Adult small is the first size in the adult range for most blank shirt brands. It fits a 34 to 36 inch chest with a 27 to 28 inch body length. But the exact measurements vary by brand, and some brands run noticeably slimmer than others. Here is every major brand's adult small measurements in one place.
Adult Small Size Chart by Brand
| Brand | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Shoulder Width (in) | Sleeve Length (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 5000 | 34-36 | 28 | 18 | 8 | Boxy, traditional |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | 34-36 | 28 | 17 | 8 | Slim, modern |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | 36-38 | 28 | 19 | 8.5 | Relaxed, oversized |
| Next Level 3600 | 34-36 | 27 | 17.5 | 7.5 | Slim, fashion |
| Hanes 5250 | 34-36 | 28 | 18 | 8 | Boxy, traditional |
| Fruit of the Loom | 34-36 | 28 | 18 | 8 | Boxy, budget |
Notice that Comfort Colors adult small runs 2 inches wider in the chest than Gildan and Bella+Canvas. That is because Comfort Colors is garment-dyed after construction, which gives the fabric a relaxed, broken-in fit. If you normally wear adult small in Gildan, you might find Comfort Colors adult small has more room than expected.
Bella+Canvas and Next Level are the two slim-fit brands. Same chest width as Gildan, but narrower shoulders and a slightly shorter body in Next Level. If you want a fitted look, these are the brands to choose. If you want a relaxed fit, Gildan, Hanes, or Comfort Colors are safer.
Who Fits Adult Small
Adult small fits most people with a chest measurement of 34 to 36 inches. That typically means:
Men: Slim to average build, 5 foot 6 to 5 foot 10, 130 to 155 pounds. Adult small is the right starting point for lean men who do not want excess fabric around the torso.
Women: Average to athletic build. Many women prefer the fit of a unisex adult small over a women's cut. The body length is longer (28 inches vs 25 inches in a women's small), which some women prefer for a casual, untucked look.
Older teenagers: Ages 16 and up who have outgrown youth XL. The chest width is similar, but adult small adds 3 inches of body length. See our Youth XL vs Adult Small comparison for the exact transition point.
Adult Small vs Youth XL
This is the most common sizing question we get. Adult small and youth XL overlap in chest width (34-36 inches in most brands), but adult small is 3 inches longer in the body and has wider shoulders. They are designed for different body proportions.
| Measurement | Youth XL | Adult Small | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest width | 34-36 in | 34-36 in | Same |
| Body length | 25 in | 28 in | +3 in |
| Shoulder width | 16-17 in | 18-19 in | +1.5-2 in |
| Sleeve length | 7.5 in | 8 in | +0.5 in |
These measurements use Gildan as the baseline. Other brands follow a similar pattern. For the full youth XL chart across all brands, see our Youth XL Size Chart.
Adult Small vs Adult Medium
Adult medium adds about 4 inches in the chest (38-40 inches) and 1 inch in body length (29 inches). If adult small is snug across the chest, adult medium is the next step. Do not skip to adult large. The jump from small to large adds 8 inches of chest width, which is too much for most people on the border between small and medium.
Which Brand to Choose in Adult Small
If you want a fitted look: Bella+Canvas 3001 or Next Level 3600. Slim through the chest, soft fabric, modern cut.
If you want a classic fit: Gildan 5000 or Hanes 5250. Boxy, generous, reliable for screen printing.
If you want a relaxed, vintage feel: Comfort Colors 1717. Runs roomier, garment-dyed, premium hand feel. Note it can shrink slightly after the first wash.
If you want the cheapest option: Gildan 5000 or Fruit of the Loom. Both are budget-friendly and print well.
What size is adult small?
Adult small measures 34 to 36 inches in the chest with a 27 to 28 inch body length in most brands. It fits most people in the 130 to 155 pound range with a slim to average build. Comfort Colors adult small runs 2 inches wider than Gildan and Bella+Canvas.
What is adult small in numbers?
In Gildan: 34-36 inch chest, 28 inch body length, 18 inch shoulder width. In Bella+Canvas: 34-36 inch chest, 28 inch body length, 17 inch shoulder width. In Next Level: 34-36 inch chest, 27 inch body length, 17.5 inch shoulder width. The chest is consistent across brands. The body length and shoulder width vary by up to 1.5 inches.
Is adult small the same as youth XL?
No. The chest width overlaps (34-36 inches in both), but adult small is 3 inches longer in the body and 2 inches wider in the shoulders. They are designed for different body proportions. A teenager who fits youth XL in the chest may not need the extra length and shoulder width of adult small. See our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide for the full breakdown.
What is adult small equivalent to in women's sizes?
Adult small in unisex shirts (Gildan, Bella+Canvas) is closest to a women's medium or large depending on the brand. The chest width is similar, but unisex adult small is 3 inches longer in the body than a women's small. Many women prefer unisex adult small for a relaxed, oversized look. See our Women's Small vs Men's Small comparison for more details.
Related Sizing Guides
- Youth XL vs Adult Small: What's the Difference
- Youth XL Size Chart: Complete Measurements
- What Size Is 14-16 Youth in Adults?
- Women's Small vs Men's Small
- Boys XL vs Men's Small
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Youth vs Adult T-Shirt Sizing Guide
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