be made of stretchy fabrics for increased flexibility and movement, and are a popular choice in gyms and weight rooms. 

5. Boxy Fit

Similar to oversized t-shirts, boxy fits are wider cut and more relaxed. However, they tend to be shorter in length with a more square look. 

Now that you understand the differences in key t-shirt fits, let’s talk about sizing.

T-Shirt Sizes: Standard Measurements & Variations

As we’ve seen, not all t-shirts are created equal. T-shirt sizes are influenced by brand, region, and cut. It’s important to remember that truly standardized sizing doesn’t exist in the fashion world, but there are common similarities. With that in mind, take the information below with a grain of salt. 

Men’s/Unisex T-Shirt Size Chart

• Men’s sizes are often longer and boxier, designed with broader shoulders and a straighter cut throughout the torso.
• Unisex t-shirts typically follow men’s sizing but may have slightly shorter sleeves and a more neutral cut.

Women’s T-Shirt Size Chart

• Women’s t-shirts typically have a shorter, more contoured fit designed for curves.
• Some brands offer fitted, relaxed, or boyfriend-style (looser) t-shirts for different preferences.
• Many brands don’t offer unisex t-shirts in very small sizes, making women’s XS and S crucial for size inclusivity. 

Key Differences Between Men’s/Unisex & Women’s T-Shirt Sizing

Regional Differences in T-Shirt Sizes

• US & UK Sizes: Typically run larger than European and Asian sizes.
• European Sizes: Tend to be slimmer and more fitted.
• Asian Sizes: Usually one to two sizes smaller than US equivalents.

If your store caters to international customers, providing a size conversion chart is crucial for reducing confusion and preventing returns.

Because of the variations in cut, the same size t-shirt can have very different garment measurements depending on the fit type. For example, an oversize t-shirt will be much bigger than a slim t-shirt even though they are meant to fit the same body. Customer preference plays a huge role here, and it’s your job to make sure your shoppers make the right choice. 

With that being said, when it comes to making sure customers are ordering the right size t-shirt, each size’s specific measurements aren’t nearly as important as communicating those measurements to your customers. To reduce returns and exchanges, you need to provide as much information as possible for shoppers to make a confident purchase.

How to Reduce T-Shirt Size-Related Returns

1. Provide a Size Chart

When shoppers are unsure of what size to order, the first thing they typically do is look for a size chart. A well-organized size chart will give them clear information about garment and body measurements, but isn’t very effective if they don’t have access to a measuring tape. 

As a best practice, make sure your size chart is mobile friendly. Since over 60% of online shopping happens on mobile devices, your store’s mobile experience is crucial. Make sure your t-shirt size charts are responsive and easy to read on smaller screens.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Clothing Size Charts for Fashion E-commerce

2. Add Relevant Sizing Information in Product Descriptions

Your store’s product descriptions are a great place to add important sizing information. If your t-shirts run small or large, are made of stretchy fabrics, or shrink after washing, your product descriptions are where to provide those details. 

You can also give sizing advice to help shoppers pick out their size, for example, “our shirts run small, order your regular size for a snug fit or a size up for a looser fit.”

3. Use Real Customer Reviews & Fit References

As is the case with your product descriptions, you want to give your shoppers as much information as possible to make an informed decision. To that end, nothing is better than feedback from previous customers. Encourage customers to upload photos and include their height/weight in reviews to give future buyers a better idea of how the t-shirt fits.

4. Offer Interactive Size Recommendations

Implementing an easy-to-use size recommendation tool is the easiest way to ensure your customers are purchasing the right size. Based on things like height, weight, age, and fit preferences, these tools can quickly guide customers toward the right size. 

Common T-Shirt Sizing Complaints & How to Avoid Them

Incorrect sizing is the number one reason for returns in fashion e-commerce, and they’re a major headache. Here are some suggestions to tackle common customer complaints:

Complaint: “The t-shirt was too small!”

Solution: Provide exact measurements in inches and centimeters, along with other important fit and fabric details. 

Complaint: “It looked different on the model.”

Solution: Offer multiple product images and videos showing the fit on different body types.

Complaint: “The size chart was confusing.”

Solution: Keep size charts clear, visual, and mobile-friendly. If possible, opt for a size recommendation tool.

Complaint: “I ordered my usual size, but it doesn’t fit!”

Solution: Add a brand sizing disclaimer explaining if your sizes run small, large, or true to size. Encourage customer reviews that mention fit and body type (you could even work this into your marketing strategy by offering discount codes for customers that leave reviews).

Maintaining T-Shirts As Top Sellers

T-shirts are big business worldwide. As a versatile garment with plenty of variation in sizing and fit, there’s a t-shirt out there for everyone. But making sure your customers are able to find the right t-shirt for them can be tricky, and in e-commerce, getting sizing right is the difference between a sale and a return.

If you want a slice of the global t-shirt pie, make sure your customers can find their perfect fit. Provide details about sizing and fit and consider implementing a size recommendation tool if you don’t already offer one. 

For other tips to improve your store’s performance make sure to check out our article with 9 essential KPIs you should be tracking.