Regular fit vs oversized t‑shirt: which one should you buy?

Buy the regular fit if you want a tee that sits close and stays cool, and buy the oversized fit if you want a loose, boxy shape that hides your frame. On our own charts the oversized tee is 4 inches wider at the chest and 2 inches longer than the regular tee in the same size.

That's the short answer. The rest of this post is the numbers behind it, because "oversized" means a different thing at every brand. These are ours, taken from the size charts on our product pages.

The difference in inches

Here's a size M in each of our three fits, measured flat on the garment.

• Regular fit: 40 inch chest, 27 inch length.
• Oversized: 44 inch chest, 29 inch length.
• Oversized terry: 44 inch chest, 28.5 inch length.

The gap is the same in every size. An oversized S is as wide as a regular L. So if you've ever sized up twice in a normal tee to get a baggy look, an oversized tee in your real size gets you the same width, and the shoulders and neck are cut to match.

The shoulder is the other change. On a regular tee the seam sits on your shoulder bone. On an oversized tee it drops a few inches down your arm, and the sleeve ends closer to your elbow. We've written more on that in how an oversized t-shirt should fit.

The fabric is different too

People miss this part. At ZOJO the fit decides the fabric.

• Regular fit: 100% cotton, 180 GSM.
• Oversized: 100% cotton, 240 GSM.
• Oversized terry: 90% cotton and 10% polyester, 260 GSM.

GSM is the weight of the cloth. A 180 GSM tee is light and you forget you're wearing it. A 240 GSM tee is thick enough to hold a boxy shape, which is why loose tees are made heavy. A thin tee cut wide just looks like a tee that's too big. Our GSM guide goes deeper, and this post explains terry.

Who should buy the regular fit

• You live somewhere hot and humid and you'll wear it outdoors in summer.
• You want to layer it under a shirt or a jacket.
• You're wearing it to the gym. Our gym tees come in a regular fit, and that's the one to train in.
• You like a tee that shows your shape.
• You need a bigger size. Some of our regular tees go up to 4XL.

Who should buy the oversized fit

• You want the streetwear look, with cargos or baggy jeans.
• You don't like fabric touching your stomach or back.
• You want a thick tee that keeps its shape after washing.
• You like big prints. A wider chest gives the artwork more room, and some of our oversized tees carry a full back print.

If you want it thicker again, the terry oversized tees are the heaviest thing we sell.

Same print, three fits

You don't always have to choose the design and the fit together. A lot of our prints come in all three. Mystical Third Eye is one, and the fit buttons on the product page switch between Regular, Oversized and Oversized Terry.

The price goes up with the fabric, since a heavier tee costs more to make. The listed prices are Rs 699 for regular, Rs 899 for oversized and Rs 999 for terry.

Which size to order

Order your usual size in both fits. The extra room is already cut into the oversized tee, so sizing up only adds length. If you aren't sure what your usual size is, measure a tee you own and compare it with the chart. Our measuring guide takes about 2 minutes.

And if it still comes out wrong, we swap the size for free. You get 7 days to return a tee.

Is an oversized t-shirt just a bigger size?

No. It's a different cut. The chest is wider, the body is longer and the shoulder seam is dropped, but the neck stays the normal size. A regular tee two sizes up gives you a wide neck and long sleeves that don't sit right.

Should I size down in an oversized t-shirt?

Only if you want it to fit like a regular tee, and then you might as well buy the regular fit. One size down in our oversized tee is still 2 inches wider than your regular size.

Which is better for summer, regular or oversized?

Regular, for most people. Ours is 180 GSM and the oversized one is 240 GSM, so the regular tee is lighter. An oversized tee does let more air move around your body, so some people find it fine in dry heat.

Do oversized t-shirts suit short or skinny guys?

Yes, if the length is right. The hem should end around your hip. If it reaches the middle of your thigh, tuck the front in or pick the regular fit.

Are oversized tees unisex?

Ours are. The oversized and terry tees use one unisex cut, in XS to XXL.