Under Armour youth runs tight and athletic, noticeably slimmer than most blank shirt brands. If you are used to Gildan or Hanes, Under Armour will feel about one size smaller at the same label. UA designs for performance fit, which means the fabric sits close to the body with minimal extra room.
Under Armour Youth vs Blank Shirt Brands: Size Comparison
| Brand | Youth XL Chest (in) | Youth XL Length (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Armour | 32-34 | 23.5 | Compression/athletic, tight |
| 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 |
Under Armour runs the tightest of any major brand in this comparison. A kid who wears UA youth XL comfortably will likely fit Bella+Canvas youth XL or Next Level youth XL. That same kid could drop to Gildan youth large and still have room. The fabric stretch in UA's performance materials allows for a tighter cut without restricting movement.
Under Armour Youth Size Chart
| UA Size | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Fits Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 22-24 | 17 | 4-5 |
| YS | 25-27 | 19 | 6-7 |
| YM | 28-30 | 21 | 8-10 |
| YL | 30-32 | 22.5 | 10-12 |
| YXL | 32-34 | 23.5 | 14-16 |
Under Armour's HeatGear and Tech lines use moisture-wicking polyester or poly-blend fabrics that stretch and recover. This means the actual fit is more forgiving than the measurements suggest. A shirt that measures 30 inches flat across the chest will stretch to accommodate a 32-inch chest during wear.
UA Fit Types: Loose vs Fitted vs Compression
Under Armour makes three fit types in youth, and each one sizes differently even at the same label:
Loose: The most generous UA fit. Closest to a standard blank shirt brand but still slimmer than Gildan. Good for casual wear and layering.
Fitted: The standard UA athletic fit. Sits close to the body without being skin-tight. This is what most parents buy for sports practice and games.
Compression: Skin-tight performance fit designed to be worn under pads or as a base layer. Runs the smallest of all three. Do not order compression as a standalone t-shirt.
When comparing UA to blank brands, the "Fitted" line is the most relevant comparison since that is what kids wear as a regular shirt.
Which Brand to Choose for Custom Printing
Under Armour blanks are not typically available for custom screen printing the way Gildan and Bella+Canvas are. If you want a similar athletic fit on a custom printed shirt, Bella+Canvas 3001Y and Next Level 3310 are the closest options in the blank shirt world.
For performance fabric with a slim fit in a printable blank, look at sport-specific blanks from brands like Augusta Sportswear or A4. We can source those for your order if the standard cotton blanks do not match what you need.
For the transition from any youth brand to adult sizing, our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide covers the crossover point.
How does Under Armour youth sizing run?
Under Armour youth runs tight and athletic, about one size smaller than Gildan or Hanes at the same label. UA youth medium feels closer to Gildan youth small. The stretch fabric compensates for some of the tightness, but if your child is between sizes, go up. UA is closest in sizing to Bella+Canvas and Next Level.
What size is Under Armour youth XL?
Under Armour youth XL measures approximately 32 to 34 inches in the chest with a 23.5-inch body length. It fits most kids ages 14 to 16. It is 2 inches narrower and 1.5 inches shorter than Gildan youth XL, but similar to Bella+Canvas youth XL. See our Youth XL Size Chart for the full brand comparison.
Does Under Armour run small in youth sizes?
Yes. Under Armour runs noticeably smaller than boxy brands like Gildan, Hanes, and Comfort Colors. A kid who wears youth medium in Gildan may need youth large in Under Armour, especially in the Fitted or Compression lines. The stretch fabric helps, but the cut is tighter overall.
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
- Nike Youth Sizing Guide
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- How to Size Custom Shirts for Youth Sports Teams
Want an Athletic Fit on Custom Team Shirts?
If your team wants that performance fit on custom printed shirts, we will match you with the right athletic blank. Slim cut, moisture-wicking options, and proper sizing for every player. Start your order here.