Measuring your chest for a t-shirt takes 30 seconds and one piece of equipment: a flexible measuring tape. It is the single most accurate way to pick the right size, whether you are ordering for yourself, your kid, or a team of 50.
How to Measure Your Chest (Two Methods)
Method 1: Measure Your Body (Most Accurate)
Stand up straight. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep the tape snug but not tight. You should be able to slide one finger under the tape. Read the number. That is your chest measurement.
If you do not have a flexible measuring tape, use a piece of string or a phone charging cable. Wrap it around your chest, mark where it meets, then lay it flat against a ruler or yardstick.
Method 2: Measure a Shirt That Fits (Easiest)
Lay a t-shirt that fits well flat on a table. Smooth out any wrinkles. Measure straight across the chest from armpit seam to armpit seam. Double that number. That is the chest width of the shirt, which is what size charts list.
This method works best when you are comparing to a specific brand's size chart. If a Gildan youth medium measures 16 inches across (32 inches doubled), and your kid's shirt that fits well measures 15 inches across (30 inches doubled), your kid is between sizes and should probably go with the medium.
Where to Find Your Number on the Size Chart
Once you have your chest measurement, match it to the brand's size chart. Here is a quick reference for the most common brands:
Youth Sizes
| Size | Gildan / Hanes | Bella+Canvas / Next Level |
|---|---|---|
| Youth XS | 24-26 in | 22-24 in |
| Youth S | 28-30 in | 26-28 in |
| Youth M | 30-32 in | 28-30 in |
| Youth L | 32-34 in | 30-32 in |
| Youth XL | 34-36 in | 32-34 in |
Adult Sizes
| Size | Chest (in) |
|---|---|
| Adult S | 34-36 |
| Adult M | 38-40 |
| Adult L | 42-44 |
| Adult XL | 46-48 |
| Adult 2XL | 50-52 |
For the full size chart with body length, shoulder width, and sleeve measurements, see our Adult Small Size Chart or our Youth XL Size Chart.
Common Measuring Mistakes
Measuring too tight. If the tape digs into your skin, you are measuring too tight. The measurement will read 1 to 2 inches smaller than your actual size, and the shirt you order will be too tight. Keep it snug but breathable.
Measuring over a jacket or hoodie. Measure over a single layer (a t-shirt or bare skin). Measuring over a sweatshirt adds 2 to 4 inches and will give you a shirt that is too big.
Measuring at the waist instead of the chest. The fullest part of the chest (across the nipple line) is the correct spot. Measuring at the belly button gives a different number that does not correspond to t-shirt size charts.
Only measuring the chest. Chest is the primary number, but body length matters too. A shirt can fit perfectly across the chest and still be too short or too long. If you are between sizes in chest width, body length is the tiebreaker. Taller people should size up.
Measuring Kids
Measuring a kid's chest follows the same process, but kids squirm. Here is the easiest approach: lay a shirt that fits on a table and measure pit to pit. Double it. Match to the brand chart. Done in 15 seconds, no squirming required.
If you do not have a shirt that fits well, use the flexible tape method while the kid is standing still (good luck) or while they are distracted by a screen. The chest measurement is the same spot: around the fullest part, under the arms.
For age-specific sizing, see our guides for 6 year olds, 8 year olds, 10 year olds, and 12 year olds.
Measuring for a Team
For team orders, the best method is a try-on session with sample shirts at practice or a meeting. If that is not possible, send a measurement form asking each person (or parent) to measure their chest and report the number in inches. Assign sizes based on measurements, not based on what people think they wear.
People are wrong about their own size about 30% of the time. Measurements are wrong less than 15% of the time. For the full team sizing breakdown, see our guide on how many shirts to order and our custom team sizing guide for coaches.
How do I measure my chest for a t-shirt?
Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest (across the nipple line, under the arms, across the shoulder blades). Keep it snug but not tight. Read the number. That is your chest measurement. Match it to the brand's size chart. If you do not have a tape, measure a shirt that fits well from pit to pit and double the number.
What does chest width mean on a size chart?
Chest width on a size chart is the measurement from one side of the shirt to the other, laid flat, at the armpit level. It is half of the full chest circumference. When a size chart says "18 inches" for chest width, that means the full chest measurement is 36 inches. Some charts list the full circumference, others list the half measurement. Check whether the chart says "chest width" (half) or "chest circumference" (full).
Should I measure my chest or a shirt that fits?
Both work. Measuring your body is more accurate for finding your true size across brands. Measuring a shirt that fits is easier and better for comparing to a specific brand's size chart. If you are ordering from a brand you have never worn, measure your body. If you are reordering from a brand you already own, measure the shirt.
Related Sizing Guides
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Adult Small Size Chart
- Youth XL Size Chart
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- What Size Shirt for a 10 Year Old?
- How Many Shirts to Order for a Team
- Youth vs Adult T-Shirt Sizing Guide
Not Sure What Size to Order?
Send us your chest measurement and we will tell you exactly what size to get in whatever brand you want. Start your order here.