Youth medium fits kids ages 8 to 10 with a chest measurement between 28 and 32 inches depending on the brand. It is the middle of the youth size range, sitting between youth small and youth large. But the actual dimensions vary significantly from one brand to the next.
Youth Medium Measurements by Brand
| Brand | Chest Width (in) | Body Length (in) | Shoulder Width (in) | Fit Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan | 30-32 | 22 | 15 | Boxy, generous |
| Bella+Canvas | 28-30 | 21.5 | 14.5 | Slim, modern |
| Comfort Colors | 30-32 | 22 | 15 | Relaxed, garment-dyed |
| Next Level | 28-30 | 21 | 14.5 | Slim, fashion-forward |
| Hanes | 30-32 | 22 | 15 | Traditional, boxy |
That 2 to 4 inch difference in chest width between boxy brands and slim brands is the whole ballgame. A kid wearing youth medium in Gildan might need youth large in Bella+Canvas. Same kid, same day, different brand, different size. Always check the specific brand's chart before ordering.
Who Fits Youth Medium
Youth medium is designed for kids who measure 28 to 32 inches across the chest and stand about 48 to 54 inches tall. That covers most kids between ages 8 and 10 in typical builds.
Lean build (4'0" to 4'5", under 55 lbs): Youth medium in Gildan, Hanes, or Comfort Colors will fit with room. In Bella+Canvas or Next Level, it will fit snugly. These kids are right on the borderline between youth small and youth medium.
Average build (4'2" to 4'8", 55 to 75 lbs): Youth medium is the sweet spot across all brands. This is where standard sizing works the way it is supposed to.
Stocky or athletic build (4'2" to 4'8", over 75 lbs): Youth medium in slim brands will be tight. Go with youth large in Bella+Canvas or Next Level. In Gildan or Hanes, youth medium still has room.
Youth Medium vs Other Sizes
Youth medium sits exactly in the middle of the youth size ladder. Here is how it stacks up against adjacent sizes in Gildan:
Youth small: 28-30 inch chest, 20 inch body length. Youth medium: 30-32 inch chest, 22 inch body length. Youth large: 32-34 inch chest, 23 inch body length.
Each step up adds about 2 inches in the chest and 1 to 2 inches in body length. If youth medium is getting tight, the next move is youth large, not anything in adult sizing. There are still two youth sizes (large and XL) between youth medium and the start of adult sizing.
Which Size to Order
If you know the brand and can measure the child, match the chest measurement to the chart above. If you are guessing, youth medium in Gildan or Hanes is the safest call for an average 8 to 10 year old. Those boxy brands give the most room for error.
For team orders with multiple kids in this age range, expect most of the order to land in youth medium with some youth small and youth large at the edges. The typical split for 8 to 10 year olds is about 20% youth small, 50% youth medium, and 30% youth large. See our guide on how many shirts to order for the full formula.
For a detailed look at how youth sizes eventually transition to adult, read our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide.
What size is youth medium?
Youth medium measures 28 to 32 inches in the chest and 21 to 22 inches in body length depending on the brand. It fits most kids ages 8 to 10. Boxy brands like Gildan and Hanes run 30 to 32 inches in the chest. Slim brands like Bella+Canvas and Next Level run 28 to 30 inches.
What age wears youth medium?
Youth medium typically fits kids ages 8 to 10 who weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Some large 7 year olds and small 11 year olds also fit youth medium. The best indicator is chest measurement, not age. See our 8 year old and 10 year old sizing guides for brand-by-brand breakdowns.
Is youth medium the same as adult XS?
No. Youth medium has a 28 to 32 inch chest and 21 to 22 inch body length. Adult XS (available in Bella+Canvas and Next Level) has a 30 to 32 inch chest but a 27 inch body length. The chest overlap exists, but the body length is 5 to 6 inches longer in adult XS. They are different garments designed for different body proportions.
What chest size is youth medium?
Youth medium fits a 28 to 32 inch chest depending on the brand. Gildan, Hanes, and Comfort Colors measure 30 to 32 inches. Bella+Canvas and Next Level measure 28 to 30 inches. Measure the child's chest from armpit to armpit and double it to get the full chest measurement, then match to the brand's chart.
Related Sizing Guides
- What Size Is Youth Small?
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- What Size Shirt for an 8 Year Old?
- What Size Shirt for a 10 Year Old?
- Youth Medium vs Adult Small
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- How Many Shirts to Order for a Team
Need Youth Medium Shirts for Your Group?
We print custom youth shirts in every size from YXS through adult 5XL. Tell us your age range and we will recommend the right brand and size split for your group. Start your order here.