Comfort Colors youth runs relaxed and slightly oversized compared to the label. The garment-dyed fabric gives these shirts a broken-in feel from the first wear, but it also means they can shrink slightly after the first wash. Here is every size broken down with exact measurements.
Comfort Colors Youth Size Chart: Every Size
| Size | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Fits Ages | Fits 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 |
Comfort Colors youth shirts (9018) are the go-to blank for camps, beach events, sorority and fraternity orders, and any situation where the vintage washed look matters. The fabric is 100% ringspun cotton that has been garment-dyed, which gives each shirt a unique, slightly faded character.
How Comfort Colors Compares to Other Brands
| Brand | Youth XL Chest (in) | Youth XL Length (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Colors | 34-36 | 25 | Relaxed, garment-dyed |
| Gildan | 34-36 | 25 | Boxy, generous |
| Bella+Canvas | 32-34 | 24.5 | Slim, modern |
| Next Level | 32-34 | 24 | Slim, fashion-forward |
| Hanes | 34-36 | 25 | Traditional, boxy |
Comfort Colors and Gildan run almost identically on the size chart. The difference is in the fabric weight and feel. Comfort Colors is heavier (5.4 oz vs Gildan Heavy Cotton's 5.3 oz) and the garment-dye process gives it a softer hand. Bella+Canvas and Next Level are noticeably narrower at the same labeled size.
The Shrinkage Factor
This is the biggest thing to know about Comfort Colors. Because the fabric is garment-dyed after construction, it can shrink about half a size after the first wash in warm or hot water. If a kid is right on the edge between two sizes, go up.
Cold water wash and tumble dry low will minimize shrinkage. But if the shirts are going to a summer camp where a parent is going to throw them in hot water with everything else, size up to be safe.
Who Should Order Comfort Colors Youth
Comfort Colors is the right blank when you want the shirt to look and feel like it has been owned for years. It is the most popular choice for summer camps, vacation bible school, family reunions, beach town shops, and any brand that wants a laid-back, vintage aesthetic.
It is also a strong choice for screen printing. The heavier fabric holds ink well and the slightly textured surface gives prints a more organic look than printing on a smooth, bright-white blank.
Which Comfort Colors Youth Size to Order
Measure the chest and match to the chart. If you are between sizes, go up because of the shrinkage factor. A Comfort Colors youth medium that measures 31 inches across the chest before washing might measure 30 inches after the first cycle.
For the transition from Comfort Colors youth XL to adult sizing, the chest measurements are similar but the body length jumps significantly. Our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide covers exactly where that crossover happens.
How does Comfort Colors youth sizing run?
Comfort Colors youth runs true to slightly generous before washing. After the first wash, expect about half a size of shrinkage in warm water. The fit is relaxed and boxy, similar to Gildan and Hanes. If you are used to slim-fit brands like Bella+Canvas, Comfort Colors will feel roomier at the same labeled size.
What size is Comfort Colors youth XL?
Comfort Colors youth XL measures 34 to 36 inches in the chest with a 25-inch body length before washing. It fits most kids ages 14 to 16 weighing 95 to 120 pounds. It runs the same as Gildan youth XL. See our Youth XL Size Chart for comparisons across all brands.
Does Comfort Colors run big in youth sizes?
Comfort Colors runs slightly generous before washing but shrinks about half a size after the first wash in warm water. The net result is usually true to size after one cycle. If you want a relaxed fit after washing, order your normal size. If you want it to fit snug after washing, do not size down. The shrinkage handles that for you.
Related Sizing Guides
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Hanes Youth Sizing Guide
- Next Level Youth Sizing Guide
- Nike Youth Sizing Guide
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- What Size Shirt for an 8 Year Old?
- How to Size Custom Shirts for a Youth Sports Team
Want That Vintage Look for Your Group?
Comfort Colors is our most requested blank for camps, events, and brand merch that needs to feel premium. We will help you pick the right colors, get the sizing dialed in, and produce a shirt your group will actually want to keep wearing. Start your order here.