Laphilo / Custom printing guides / How to choose the right T-shirt size online

Guide

How to choose the right T-shirt size online

Choosing your size online is easy once you stop thinking in "S, M, L" and start thinking in centimetres. All you need is a tape measure and your favourite T-shirt, the one that fits you just right.

Measure the T-shirt you have, not your body

Lay it flat on a table and take two measurements:

Compare with our chart

Our measurements are taken the same way, on the garment laid flat. They're measured by hand, garment by garment: a difference of 1-2 cm more or less is normal for any cotton garment.

White and black T-shirt

SizeChest (cm)Length (cm)
S4870
M5072
L5474
XL5876
XXL6278

T-shirt in other colours

SizeChest (cm)Length (cm)
S5070
M5372
L5674
XL5976
XXL6278

Why two charts? Because white and black are a slightly slimmer-fitting T-shirt style; the other colours fit a couple of centimetres roomier. On the size guide on the site, the table changes automatically based on the colour you choose.

If you're between two sizes

Prefer a fitted look? Go for the smaller size. Like it loose, or wearing it over another top? Go for the larger one. Cotton can shrink slightly with the first few washes.

Other garments

For sweatshirts, polo shirts, women's and children's T-shirts we're still completing the charts. If in doubt, write to us with the measurements of your T-shirt and we'll tell you the size.

I got the wrong size, can I change it?

Personalised garments are printed for you and can't be resold, so a size exchange isn't automatic: that's why we insist so much on the tape measure. If you're unsure before ordering, just ask us.

Sources

FAQ

What does "chest" mean on the size chart?

The width of the T-shirt laid flat, measured from one armpit to the other: not the chest circumference. To compare it, measure a T-shirt that fits you well in the same way.

Are the measurements exact?

They're measured by hand, garment by garment: a difference of 1-2 cm is normal for a cotton garment.

Can I change size after ordering?

Personalised garments are excluded from exchanges: check the chart before ordering and, if in doubt, write to us.

Personalise your garment →

Live preview, no account needed.

More guides

DTG vs DTF: what's the difference and how we print your T-shirtDTG (direct to garment) and DTF (film transfer): the differences, when we use each, the Aeoon and Brother machines, and the certified inks in our workshop.How to wash a personalised T-shirt (and make it last for years)Rules for washing DTG/DTF-printed T-shirts: 30°C inside out, no bleach or dryer, don't iron on the print. Why dark garments need a first wash before wearing.How to prepare an image for T-shirt printingResolution, transparent PNG, pure white/black that won't print, colours, small details and copyright: how to prepare your file for a sharp DTG or DTF print.Personalised T-shirts for groups, events and companiesHen parties, teams, staff, schools, companies: how to order personalised T-shirts for a group, with automatic quantity discounts and 48-hour production.Personalised gift ideas: a T-shirt that says somethingA bodysuit with the date of birth, a sweatshirt for grandad, couple T-shirts, a child's drawing for Father's Day: gifts ready in 2-3 days, no account needed.Hen party T-shirts: how to get them right (and on time)Wording, colours, layout and timing for hen (and stag) do T-shirts: how to order online with a different name for each friend, with the quantity discount.Custom uniforms for staff, shops and companies: the practical guidePolo shirts, T-shirts, zip hoodies and aprons with your logo: which garment to choose, where to place it, and how to order with invoice and quantity discount.Shipping and delivery times: when your order arrivesOrders paid before 9:00 on a working day ship the same day; then the courier: in Italy 1-2 days, Saturdays and Sundays included, in the rest of Europe 3-6 working days. Costs, tracking, holidays and estimated dates.

Garments to personalise

Custom T-shirtCustom polo shirtCustom women's T-shirtCustom drawstring bagCustom kids' backpackCustom baby bodysuitCustom bucket hatCustom baseball cap