Custom T-shirts are popular brand swag and merchandise for a reason — they’re comfortable, cool and the perfect canvas for just about any kind of design! But in order for a T-shirt to look great, it has to fit well. Looking for a T-shirt fit guide? Look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about how a T-shirt should fit. Our guide includes seven types of T-shirt fits — from standard to muscle fit — to help you find the perfect fit so that the T-shirt looks good on its wearer, appeals to customers and most importantly, communicates your brand’s values and identity.
Key takeaways
- Learn the seven types of T-shirt fits and their key features.
- Discover how the different parts of a T-shirt should fit and the standard measurements.
- There are different standard fits for men’s vs. women’s vs. kids’ T-shirts.
- Consider your brand and the complexity and size of your design when deciding the best T-shirt fit.
Source: T-shirt design by bo_rad via 99designs by Vista
Types of T-shirt fits
Here’s a quick guide to the different types of T-shirt fits:
1. Standard fit
A standard fit is a universal unisex T-shirt fit that’s somewhat fitted at the shoulders, sleeves and chest but hangs more loosely below. Generally, standard fit T-shirts are designed to fit most body types without being too snug or loose. This T-shirt fit is a reliable choice for everything from brand merch to custom photo gifts.
Source: Standard fit T-shirt via VistaPrint
2. Oversized fit
Oversized fit, also called relaxed, boxy or slouchy, is a roomier type of T-shirt fit that creates a baggy look and comfortable feel for its wearer. With a relaxed, oversized T-shirt fit, every part fits more loosely: the sleeves, chest, shoulders and torso.
Source: Oversized fit T-shirt via VistaPrint
3. Slim fit
Slim fit T-shirts are the opposite of slouchy fit — they’re tighter throughout the shoulders, chest and sleeves. Slim fit T-shirts are often made of softer materials than other types of T-shirts, as this counters the tighter fit and allows a greater range of motion.
Source: Slim fit T-shirt via VistaPrint
4. Athletic fit
Athletic fit T-shirts are similar to slim fit T-shirts in that they maintain a close, tight fit throughout. The difference between athletic fit T-shirts and most slim fit shirts is their material: athletic fit T-shirts are often made of moisture-wicking materials like polyester and spandex blends. Athletic fit is a great choice for sports T-shirts like soccer jerseys.
Source: Athletic fit T-shirt via VistaPrint
5. Missy fit
A missy fit T-shirt is a fitted women’s T-shirt type meant to accentuate female curves. Fitted through the chest, this T-shirt fit is often flared toward the hips, with curved side seams.
Source: Missy fit T-shirt via VistaPrint
6. Muscle fit
Muscle fit T-shirts allow wearers to show off their muscles. Muscle fit T-shirts often fit tightly around the sleeves and chest, but are a bit looser around the abdomen.
Source: Muscle fit T-shirt via VistaPrint
7. Cropped
Cropped T-shirts are T-shirts with short torsos that expose the wearer’s lower abdomen. They can fit similarly to a missy fit, fitted at the shoulders, chest and sleeves, or they can have a boxier fit, similar to a relaxed fit T-shirt but with a shorter length. Cropped T-shirts are a great choice for brands appealing to younger customers.
Source: Branded cropped T-shirt via VistaPrint
Always double-check specific T-shirt measurements so you know what you’re ordering!
How a T-shirt should fit
In the previous section, we defined different types of T-shirt fits, but what are the standard measurements for a T-shirt? In this section, we’ll be answering how long a T-shirt should be, how it should hang on the shoulders and how it should fit around the chest.
Source: Custom T-shirts via VistaPrint
Sleeves
A T-shirt’s sleeves should extend from the shoulder seam to about the mid-bicep. Generally, they should fit somewhat loosely, draping against the arm, but athletic and slim fit t-shirts can be more fitted. In any case, the sleeves should not be tight or constricting. Additionally, some slouchy or more fashion-forward fits may have slightly longer sleeves.
Shoulders
A T-shirt’s shoulder seams should land right about on top of the wearer’s shoulder bone. Just like there’s some room for variation with sleeve lengths, there’s some room for variation here — a T-shirt’s shoulders may fit more tightly or loosely, but generally, they should be about the width of the wearer’s shoulders and be fitted, but not snug.
Length
A standard T-shirt’s bottom hem hits at about the wearer’s hip. However, cropped t-shirts may be considerably shorter, and baggier fits may extend past the wearer’s hips.
