T-Shirt Size Guide: Because Nobody Wants to Look Like a Vacuum-Sealed Sausage
Buying a T-shirt online should be simple.
Pick a design, choose a colour, select a size and wait for the postie.
Easy, right?
Well, apparently not.
Because somewhere along the way, clothing manufacturers decided that a “Large” should mean something different depending on who’s making it.
One brand’s Medium fits like a circus tent. Another brand’s XL looks like it was stolen from a primary school lost-property box.
Wonderful.
So before you order your next funny Australian T-shirt, here’s how to choose the right size without accidentally dressing like an overstuffed sausage roll.
What Does Unisex T-Shirt Sizing Actually Mean?
Most Lynch Wisbey T-shirts use unisex sizing.
That means the garment is designed to suit different wearers rather than being cut specifically for men’s or women’s body shapes.
Unisex shirts typically feature a relatively straight cut through the body, making them suitable for a range of fits and personal preferences.
However, unisex doesn’t mean one size fits everyone.
And it certainly doesn’t mean you should automatically order the size you normally wear.
Actual garment measurements are much more useful than the letter printed on the label.
How to Measure a T-Shirt Properly
Want to avoid disappointment? Grab a T-shirt you already own that fits comfortably.
Lay it flat on a table and take two measurements.
1. Chest Width
Measure across the garment from one underarm seam to the other, keeping the fabric flat without stretching it.
This is often called the half-chest measurement.
Compare it with the chest-width measurement in the product’s size chart.
If the chart uses full chest circumference instead, you’ll need to account for that difference.
2. Body Length
Measure from the highest point of the shoulder near the collar down to the bottom hem.
This helps determine whether the shirt will sit where you want it.
Because nobody wants to raise their arms at a barbecue and accidentally expose half their stomach.
Unless that’s the plan.
Regular Fit or Oversized?
Your preferred fit is entirely up to you.
Regular fit: Choose measurements close to those of a comfortable shirt you already own.
Relaxed fit: Allow a little extra width for a looser feel.
Oversized look: Choose a garment with noticeably more room through the chest and body, while checking that the extra length and shoulder width will suit you.
Don’t assume sizing up automatically produces the perfect oversized look. Sometimes it just produces an unnecessarily long T-shirt.
Does the Colour Affect the Fit?
Black and white versions of the same garment style should generally follow the same sizing specifications.
However, different garment styles or manufacturers may have slightly different measurements.
Always refer to the size chart for the actual product you’re purchasing.
Why Choosing the Right Size Matters
At Lynch Wisbey, most shirts are printed to order.
That means we generally can’t exchange a correctly supplied shirt simply because you’ve changed your mind about the size.
So take an extra minute to check the measurements.
It’s considerably easier than trying to convince yourself that a shirt two sizes too small will stretch out eventually.
And remember, your Australian Consumer Law rights still apply if a product is faulty, incorrectly supplied or doesn’t meet consumer guarantees.
Measure Twice, Order Once
The golden rule of buying graphic T-shirts online is simple.
Don’t guess.
Find your favourite shirt, measure it, compare it with the product size chart and order accordingly.
Then you can concentrate on the important stuff.
Like choosing which outrageously inappropriate design you’re going to wear to your next family function.
Explore our collection of unisex graphic T-shirts and find your next favourite shirt.
GET LYNCHED.
