Finding your size in a men's T-shirt, chest and length

Short answer: The right size in a men's T-shirt comes down to two measurements: the chest and the length. Measure around the chest at its widest point, and check that the T-shirt ends around your belt. Here is how to find your size and avoid the common mistakes.

Start with your chest measurement

Take a tape measure and measure around the chest at its widest point, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Stand relaxed and do not hold your breath. Compare the number with the size guide instead of guessing from the size you usually buy. Brands cut differently, so a medium is not always a medium.

Length decides whether it looks right

A T-shirt should cover your belt, even when you reach up for something. If it is too short it rides up, and if it is too long it looks like a nightshirt. For most men, a good length ends around the hip. Taller men often do better with a longer cut, and shorter men with a slightly shorter one.

The shoulders show whether the size is right

The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder, not out on the upper arm and not in towards the neck. If it sits too far out, the T-shirt is too big, and if it sits too far in, it is too small or too narrow. It is a quick test in front of the mirror. See our bamboo T-shirts for men to compare cuts.

Sleeves and upper arms

The sleeve should end somewhere between the shoulder and the elbow, and it should not tighten around the upper arm. If you have strong arms, check whether the hem cuts in when you bend your elbow. A sleeve that sits loosely but does not flap gives calm movement, and you forget you are wearing it.

What the fit means under other clothes

If you wear the T-shirt as a base layer under a jumper, it should sit close and smooth, otherwise it bunches up underneath. If you wear it alone, it can sit a little freer. Think about what you use it for most, and choose accordingly. Many men keep both in the wardrobe and switch with the day.

Bamboo gives a little, but not everything

Bamboo in clothing is viscose from bamboo, and many models contain some elastane, so the fabric gives slightly with movement. That is no reason to buy too small or too big. A fabric with some stretch makes the fit more forgiving, but it does not replace the right measurement across the chest.

Washing can change how the size feels

Follow the care label and do not wash hotter than needed. Heat and the tumble dryer can make many fabrics shrink, especially in length. Let the T-shirt dry on a line and it keeps its shape better. If you are torn between two sizes, think about how you wash before you decide.

How to check at home

Put the T-shirt on, raise your arms and bend forward. If it still ends at the belt and does not pull at the neck, the length is right. To match the fit, add socks for men and bamboo boxer briefs, so the layer closest to your skin works together.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose by chest or length

Start with the chest measurement, because it decides the size. Then check the length so the T-shirt covers your belt, and choose a slightly longer cut if you are tall.

What if I am between two sizes

Think about how you wear it. Under other clothes you often pick the smaller one, and on its own the larger one. Also check the care label, since it tells you whether the fabric can shrink.

How do I know the shoulders fit

The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of the shoulder. If it hangs out on the upper arm, the T-shirt is too big, and if it sits near the neck, it is too small.