Body/torso
T-shirts usually fit the wearer’s torso in a way that outlines the body without being skin-tight. That said, slim fit and athletic fit t-shirts tend to be more fitted, while slouchy t-shirts can have a boxier drape. Generally, a T-shirt should fit comfortably, allowing for easy movement.
Collar
A crew neck T-shirt’s collar should frame the neck, resting on the wearer’s collarbone. It should not be tight against their neck. A V-neck fits similarly, but may rest slightly below the wearer’s collarbone.
Chest
T-shirts are usually more fitted through the chest than the torso. A T-shirt shouldn’t be tight or restrictive, but should cling somewhat to the wearer’s chest. Keep in mind that T-shirts come in a range of fits, so you may opt for a looser or tighter fit in the chest.
Source: T-shirt design by torvs via 99designs by Vista
Standard measurements
When ordering T-shirts, you’ll usually find measurements for sleeve length, body width and length, full T-shirt length and a chest measurement.
For a standard T-shirt fit, a medium-sized adult shirt has the following measurements:
- Sleeves: 17 inches long
- Body length: 29 inches
- Body width: 20 inches
- Full T-shirt length: 29 inches
Women’s T-shirts tend to be smaller than men’s T-shirts and have more variation between the length and width. For comparison, here are the measurements for a medium missy T-shirt fit:
- Sleeves: 12 inches long
- Body length: 26¼ inches
- Body width: 17 inches
- Full body length: 26¼ inches
Audience
When choosing between types of T-shirt fits, like slim fit and standard fit, think about which would be the best fit (pun intended) for your audience. If you’re a more fashion-forward brand, your customers might prefer oversized, slim fit or cropped T-shirts. If you’re buying T-shirts for merch or an event, you may be better off choosing standard fit shirts, as these can be more universal.
Neckline
Different types of T-shirt necklines can affect its fit. Because a V-neck T-shirt dips a bit into the chest area, these T-shirts are often a bit tighter around the sleeves and looser around the chest. In contrast, crewneck T-shirts tend to fit more tightly, as the high neckline pulls the material in the chest and shoulders tighter.
Source: Custom T-shirts via VistaPrint
Men’s vs. women’s vs. kids’ T-shirt fits
As you plan your T-shirt run, keep in mind that men’s, women’s and kids’ T-shirts all fit a bit differently.
In general, women’s T-shirts have a tighter fit and shorter sleeves than men’s T-shirts. Women’s T-shirts also tend to be narrower in the shoulders and tapered from the waist, while men’s T-shirts have a roomier fit and straighter torso.
Source: Kids’ T-shirt design by kerineal via 99designs by Vista
Kids’ T-shirts are designed for children aged about six to 14. These unisex T-shirts have similar dimensions to adult men’s and unisex T-shirts, just to a smaller scale.
Source: Kids’ T-shirt design by ANAooo via 99design by Vista
T-shirts for toddlers and young children need to withstand active play. Because of this, they’re often made of more durable materials and have roomier cuts, allowing the wide range of movement small kids need.
Brand and design considerations for T-shirt fits
Which type of T-shirt is best for your brand? If you’re a fitness-focused brand like a gym or 5K, athletic fit T-shirts are the way to go. If the majority of your followers are fashion-forward young women, the right cut for your brand is cropped or a missy fit.
Source: Branded T-shirt with large design via VistaPrint
Your audience isn’t the only factor to consider, though. Designs of different dimensions will look better on certain T-shirt fits. For example, a large, busy design could overwhelm a slim fit tee, but have the perfect amount of space to spread out on a standard or oversized T-shirt fit. Or you might be designing T-shirts for kids, in which case you may want to create a prototype first to make sure the design isn’t too small and details don’t get lost when printed.
For everything you need to know about T-shirt design, read our ultimate guide to how to design a T-shirt.
Source: T-shirt design by dudeowl via 99designs by Vista
Get the perfect T-shirt fit
T-shirts are a super-fun choice for any small business, whether they’re your main merch or a cool giveaway. And remember, T-shirts come in lots of different fits, so be sure to choose the ones that fit your brand best!
VistaPrint offers T-shirt sizes ranging from 2XS to 5XL, making it easy to find the size and fit you need. You can also see how your design will look on a range of T-shirt styles and colors before you commit. Try out your design on custom hoodies and other apparel, too!
