Youth small typically fits kids ages 6 to 7 who weigh 45 to 55 pounds and stand about 44 to 48 inches tall. But those numbers shift depending on which brand you pick. Here is exactly what youth small measures across the five most common blank shirt brands.
Youth Small Measurements by Brand
| Brand | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Fits Ages | Fits Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan | 28-30 | 20 | 6-7 | 45-55 |
| Bella+Canvas | 26-28 | 19.5 | 6-7 | 42-52 |
| Comfort Colors | 28-30 | 20 | 6-7 | 45-55 |
| Next Level | 26-28 | 19 | 5-7 | 40-52 |
| Hanes | 28-30 | 20 | 6-7 | 45-55 |
The biggest difference you will notice is between Gildan and Bella+Canvas. Gildan runs boxier and a little wider through the chest. Bella+Canvas runs slimmer with a more modern fit. If you are ordering for a lean kid, Bella+Canvas youth small will fit closer to the body. If you want a relaxed fit with room to grow, Gildan or Hanes are the safer picks.
Who Fits Youth Small
Youth small works best for kids in the 44 to 48 inch height range, which usually falls around first or second grade. These are kids who have outgrown toddler sizing but are not yet ready for youth medium.
Here is a quick way to figure out if youth small is the right call. Measure across the chest from armpit to armpit and double it. If that number lands between 26 and 30 inches, youth small should work. If it is over 30 inches, move up to youth medium.
Keep in mind that youth small is not the same thing as a toddler size. Toddler shirts use different proportions, shorter body length and wider neck opening. Youth small is cut like a miniature adult shirt.
Which Size to Order
If you are ordering shirts for a team, event, or group and some kids fall between sizes, go up. A slightly loose shirt is wearable. A too-tight shirt ends up in a drawer.
For everyday wear where you want a fitted look, order true to the measurement chart. For events where the shirt needs to last one day and look decent in a group photo, sizing up is fine.
If you are ordering custom printed shirts, the print area matters too. A youth small front chest print location is smaller than you might expect. Talk to your printer about scaling the design for smaller sizes so the art does not overwhelm the shirt.
Youth Small vs Adult XS
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Youth small and adult XS are not the same size. Adult XS is cut for a small adult frame with wider shoulders, longer body length, and a different sleeve angle. Youth small is cut for a child's proportions.
An adult XS is closer to a youth large or youth XL depending on the brand. If you are trying to bridge from youth to adult sizing, check out our Youth XL vs Adult Small comparison for the full breakdown.
What size is youth small?
Youth small fits kids ages 6 to 7 with a chest measurement of 26 to 30 inches and a body length of 19 to 20 inches. The exact measurements vary by brand, with Bella+Canvas and Next Level running slimmer than Gildan and Hanes.
What age wears youth small?
Most kids wear youth small between ages 6 and 7, typically in first or second grade. Height is a better indicator than age though. If your child is 44 to 48 inches tall and weighs 45 to 55 pounds, youth small should fit. See our 6 year old sizing guide for the brand-by-brand breakdown.
Is youth small the same as adult XS?
No. Youth small is significantly smaller than adult XS. Adult XS is designed for small adult frames and is closer in size to a youth large or youth XL. The two are not interchangeable.
What is youth small in adult sizing?
There is no direct adult equivalent for youth small. It is a child-specific size. The smallest adult size (XS) is still larger than a youth medium in most brands. Youth small is two to three sizes below the adult range entirely.
Related Sizing Guides
- What Size Is Youth Medium?
- What Size Is Youth Large?
- Youth Extra Small Size Guide
- What Size Shirt for a 6 Year Old?
- What Size Shirt for an 8 Year Old?
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Youth Small vs Adult XS
Need Custom Shirts in Youth Small?
If you are ordering custom printed shirts for a team, school, church, or event and need youth smalls in the mix, we handle it. We will make sure every size in your order prints correctly and fits the way it should. Start your order here and we will put together a quote within one business day.