Youth large fits most kids ages 10 to 12 who weigh 75 to 95 pounds with a chest measurement of 30 to 34 inches. In adult sizing, youth large is closest to adult XS, but they are not the same shirt. Youth large has a 23-inch body length. Adult XS has a 27-inch body length. The 4-inch gap means they fit completely differently.
Youth Large Measurements by Brand
| Brand | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Shoulder Width (in) | Fits Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan | 32-34 | 23 | 15.5 | 10-12 |
| Bella+Canvas | 30-32 | 22.5 | 15 | 10-12 |
| Comfort Colors | 32-34 | 23 | 15.5 | 10-12 |
| Next Level | 30-32 | 22 | 15 | 10-12 |
| Hanes | 32-34 | 23 | 15.5 | 10-12 |
Boxy brands (Gildan, Hanes, Comfort Colors) run 32 to 34 inches in the chest. Slim brands (Bella+Canvas, Next Level) run 30 to 32 inches. A kid who fits comfortably in Gildan youth large might need to size up to youth XL in Bella+Canvas.
Where Youth Large Sits in the Size Ladder
| Size | Chest (Gildan) | Body Length | Fits Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth S | 28-30 in | 20 in | 6-7 |
| Youth M | 30-32 in | 22 in | 8-10 |
| Youth L | 32-34 in | 23 in | 10-12 |
| Youth XL | 34-36 in | 25 in | 14-16 |
| Adult S | 34-36 in | 28 in | 16+ |
Youth large is two sizes below adult small. The progression is youth large, youth XL, then adult small. Never skip from youth large directly to adult small. The gap is too big in body length (5 inches) and shoulder width (3 inches). Youth XL is the bridge. See our Youth XL vs Adult Small comparison for the full transition breakdown.
Who Fits Youth Large
Youth large is the sweet spot for the 10 to 12 age range. These are kids who have outgrown youth medium but are not yet ready for the jump to youth XL or adult sizing.
Lean build (4'8" to 5'2", under 75 lbs): Youth large in boxy brands will have some room. In slim brands, it will fit closer to true. These kids are at the bottom of the youth large range and might still fit youth medium in Gildan.
Average build (4'8" to 5'2", 75 to 95 lbs): Youth large fits well across all brands. This is the target demographic for this size.
Athletic or stocky build (4'10" to 5'4", over 95 lbs): Youth large in slim brands will be tight. Go with youth XL. In boxy brands, youth large might still work but will be snug across the chest. When the chest measurement exceeds 34 inches, it is time for youth XL.
When to Move to Youth XL
Youth large is getting too small when any of these happen: the shirt is tight across the chest, the body is riding up above the waistband, or the shoulder seams are pulling past the natural shoulder point.
Youth XL adds 2 inches in the chest and 2 inches in body length. That is usually enough to cover the next growth spurt. For the exact measurements at youth XL across every brand, see our Youth XL Size Chart and our What Size Is Youth XL guide.
What size is a youth large?
Youth large measures 30 to 34 inches in the chest (depending on the brand) with a 22 to 23 inch body length. It fits most kids ages 10 to 12 weighing 75 to 95 pounds. Boxy brands like Gildan and Hanes run 32-34 inches. Slim brands like Bella+Canvas run 30-32 inches.
What age wears youth large?
Most kids wear youth large between ages 10 and 12. Some large 9-year-olds and small 13-year-olds also fit youth large. Height and chest measurement are better indicators than age. See our 10 year old and 12 year old sizing guides for the brand-by-brand breakdown.
What is youth large in adult sizing?
Youth large is closest to adult XS in chest width, but adult XS is 4 inches longer in the body and has wider shoulders. There is no direct adult equivalent. Youth large is a child-specific size with child proportions. See our Is Youth Large the Same as Adult Small guide for the full comparison.
Is youth large bigger than youth medium?
Yes. Youth large adds about 2 inches in the chest and 1 inch in body length compared to youth medium. In Gildan, youth medium is 30-32 inches in the chest; youth large is 32-34 inches. The difference is noticeable but not dramatic. If your kid is right on the border, youth large is the safer pick for room to grow.
Related Sizing Guides
- What Size Is Youth Medium?
- What Size Is Youth XL?
- Is Youth Large the Same as Adult Small?
- What Size Shirt for a 10 Year Old?
- What Size Shirt for a 12 Year Old?
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Youth vs Adult T-Shirt Sizing Guide
Need Youth Large Shirts for Your Team?
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