If you've ever ordered a youth XL and had it show up looking nothing like you expected, you're not alone. Youth sizing is wildly inconsistent across brands, and a youth XL from Gildan fits completely differently than a youth XL from Bella+Canvas or Comfort Colors.
We print on all of these brands daily at The Loyal Brand, and we've measured them all. This is the definitive youth XL size chart with actual garment measurements so you know exactly what you're getting before you order.
What Does Youth XL Actually Mean?
Youth XL generally corresponds to kids' numeric sizes 18-20, fitting children roughly ages 14 to 18, or about 116 to 140 pounds. In terms of body measurements, youth XL typically fits a chest of 34 to 36 inches and a height range of 61 to 66 inches.
But here's where it gets complicated. Every brand interprets those ranges differently. Some brands run generous and relaxed. Others run slimmer and shorter. The actual garment measurements (the shirt itself, laid flat) are what matter, and those vary by 2 to 3 inches depending on the brand.
Youth XL Garment Measurements by Brand
Gildan Youth Heavy Cotton (G500B / 5000B)
| Measurement | Youth XL |
|---|---|
| Chest Width (flat) | 20" |
| Body Length | 26.5" |
| Sleeve Length (center back) | 17.25" |
| Numeric Size | 18-20 |
Gildan is the most commonly used blank in the custom apparel industry, and their youth XL runs true to size with a classic, relaxed fit.
Bella+Canvas Youth (3001Y)
| Measurement | Youth XL |
|---|---|
| Chest Width (flat) | 18.25" |
| Body Length | 24.375" |
| Numeric Size | 18-20 |
Bella+Canvas runs noticeably slimmer and shorter than Gildan. The chest is nearly 2 inches narrower, and the body is over 2 inches shorter.
Comfort Colors Youth (9018)
| Measurement | Youth XL |
|---|---|
| Chest Width (flat) | 19" |
| Body Length | 25" |
| Numeric Size | 18-20 |
Comfort Colors falls between Gildan and Bella+Canvas. The garment-dyed cotton can shrink slightly more than other brands, so size up if you're between sizes.
Hanes ComfortSoft Youth (5480)
| Measurement | Youth XL |
|---|---|
| Chest Width (flat) | 20" |
| Body Length | 27" |
| Sleeve Length | 7.5" |
| Numeric Size | 18-20 |
Hanes runs almost identical to Gildan in the chest but is the longest youth XL at 27 inches. The ComfortSoft fabric is preshrunk.
Next Level Youth (3310)
| Measurement | Youth XL |
|---|---|
| Chest (relaxed, body) | 28-30" |
| Numeric Size | 14/16 |
Next Level's youth XL corresponds to 14/16 instead of 18-20, so it runs smaller. If you need 18-20, step into their adult XS or small.
Brand Comparison: Youth XL Side by Side
| Brand | Style | Chest Width (flat) | Body Length | Numeric Size | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan | G500B | 20" | 26.5" | 18-20 | Classic, relaxed |
| Bella+Canvas | 3001Y | 18.25" | 24.375" | 18-20 | Slim, modern |
| Comfort Colors | 9018 | 19" | 25" | 18-20 | Relaxed, soft |
| Hanes | 5480 | 20" | 27" | 18-20 | Classic, long |
| Next Level | 3310 | ~15"* | ~24" | 14/16 | Slim, short |
*Next Level measures differently and their XL maps to 14/16 rather than 18-20.
How to Measure for Youth XL
Grab a shirt that fits well and measure it. Chest width: lay the shirt flat, measure straight across 1 inch below the armhole seam. Body length: measure from the center back neckline seam to the bottom hem. Compare to the tables above. For the full measuring method, see our chest measuring guide.
Youth XL vs Adult Small: Is There a Difference?
Yes. A typical adult small measures about 18 inches in chest width and 28 inches in body length. Compare that to a Gildan youth XL at 20 inches wide and 26.5 inches long. The youth XL is wider in the chest but shorter in length. If you need more length, go adult small. If you need more room in the chest, youth XL might work better. For the full breakdown, see our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide.
Full Youth Size Chart (All Sizes, Gildan G500B)
| Size | Numeric | Chest Width (flat) | Body Length | Sleeve Length (CB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth XS | 2-4 | 13" | 18" | 5.5" |
| Youth S | 6-8 | 15" | 20.5" | 6.25" |
| Youth M | 10-12 | 17" | 22.5" | 7" |
| Youth L | 14-16 | 18.5" | 24.5" | 7.75" |
| Youth XL | 18-20 | 20" | 26.5" | 8.5" |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the measurements of a youth XL?
Youth XL measures 18.25 to 20 inches in chest width (laid flat) and 24.375 to 27 inches in body length depending on the brand. Gildan and Hanes run the widest and longest. Bella+Canvas runs the slimmest and shortest.
Which brand runs biggest in youth XL?
Hanes ComfortSoft 5480 is the biggest youth XL at 20 inches wide and 27 inches long. Gildan G500B is nearly identical at 20 inches wide and 26.5 inches long. Both are good choices if you want a generous fit.
Which brand runs smallest in youth XL?
Bella+Canvas 3001Y is the smallest at 18.25 inches wide and 24.375 inches long. Next Level 3310 is similar but maps to a 14/16 numeric size instead of 18-20, making it effectively even smaller.
Is youth XL the same size across all brands?
No. Youth XL varies by up to 2 inches in chest width and nearly 3 inches in body length across brands. A Gildan youth XL is noticeably larger than a Bella+Canvas youth XL. Always check the specific brand's chart before ordering.
Is youth XL the same as adult small?
Not exactly. Youth XL is often wider in the chest but shorter in body length. A Gildan youth XL is 20 inches wide and 26.5 inches long, while a Gildan adult small is 18 inches wide and 28 inches long. The adult is narrower but 1.5 inches longer. See our Youth XL vs Adult Small guide for the full comparison.
Related Sizing Guides
- Youth XL vs Adult Small: What's the Difference?
- What Size Is Youth XL?
- What Size Is 14-16 Youth in Adults?
- Youth Large vs Adult Small
- Youth Medium vs Adult Small
- Youth XL vs Adult XS
- Adult Small Size Chart
- How to Measure Your Chest for a T-Shirt
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