When you buy a T-shirt online, the safest way to choose a size is to compare garment measurements with a T-shirt you already own and like. Letter sizes such as S, M, L and XL are useful, but the actual measurements tell you much more about how a product will fit.
What you need
Use a flexible measuring tape and a flat surface such as a table or bed. Pick a T-shirt that fits the way you want the new one to fit.
1. Measure the chest width
Lay the T-shirt flat and smooth it without stretching the fabric. Measure straight across from one underarm to the other. This is the flat chest width, not the full chest circumference.
2. Measure the body length
Measure from the upper shoulder area down to the bottom hem. Use the same starting point when comparing your existing shirt with an online size chart.
3. Measure the shoulders
Measure from one shoulder seam to the other across the back. This measurement is especially useful when comparing a regular crew neck with a drop shoulder T-shirt because the shoulder construction can be very different.
4. Measure sleeve length
Start at the shoulder seam and measure to the end of the sleeve. On a drop shoulder product, remember that the seam itself sits lower on the arm, so the visual sleeve length can feel different even when the numeric measurement is similar.
5. Compare the full set of measurements
Do not choose a size based on only one number. A shirt can match your preferred chest width but be much longer or shorter than expected. Compare chest, length, shoulder and sleeve measurements together.
Regular fit vs oversized fit
For a standard crew neck, compare your existing regular-fit T-shirt with the Vogue Desire regular T-shirt size chart. For relaxed adult fits, use the drop shoulder T-shirt size chart.
If you are new to relaxed silhouettes, our oversized vs drop shoulder guide explains the difference.
Common sizing mistakes
- Choosing only from height and weight without checking garment measurements.
- Assuming every brand’s medium is identical.
- Sizing up an already oversized T-shirt without checking the chart.
- Measuring your body when the chart is giving flat garment measurements.
- Comparing a fitted T-shirt with an oversized size chart and expecting the same silhouette.
What if you fall between sizes?
Think about the fit you prefer. If both sizes are close, the smaller option usually gives a cleaner silhouette while the larger option gives more room. Compare length as well as chest width before deciding.
Need help?
If you are unsure about a Vogue Desire product, contact us with the product name and the measurements of a T-shirt that already fits you comfortably.