Blog — sizing

A parent's honest guide to the best kids clothing brands in 2026, from everyday basics and sustainable picks to the best blank tees for custom printing.

Most 13 year olds wear youth XL, with taller or broader kids moving into adult small. At 13, kids enter the first year of the youth-to-adult transition, a year earlier than most parents expect, so the right size depends on chest measurement and height, not just age. Shirt Sizes for 13 Year Olds by Brand Brand Youth XL Chest (in) Adult Small Chest (in) Best Fit for Average 13yr Gildan 34-36 34-36 Youth XL Bella+Canvas 32-34 34-36 Youth XL or Adult S Comfort Colors 34-36 36-38 Youth XL Next Level 32-34 34-36 Youth XL or Adult S Hanes 34-36 34-36...

Most 11 year olds wear youth medium or youth large depending on brand and build. At 11, many kids are just starting a growth spurt, so the right size depends more on current chest measurement and height than on age alone. Shirt Sizes for 11 Year Olds by Brand Brand Youth Medium Chest (in) Youth Large Chest (in) Best Fit for Average 11yr Gildan 30-32 32-34 Youth Medium or Large Bella+Canvas 28-30 30-32 Youth Large Comfort Colors 30-32 32-34 Youth Medium or Large Next Level 28-30 30-32 Youth Large Hanes 30-32 32-34 Youth Medium or Large At 11, the gap...

Most 9 year olds wear youth small or youth medium depending on the brand. At 9, kids are heading into the biggest sizing jump before the pre-teen years, and the two-inch difference between small and medium is enough to matter across a school year. The right size depends on chest measurement and build, not just age. Shirt Sizes for 9 Year Olds by Brand Brand Youth Small Chest (in) Youth Medium Chest (in) Best Fit for Average 9yr Gildan 28-30 30-32 Youth Small or Medium Bella+Canvas 26-28 28-30 Youth Medium Comfort Colors 28-30 30-32 Youth Small or Medium Next Level...

Most 7 year olds wear youth XS or youth small depending on their build and the brand. At this age, kids are just moving out of toddler cuts into true youth sizing, and the fit is close enough between the two youth sizes that brand and build matter more than a single number. The right size depends on chest measurement and height, not just age. Shirt Sizes for 7 Year Olds by Brand Brand Youth XS Chest (in) Youth Small Chest (in) Best Fit for Average 7yr Gildan 24-26 28-30 Youth XS or Small Bella+Canvas 22-24 26-28 Youth Small Comfort...