Comfort Colors adult 1717 runs S through 4XL, with flat body widths from 17.5 to 29 inches on the official spec sheet. Youth 9018 runs YXS through YXL. Comfort Colors fits more relaxed than Gildan or Bella+Canvas because of its garment-dye process, and the adult and youth charts use different measurement types, so do not compare them raw. Here are both charts in full, with the source and the fit notes you need before you order.
Comfort Colors Adult Size Chart (1717)
| Size | Body Width, laid flat (in) | Body Length (in) | Sleeve (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 17.5 | 26.6 | 8 |
| M | 19.5 | 28 | 8.25 |
| L | 21.25 | 29.4 | 9 |
| XL | 23 | 30.75 | 9.5 |
| 2XL | 25 | 31.6 | 9.75 |
| 3XL | 27 | 32.5 | 9.75 |
| 4XL | 29 | 33.5 | not listed |
All measurements above are body width laid flat, taken from the official Comfort Colors 1717 spec sheet, not fits-chest circumference. To estimate the actual circumference around the body, double the flat number. The sheet itself lists a 2 inch tolerance on both dimensions, so a shirt can measure up to 2 inches larger or smaller than the chart in either direction and still be within spec. That tolerance comes from the garment-dye process, where fabric is dyed and tumbled after the shirt is already cut and sewn, not before. 1717 is a 6.1 oz ring spun cotton fabric.
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Get a Free QuoteComfort Colors Youth Size Chart (9018)
| Size | Chest, fits (in) | Body Length (in) | Age | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 24-26 | 18 | 4-5 | 35-45 |
| YS | 28-30 | 20 | 6-7 | 45-55 |
| YM | 30-32 | 22 | 8-10 | 55-75 |
| YL | 32-34 | 23 | 10-12 | 75-95 |
| YXL | 34-36 | 25 | 14-16 | 95-120 |
The youth chart uses fits-chest circumference ranges, the measurement of the body the shirt is meant to fit, while the adult chart above uses laid-flat garment width. These are two different measurement types, so do not compare a youth chest number directly against an adult flat-width number. If you want to compare them, double the adult flat width first to get an estimated circumference, then compare that against the youth fits-chest range. Youth 9018 is a lighter 5.4 oz fabric compared to the adult 1717's 6.1 oz.
How Comfort Colors Fits vs Gildan and Bella+Canvas
Comfort Colors runs relaxed to oversized compared to the other two major blank brands. Per the live adult small chart, Comfort Colors adult small fits 36-38 inches in the chest, while Gildan adult small fits 34-36 inches, a full 2 inches tighter at the same size label. Bella+Canvas runs slimmer still, since its sizing is built around a closer, more fitted cut than either Gildan or Comfort Colors. If you normally wear a Gildan medium and want a similar amount of room in Comfort Colors, you may find Comfort Colors already runs roomy enough at the same size, or even a size down.
Shrinkage After Washing
Comfort Colors garments shrink about half a size after the first warm wash. This is normal for garment-dyed cotton and is factored into how the brand is worn, not a defect. If you are ordering for a team or event where shirts will see repeated washing, size up slightly or plan for the fit to tighten a little after the first wash rather than staying exactly at the laid-flat measurement on the sheet.
Who Should Choose Comfort Colors
Comfort Colors is a strong pick for anyone who wants a vintage, broken-in look right out of the bag rather than a crisp new-shirt feel. It is a common choice for summer camps and youth programs because the relaxed fit is comfortable for kids moving around all day, and the heavier fabric holds up to repeated wear and washing. The 6.1 oz adult fabric and 5.4 oz youth fabric both take screen printing ink well, which is part of why the brand is popular for camp, church, and event shirts where a soft, worn-in graphic look is the goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Comfort Colors run big?
Yes, compared to Gildan. Comfort Colors adult small fits 36-38 inches in the chest per the live size chart, while Gildan adult small fits 34-36 inches. The garment-dye process also gives Comfort Colors a relaxed, slightly oversized feel at the same size label.
What size Comfort Colors should I get?
Check the flat body width on the official 1717 spec sheet and double it to estimate circumference, then compare that to your actual chest measurement. Because Comfort Colors runs roomy and shrinks about half a size after the first wash, many people order their normal size rather than sizing up.
What is the difference between Comfort Colors 1717 and 9018?
1717 is the adult style, a 6.1 oz ring spun cotton shirt sized S through 4XL using laid-flat body width measurements. 9018 is the youth style, a lighter 5.4 oz fabric sized YXS through YXL using fits-chest circumference ranges. Both are garment-dyed.
How much does Comfort Colors shrink?
About half a size after the first warm wash. This is normal for the garment-dye process used on both the 1717 adult style and the 9018 youth style, and it is worth accounting for when sizing shirts that will be washed repeatedly.
Related Sizing Guides
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
- Adult Small Size Chart
- What Size Shirt for an 8 Year Old?
- How to Measure Chest for a T-Shirt
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella+Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Adult Medium Size Chart
- What Size Shirt for an 11 Year Old?
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