XXXL is the same as 3XL, and it fits a 54-56 inch chest with a 33 inch body length in Gildan's official chart. XXXXL is the same as 4XL, and it fits a 58-60 inch chest with a 34 inch body length. Both numbers come straight from Gildan's own spec sheet. Other brands measure differently, so the exact fit depends on which blank you order. Every verified measurement is below.
Gildan 5000 XXXL and XXXXL Chart (Fits-Chest Circumference)
Gildan publishes fits-chest circumference, meaning the range is measured around the fullest part of the chest, not laid flat. Here is the full plus-size range for context.
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Get a Free Quote| Size | Fits-Chest Circumference (in) | Body Length (in) | Sleeve Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 2XL | 50-52 | 32 | 21.5 |
| Gildan 3XL (XXXL) | 54-56 | 33 | 22.88 |
| Gildan 4XL (XXXXL) | 58-60 | 34 | 23.5 |
| Gildan 5XL | 62-64 | 35 | 24 |
Bella+Canvas 3001 and Comfort Colors 1717 Chart (Laid Flat)
Bella+Canvas and Comfort Colors publish laid-flat measurements instead of fits-chest circumference. Laid flat means the shirt is measured while lying on a table, so double the width figure for an approximate circumference. Do not compare these numbers directly to the Gildan chart above without doubling first.
| Brand and Size | Flat Body Width (in) | Body Length (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Bella+Canvas 3001 3XL | 28 | 33 |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 4XL | 30 | 34 |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 5XL | 32 | 35 |
| Comfort Colors 1717 3XL | 27 | 32.5 |
| Comfort Colors 1717 4XL | 29 | 33.5 |
Comfort Colors lists a 2 inch tolerance on both dimensions of its official sheet, because the fabric is garment-dyed after construction and shrinks slightly during that process. Expect some natural variance from shirt to shirt at these sizes.
Hanes, Next Level, and Port and Company plus-size specs were not verified against manufacturer sheets for this article, so they are not charted here. If you need one of those brands in a plus size, ask us to confirm current measurements before you order.
XXXL vs 3XL: Same Size, Different Label
XXXL and 3XL are the same size. They are two label styles for the same measurement. Some brands and retailers print "XXXL" on the tag, others print "3XL," and a few print both. The X-count style (XXXL) and the number style (3XL) always mean the identical fit within a given brand. The same is true for XXXXL and 4XL. Neither style is more accurate than the other, so use whichever version your supplier lists and match the actual chest measurement, not the label format.
XXXXL and Size 18: What the Numbers Actually Mean
If you are shopping for a child in retail size 18, that number does not point to a shirt labeled XXXXL. Our kids-to-youth conversion chart tops out at kids 14-16, which converts to youth XL, chest 34-36 inches. Some brands stretch the youth XL label to cover 18-20, so a kid in retail size 18 is either at the very top of youth XL or already past the youth range, depending on the brand. In blank-apparel terms the answer comes from the chest measurement, not the kids' size number: a size-18 kid usually lands in youth XL, adult small, or adult medium, chest 34-40 inches, which is nowhere near XXXXL. XXXXL fits a 58-60 inch chest, built for a full-grown adult body, so it is not the right size for a size-18 child under any circumstance.
If you are shopping for a woman's size 18, the number does not convert to one fixed letter size either. Every retailer cuts a women's 18 differently. One brand's 18 lands close to a women's large, another brand's 18 lands closer to an XL, and department store sizing is not consistent enough to give a single reliable answer. The honest method is to measure the chest and match it against the brand charts above, not to translate a dress size into a shirt letter. See our 14-16 youth in adults guide for the related kids conversion, and our adult small size chart for the smallest adult reference point.
How to Measure for XXXL or XXXXL
Wrap a soft tape measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight. Compare that number to the Gildan chart above if you want a fits-chest circumference range, or double a laid-flat measurement from the Bella+Canvas or Comfort Colors chart to compare apples to apples. For a full walkthrough with photos, see our how to measure chest for a t-shirt guide.
Brand Fit Differences at Plus Sizes
Gildan runs boxy at every size, plus sizes included, so the fits-chest circumference numbers above tend to feel generous and forgiving. Bella+Canvas runs slimmer and more fitted even at 3XL and 4XL, which is why plus-size buyers often size up or choose a boxier brand for extra room through the body. Comfort Colors sits between the two, but its garment-dye process adds a 2 inch tolerance on the official sheet, so two shirts in the same labeled size can measure slightly differently. If length matters more than width for your build, Gildan's boxy cut usually gives the most room without needing to size up.
Printing on XXXL and XXXXL Shirts
Larger shirts often need larger artwork to look proportional. A design sized for an adult small can look small and off-center when printed at the same size on a 4XL. We handle proportional scaling on every custom order, so your logo or design keeps the right proportions no matter which plus size you choose.
What size is XXXL?
XXXL is the same as 3XL. In Gildan's official chart it fits a 54-56 inch chest with a 33 inch body length. Bella+Canvas and Comfort Colors measure 3XL laid flat instead, at 28 inches and 27 inches respectively.
Is XXXXL the same as 4XL?
Yes. XXXXL and 4XL are the same size, just two different label styles. In Gildan's chart, 4XL fits a 58-60 inch chest with a 34 inch body length.
What size is an 18 in shirts?
It depends on whether you mean kids or women's sizing, and there is no single fixed answer for either. A kid in retail size 18 sits at the top of youth XL or in adult small to medium depending on the brand, chest 34-40 inches, not XXXXL. A women's 18 varies by retailer, so measure the chest and match it to a brand chart rather than converting the dress size directly.
Do all brands make 4XL?
No. Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Comfort Colors all publish verified 4XL specs, but Hanes, Next Level, and Port and Company plus-size measurements were not verified against manufacturer sheets for this article. Confirm current availability before ordering those brands in a plus size.
Related Sizing Guides
- Adult Small Size Chart
- Adult Medium Size Chart
- How to Measure Chest for a T-Shirt
- Youth Size to Kids Size Conversion Chart
- What Size Is 14-16 Youth in Adults?
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella+Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
Ordering XXXL or XXXXL Shirts?
We stock plus-size blanks and handle proportional print scaling on every order. Tell us your sizes and we will confirm the right chart for your brand. Start your order here.