Sizes · Guide 2026
T-shirt size guide: size chart, measuring and group orders
The wrong size is the most common reason a printed shirt ends up in a drawer. This guide gives you a chest-based size chart from XS to XXXL, shows how to measure properly and suggests a size split for group orders when you cannot ask everyone.
T-shirt sizes are based on your chest measurement, taken around the fullest part of the chest. For classic Fruit of the Loom tees the guide is approx.: S 89 to 94 cm, M 95 to 100 cm, L 101 to 106 cm, XL 107 to 112 cm. Between two sizes, choose the larger one. For adult group orders a split of approx. 10 % S, 30 % M, 30 % L, 20 % XL and 10 % XXL is a sensible starting point.
Matching products
Fruit of the Loom T-ShirtUnisex, cotton, XS to XXXL€6.95from 5 pcs €6.26 eachDelivery to Ireland & EU €7.00 · 2-3 working daysView deal-10 % from 5 pcs
Fruit of the Loom HoodieHooded sweatshirt for print and embroidery€20.95from 5 pcs €18.86 eachDelivery to Ireland & EU €7.00 · 2-3 working daysView deal-10 % from 5 pcs
Fruit of the Loom Polo ShirtCollared polo, great for embroidery€10.95from 5 pcs €9.86 eachDelivery to Ireland & EU €7.00 · 2-3 working daysView dealHow do T-shirt sizes work?
T-shirt sizes are based mainly on the chest measurement of the body. The letter size (S, M, L) is just a label for a range of chest measurements, and every brand draws those ranges slightly differently. Comparing centimetres is the only reliable way to pick the right size across brands.
Length and sleeve length follow the chest size, so if the chest fits, the rest usually does too.
What is the T-shirt size chart in cm?
This chart shows the approximate body chest measurement for classic Fruit of the Loom T-shirts:
| Size | Chest (body), approx. | Typical wearer |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 84 to 88 cm | Slim teens, petite adults |
| S | 89 to 94 cm | Slim adults |
| M | 95 to 100 cm | Average build |
| L | 101 to 106 cm | Average to broad build |
| XL | 107 to 112 cm | Broad build |
| XXL | 113 to 118 cm | Large build |
| XXXL | 119 to 124 cm | Very large build |
These are body measurements, not garment measurements. The shirt itself is wider to give ease of movement. Ladies' and fitted cuts use different charts, so check the product page.
How do you measure your chest correctly?
- Use a soft tape measure and wear a thin top or nothing at all.
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level.
- Read the measurement after breathing out normally. The tape should be snug, not tight.
No tape measure? Lay a T-shirt that fits well flat, measure straight across from armpit to armpit and double it. Subtract a few centimetres of ease and you have a rough body measurement.
What if you are between two sizes?
- Choose the larger size if you like a relaxed fit or plan to wash warm.
- Choose the smaller size only for a deliberately fitted look.
- Consider the weight: heavier tees keep their shape better, lighter ones can feel closer to the body. More in heavy cotton T-shirts.
Cotton can shrink a little in the first washes. Wash inside out at 30 to 40 °C and avoid the tumble dryer to keep the fit.
How should you split sizes for a group order?
The best method is to ask. A simple form or chat poll with name and size avoids nearly all wrong sizes. If that is not possible, these splits are a sensible starting point for 50 shirts:
| Group | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed adults | 0 | 5 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Mostly women, young groups | 4 | 12 | 16 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Sports team, work crew | 0 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 13 | 6 | 3 |
Order one or two extra pieces in M and L. They cover late sign-ups and misprints. Hoodies are usually worn looser, so many people pick the same size or one up; see blank hoodies.
How do you collect sizes without chaos?
Collecting sizes is where most group orders go wrong. A few simple habits help:
- Share the chart first. Send the chest measurements with the sign-up form, not just the letters S to XXL.
- Ask for one size per person in a single list, with name, size and colour if you offer a choice.
- Set a deadline a few days before you need to order, and treat late entries as spares.
- Offer a sample at training or in the office so people can try a size on.
- Double-check totals per size before you order, then again before printing names or numbers.
For printed names, sort the list by size so the printer can match each name to the right shirt without guessing.
Which sizes are available for blank tees?
The plain Fruit of the Loom T-shirt at Marmalade Co. comes in XS to XXXL and 15 colours, so one design can cover a whole group. It costs €6.95, 5 % less from 3 pieces and 10 % less from 5 pieces (€6.26 each). Check in the basket how mixed sizes are counted towards the discount.
DHL delivery is €7 flat, in about 2 to 3 working days to Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The shop does not currently deliver to the United Kingdom. Planning the print too? Start with blank T-shirts for printing.
Price calculator: what will your order cost?
Quantity discount and delivery are included.
Plain tees in XS to XXXL and 15 colours, €6.26 each from 5 pieces. Delivered to Ireland and the EU.
Choose sizes and colours →