How to Measure T‑Shirt Size for Men (Regular and Oversized)

The easiest way to find your t-shirt size is to measure a tee you already own and like the fit of. Lay it flat, measure straight across the chest from armpit to armpit, double that number, and compare it with the chest column on the size chart. Then check the length the same way, from the top of the shoulder to the bottom hem.

That's the whole trick. The rest of this post is the detail: how to measure your body if you don't have a tee to copy, how regular and oversized sizes differ, and what to do when you land between two sizes.

Method 1: measure a t-shirt you already own

This is the most accurate way, because you're copying a fit you already know works on you.

1. Pick a tee that fits the way you want the new one to fit. If you want an oversized look, measure an oversized tee, not a regular one.
2. Lay it flat on a bed or table and smooth out the wrinkles.
3. Chest: measure across the front, 2 cm below the armpits, from one side seam to the other. Double it. A tee that measures 21 inches across has a 42-inch chest.
4. Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the hem.
5. Compare both numbers with the brand's size chart and pick the size that's closest.

Our size charts list the tee's own chest and length in inches, so this method matches them directly. The chart is the last photo on every product page.

Method 2: measure your body

No tee to copy? Use a soft measuring tape.

1. Stand straight and breathe normally.
2. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep it level and snug, not tight.
3. Note the number in inches.

Your body measurement isn't your t-shirt size, though, because a tee needs room to move. As a rough guide, add about 2 to 4 inches for a regular fit and about 6 to 8 inches for an oversized fit, then find that number on the chart.

Our charts, so you can compare

These are the measurements of the tees themselves, in inches.

Regular crew t-shirt (our 180 GSM cotton tees, like Certified Beast and the rest of Fitness Freaks):

• S: chest 38, length 26
• M: chest 40, length 27
• L: chest 42, length 28
• XL: chest 44, length 29
• 2XL: chest 46, length 30

Oversized t-shirt (240 GSM cotton, like the anime tees):

• XS: chest 40, length 27
• S: chest 42, length 28
• M: chest 44, length 29
• L: chest 46, length 30
• XL: chest 48, length 31
• 2XL: chest 50, length 32

Terry oversized t-shirt (260 GSM terry, like Kalyug):

• XS: chest 39, length 26
• S: chest 41, length 27
• M: chest 43, length 28
• L: chest 45, length 29
• XL: chest 47, length 30
• 2XL: chest 49, length 31
• 3XL: chest 51, length 32

Look at the numbers side by side. An oversized M has the same 44-inch chest as a regular XL. That's why you should never size up in an oversized tee: the extra room is already cut into it.

Regular fit vs oversized fit

A regular tee sits close to the body, with the shoulder seam on your shoulder and the hem around your belt. Buy your usual size.

An oversized tee has a dropped shoulder, a wider body and a longer length. Buy your usual size here too, and you'll get the loose streetwear drape. Size down only if you want it closer to a regular fit. We wrote more about this in how an oversized t-shirt should fit.

Between two sizes?

• For a regular tee, go up if you have broad shoulders or like room to move, and go down if you're slim and want it neat.
• For an oversized tee, go with the smaller of the two. The cut already gives you room.
• Check the length as well as the chest. If you're tall, length usually decides it.

What if it still doesn't fit?

On ZOJO you can swap the size for free within 7 days of delivery, or send the tee back for a full refund. Shipping is free across India, and every tee is printed after you order, so pick carefully, but don't stress about it.

Browse the men's tees or the oversized range with your number in hand.

How do I know my t-shirt size without a measuring tape?

Use a tee that fits you well and a ruler or even a sheet of A4 paper, which is about 11.7 inches long. Measure it flat, armpit to armpit, double it and compare with the chart.

Is M or L better for a 40-inch chest?

If 40 inches is your body chest, a regular L (42-inch tee chest) gives you normal room. In oversized, take the L (46-inch tee chest) for the loose look, or the M if you want it less baggy. If 40 inches is the tee you already wear, pick the size with a 40-inch chest.

Should I buy one size bigger for an oversized t-shirt?

No. An oversized tee is already cut big. Take your usual size, or one size smaller if you want it less baggy.

Do t-shirts shrink after washing?

Cotton can shrink a little in hot water or a hot dryer. Wash in cold water, inside out, and dry in the shade to keep the size and the print.