The length of a T-shirt, why it matters

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Length decides whether a T-shirt covers your waistband when you move, and whether it can be worn untucked or needs tucking in. It is the one measurement that cannot be made bigger afterwards, so it pays to check it before you buy.

It should cover you when you reach up

The simplest test is to raise your arms above your head. If bare skin appears at the stomach or back, the T-shirt is too short for everyday wear. Also try bending forward, as when you tie your shoelaces. A T-shirt that stays over the waistband in both positions has the right length. See the lengths in the most popular men's pieces.

Too long looks wrong too

A T-shirt that reaches far down over your seat makes the upper body look longer and the legs shorter. When worn untucked, a good rule of thumb is that the hem ends around the middle of the fly on your trousers. That way it covers the waistband without hanging. If it is to be tucked in, it can be longer.

Untucked or tucked in

For wearing untucked, a T-shirt with a straight hem that ends at the hip works well. If it is to be tucked in, a little extra length helps, because it stays in place when you sit down or reach for something. Many people keep both types and choose by occasion. Think about how you usually wear it before choosing a model.

The women's version and waist height

For a women's T-shirt, the right length depends a lot on the trousers. With high waisted trousers and skirts, a shorter model ending at the waistband often works best. With low rise trousers, the T-shirt needs to be longer to cover. See the fits in the most popular women's pieces and think about what you usually wear it with.

Length varies between models

Two T-shirts in the same size can differ by several centimetres in length, even from the same brand. So the size alone says little. Instead, measure a T-shirt you already like, from the shoulder seam at the neck straight down to the hem. Compare that measurement with the size guide in the men's range.

Height and torso

If you are tall or have a long torso, length is often the first thing that ends up too short, even when the width fits well. Going up a size can help, but the T-shirt then also gets wider. Look for models where the length is listed in the size guide, so you can choose by the measurement that matters most to you.

Washing affects length

Most knitted fabrics shrink a little in the first washes, and the shrinkage usually happens mostly in the length. Wash at 30 or 40 degrees and avoid the tumble dryer to keep shrinkage to a minimum. Gently pull the T-shirt into shape while it is damp and hang it to dry. That way it keeps its length best.

What can be changed afterwards

A T-shirt that is too long can be shortened by a tailor with a new hem. It costs a little, but gives you a T-shirt that fits. If it is too short, it cannot be lengthened, and the best solution is to wear it tucked in or as a base layer under a jumper, where length matters less.