T-Shirt Sizes – How to Measure at Home
Short answer: The surest route to the right T-shirt size is to measure a T-shirt that already fits you and compare it with the shop's size guide. Measure the chest, the length and the shoulder width with the garment lying flat, and you get it right first time and avoid a return.
How to measure a T-shirt at home
Lay your best fitting T-shirt flat on a table and smooth out the creases. Measure the chest from armhole to armhole and double it, the length from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem, and the shoulder width from seam to seam. Write the three figures down for next time.
Why measure the garment and not the body
A tape measure round the chest tells you what the body measures, but not how much room the T-shirt is meant to have. Two T-shirts with the same chest measurement can fit completely differently, because one is cut wider. That is why garment measurements are more useful when buying online.
Use the size guides
Sizes vary from brand to brand, so always check the guide for the specific brand. See the size guide for JBS of Denmark men, JBS of Denmark women or the size guide for Resteröds before you put anything in the basket.
Remember that bamboo drapes softly
Bamboo viscose has more drape and stretch than stiff cotton, so a bamboo T-shirt follows the body more than you may be used to. If you want a loose look, go one size up. See the fits under bamboo T-shirts for men and bamboo T-shirts for women.
The three measurements that matter most
The chest decides whether the T-shirt pulls. The shoulder width decides whether it looks right. The length decides whether it can be worn out or tucked in. If two of three match, it usually still works, but if the shoulder is wrong, the whole garment looks wrong.
Between two sizes
If your measurements fall between sizes, the choice depends on how the T-shirt will be worn. If it is to sit under a shirt or a jumper, take the smaller, because it adds least bulk. If it is to be worn alone on a warm day, take the larger.
Write the measurements down once
A set of three numbers takes five minutes to record and can be used for the rest of the year. Save them in your phone along with the name of the T-shirt they came from. Then comparing with a new size guide takes only a moment.
When the size is wrong anyway
Do not wash the item if it is going back, and try it on over a clean surface. If it is only slightly too small, washing it hot will not help, because bamboo viscose does not grow. Exchange it for the right size straight away instead. See also size guide for bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Which measurements should I take?
Chest from armhole to armhole times two, length from the top of the shoulder to the hem, and shoulder width from seam to seam.
Should I measure my body or the garment?
The garment. Body measurements say nothing about the ease the cut allows, and the ease is what decides the fit.
What do I do between two sizes?
Take the smaller if the T-shirt is to be a layer, and the larger if it is to be worn alone in the heat.
See our range of bamboo t shirts for men.
