Youth sizes and kids sizes are different labeling systems for the same age group. Retail stores like Target, Old Navy, and Walmart use "kids sizes" (size 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) based on age. Custom apparel brands like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Hanes use "youth sizes" (YXS, YS, YM, YL, YXL) based on chest measurements.
Here is how to convert between the two systems.
Youth Size to Kids Size Conversion Chart
| Youth Size | Kids Size (Retail) | Chest (in) | Fits Ages | Fits Height (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth XS | 4-5 / XS | 24-26 | 4-5 | 39-43 |
| Youth S | 6-7 / S | 28-30 | 6-7 | 44-48 |
| Youth M | 8-10 / M | 30-32 | 8-10 | 49-54 |
| Youth L | 10-12 / L | 32-34 | 10-12 | 55-60 |
| Youth XL | 14-16 / XL | 34-36 | 14-16 | 61-66 |
These conversions use Gildan and Hanes measurements as the baseline. Slim brands like Bella+Canvas and Next Level run about 2 inches narrower at each size, so a kid who wears a retail kids size 10 might need youth large instead of youth medium in those brands.
Why the Two Systems Exist
Retail stores design their sizing around age because parents shop by age. A parent buying a shirt at Target for their 8 year old looks for "size 8" or "M (8-10)." It is intuitive and does not require a measuring tape.
Custom apparel brands design their sizing around measurements because orders need to be precise. When a coach orders 15 shirts for a team, "youth medium" means a specific chest width and body length that the printer can rely on for consistent fit across the order. Age is too variable to be useful for custom sizing.
The result is two parallel systems that roughly map to each other but are not identical. A Target "size 10" and a Gildan "youth medium" target the same kid but may differ by 1 to 2 inches in actual measurements.
How to Convert Accurately
The conversion chart above gets you close, but the most accurate method is to measure the chest and match to the specific brand's chart. Here is why:
Retail sizing varies by store. A size 10 at Target fits differently than a size 10 at Old Navy. Each retailer has their own measurements for the same size label.
Youth sizing varies by brand. A youth medium in Gildan (30-32 inch chest) is 2 inches wider than a youth medium in Bella+Canvas (28-30 inch chest).
Kids come in all builds. Two 10-year-olds can differ by 4 inches in chest measurement. Age-based sizing ignores build. Chest measurement does not.
For the measuring method, see our How to Measure Your Chest for a T-Shirt guide.
Common Conversions People Search For
What is a kids size 10 in youth?
Kids size 10 is approximately youth medium in boxy brands (Gildan, Hanes) or youth large in slim brands (Bella+Canvas, Next Level). A kids size 10 typically fits an 8 to 10 year old with a 30 to 32 inch chest. See our 10 year old sizing guide for the brand-by-brand breakdown.
What is a kids size 14 in youth?
Kids size 14 is youth large to youth XL depending on the brand and the child's build. A size 14 typically fits a 12 to 14 year old with a 32 to 36 inch chest. See our 14-16 youth conversion guide and our 12 year old sizing guide.
Is youth small the same as kids size 6?
Roughly, yes. Both target the same age group (5 to 7 year olds) and similar chest measurements. But retail size 6 and youth small from Gildan may differ by 1 to 2 inches in actual chest width. See our Youth Small Equivalent guide for the full conversion.
Are youth sizes and kids sizes the same?
They target the same age range but use different labeling systems. Kids sizes use numbers (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14). Youth sizes use letters (XS, S, M, L, XL). The actual measurements are similar but not identical across brands. Always check the specific brand's size chart for the most accurate fit.
Related Sizing Guides
- What Size Is Youth Extra Small?
- What Size Is Youth Small?
- What Size Is Youth Medium?
- What Size Is a Youth Large?
- What Size Is Youth XL?
- Youth Small Equivalent Size Conversion
- How to Measure Your Chest for a T-Shirt
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
Need Help Converting Sizes for a Group Order?
If you have a list of kids sizes and need to convert them to youth sizes for a custom shirt order, send us the list and we will handle the conversion. Start your order here.