Nike youth runs slim and true to size, similar to Bella+Canvas and Next Level. If you are used to the boxy fit of Gildan or Hanes, Nike will feel noticeably narrower through the chest and shorter in the body at the same labeled size. Here is how Nike stacks up against the most common blank shirt brands.
Nike Youth vs Blank Shirt Brands: Size Comparison
| Brand | Youth XL Chest (in) | Youth XL Length (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | 33-35 | 24 | Athletic, slim |
| Gildan | 34-36 | 25 | Boxy, generous |
| Bella+Canvas | 32-34 | 24.5 | Slim, modern |
| Comfort Colors | 34-36 | 25 | Relaxed, garment-dyed |
| Next Level | 32-34 | 24 | Slim, fashion-forward |
| Hanes | 34-36 | 25 | Traditional, boxy |
Nike lands right between the slim brands (Bella+Canvas, Next Level) and the boxy brands (Gildan, Hanes, Comfort Colors). A kid who wears youth XL in Gildan may need the same size in Nike, but the fit will feel tighter through the chest and closer to the body. Nike designs for athletic movement, not for a loose, relaxed hang.
Nike Youth Size Chart
| Nike Size | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Fits Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 23-25 | 17.5 | 4-5 |
| YS | 27-29 | 19.5 | 6-7 |
| YM | 29-31 | 21.5 | 8-10 |
| YL | 31-33 | 23 | 10-12 |
| YXL | 33-35 | 24 | 14-16 |
Nike uses performance fabrics (Dri-FIT, polyester blends) that do not shrink the way cotton does. Once you get the right size, it stays that size wash after wash. That is a real advantage over garment-dyed cotton blanks like Comfort Colors where you need to account for shrinkage.
When Nike Youth Sizing Matters
Nike youth sizing matters most when you are ordering custom shirts and comparing your kid's Nike size to a blank shirt brand. A kid who wears Nike youth large (31 to 33 inch chest) would fit youth large in Bella+Canvas (30 to 32 inches) but might need to stay in youth medium in Gildan (30 to 32 inches in Gildan YM) because Gildan's generous cut compensates.
The reverse also applies. If you are used to ordering Gildan youth medium for a kid and then buy them a Nike shirt, that same kid might need Nike youth large. The Nike fit is more tailored.
Which Brand to Choose
If you want a Nike-like athletic fit in a blank shirt for custom printing, Bella+Canvas and Next Level are the closest match. If you want a looser, more relaxed fit, go with Gildan, Hanes, or Comfort Colors.
For the youth-to-adult transition in any brand, our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide covers exactly where that crossover happens. The transition point is similar across all brands, including Nike.
How does Nike youth sizing run?
Nike youth runs slim and true to size with an athletic cut. It is narrower through the chest and slightly shorter in body length than boxy brands like Gildan and Hanes. Nike sizing is closest to Bella+Canvas and Next Level. If switching from Gildan to Nike, stay at the same size but expect a tighter fit.
What size is Nike youth XL?
Nike youth XL measures approximately 33 to 35 inches in the chest with a 24-inch body length. It fits most kids ages 14 to 16. It is slightly narrower than Gildan youth XL (34 to 36 inches) but similar to Bella+Canvas youth XL (32 to 34 inches). See our Youth XL Size Chart for the full comparison.
Does Nike run big or small in youth sizes?
Nike runs true to size with a slim, athletic cut. It does not run big or small, but it fits differently than boxy brands. A kid who wears a loose youth medium in Gildan may find Nike youth medium fits snugly. The measurements are similar but the cut is more tailored.
Related Sizing Guides
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
- Hanes Youth Sizing Guide
- Next Level Youth Sizing Guide
- Under Armour Youth Sizing Guide
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- How to Size Custom Shirts for Youth Sports Teams
Need Custom Shirts With an Athletic Fit?
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