Shirt size by age is primarily determined by a combination of height and weight, as children and adults grow at different rates and sizes can vary widely even among those of the same age. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding shirt sizes by age, covering kids, toddlers, and adults, including how to measure properly and interpret size charts.
Kids Shirt Size Calculator
| Age (Years) | Size | Chest (inches) | Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 2 | XS | 18 – 20 | 28 – 34 |
| 3 – 5 | S | 22 – 24 | 38 – 44 |
| 6 – 8 | M | 25.5 – 27.5 | 47 – 53 |
| 9 – 11 | L | 28 – 30.5 | 54 – 58 |
| 12 – 16 | XL | 31 – 34 | 59 – 69 |
1. Understanding Shirt Sizes by Age
Shirt sizes for children (typically age 0-14) are usually labeled by age groups but are based on an approximate range of height and weight. For adults, sizes tend to be more standardized by chest, shoulder, and length measurements.
- Children’s sizes: These are often marked by age or age ranges (e.g., 3-4 years), corresponding roughly to height and weight brackets.
- Toddlers’ sizes: Sizes labeled with a “T” (e.g., 2T, 3T) are specifically for toddlers, generally covering ages 1–4 years.
- Youth sizes: For older children, sizes may be XS, S, M, L, XL, each with associated height, weight, chest, and waist measurements.
- Adult sizes: Typically Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), XL, XXL, etc., defined by chest circumference, shoulder width, and length.
2. Children’s Shirt Sizes by Age, Height, and Weight
Here’s a typical size guide for kids’ shirts based on age with corresponding height and weight ranges (approximate):
| Age Group | Size (EU) | Height (cm/inches) | Weight (kg/pounds) | Typical Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 Months | NB (Newborn) | 55-60 cm (17-21″) | 2.8-5.7 kg (6-12) | ~16-17″ |
| 3-6 Months | S | 61-67 cm (19-23″) | 5.7-7.5 kg (12-16) | ~17-18″ |
| 6-12 Months | M | 67-78 cm (24-30″) | 7.5-9.3 kg (16-20) | ~18-19″ |
| 12-24 Months | L | 78-92 cm (31-36″) | 9.3-13 kg (20-29) | ~19-20″ |
| 2-3 Years | 24-26 EU | 90-98 cm (35-39″) | 11-14 kg (24-31) | ~20-21″ |
| 4-6 Years | 28-30 EU | 100-115 cm (39-45″) | 14-20 kg (31-44) | ~21-23″ |
| 7-8 Years | 32-34 EU | 116-130 cm (46-51″) | 20-25 kg (44-55) | ~23-25″ |
| 9-11 Years | 34-36 EU | 131-146 cm (52-57″) | 25-38 kg (55-83) | ~25-27″ |
| 12-14 Years | 38-40 EU | 147-164 cm (58-64″) | 38-50 kg (83-110) | ~27-30″ |
This table is synthesized from different sources that provide children’s sizes by age, height, weight, and chest measurement ranges.
3. Toddler Sizes (“T” Sizes)
Toddler sizes typically range from 1T to 5T and correspond to children aged 1 to 5 years. The “T” denotes “toddler,” and these sizes correlate roughly with height, weight, chest, and waist measurements:
| Toddler Size | Age | Height (inches/cm) | Weight (lbs/kg) | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2T | 2 years | 34-35 / 86-89 | 25-28 / 11-13 | 20.5 | 21 |
| 3T | 3 years | 36-38 / 91-96 | 29-32 / 13-15 | 21 | 21.5 |
| 4T | 4 years | 39-41 / 99-104 | 33-36 / 15-16 | 22 | 22 |
| 5T | 5 years | 42-44 / 106-111 | 36-40 / 16-18 | 23 | 23 |
Toddler sizes emphasize comfort and room for growth.
4. Youth Shirt Sizes (Small to Extra Large)
Youth sizes often align with upper elementary to middle school-aged children (approximately 6 to 14 years). These sizes use measurements like chest and waist:
| Youth Size | Age Range | Height (inches/cm) | Weight (lbs/kg) | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 3-5 years | 39-44 / 99-112 | 33-42 / 15-19 | 22-24 | 22-23 |
| S | 5-7 years | 45-49 / 114-124 | 43-57 / 19-26 | 24-26.5 | 23-24.5 |
| M | 7-9 years | 50-53 / 127-135 | 50-67 / 23-30 | 25.5-27.5 | 24.5-25.5 |
| L | 9-11 years | 53-58 / 135-147 | 68-87 / 31-39 | 27.5-30.5 | 25.5-28 |
| XL | 11-13 yrs | 58-61 / 147-154 | 88-107 / 40-49 | 30.5-32.5 | 28-30.5 |
These sizes are more detailed with chest and waist measurements to better fit children in this age group.
5. Adult Shirt Sizes by Measurement
Adult shirt sizes (starting roughly age 14 and up) are standardly based on chest circumference, shoulder width, and shirt length.
Typical sizes are:
| Size | Chest (inches/cm) | Waist (inches/cm) | Shoulder Width (inches/cm) | Shirt Length (inches/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32-34 / 81-86 | 26-28 / 66-71 | 14-15 / 35-38 | 25-26 / 64-66 |
| S | 35-37 / 89-94 | 29-31 / 73-79 | 15-16 / 38-41 | 26-27 / 66-69 |
| M | 38-40 / 96-101 | 32-34 / 81-86 | 16-17 / 41-43 | 27-28 / 69-71 |
| L | 41-43 / 104-109 | 35-37 / 89-94 | 17-18 / 43-46 | 28-29 / 71-74 |
| XL | 44-46 / 112-117 | 38-40 / 97-102 | 18-19 / 46-48 | 29-30 / 74-76 |
| XXL | 47-49 / 119-124 | 41-43 / 104-109 | 19-20 / 48-51 | 30-31 / 76-79 |
These measurements ensure a better fit than simple S, M, L labels, especially for online shopping.
6. How to Measure for Shirt Size by Age
To choose the right shirt size by age, measurements are crucial since kids and adults vary greatly:
- Chest circumference: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
- Waist circumference: Measure around the natural waistline, above the hips.
- Height: Stand straight measuring from head to feet.
- Shoulder width: Measure across the back from one shoulder seam to the other.
- Sleeve length: From shoulder seam to wrist.
Using these measurements, compare with size charts to select the best fit.
7. Important Considerations
- Growth variability: Children grow at different rates. Age-based sizes are guidelines; measuring height and chest provides better fit accuracy.
- Brand variations: Sizing may differ between brands or countries (US, EU, UK sizes).
- Fit preference: Consider if you want a snug or loose fit, especially for layering or comfort.
- Material stretch: Fabric choice affects fit; stretchy materials allow some size flexibility.
8. Practical Tips for Buying Shirts by Age
- Check size charts: Always refer to the brand-specific size chart.
- Measure current clothes: Use shirts that fit well to measure and compare.
- Opt for bigger sizes: Kids grow fast; buying one size up can extend usability.
- Look at height and weight: They are better predictors than age alone.
- Toddler T sizes: Ideal for those early years when rapid changes occur.
This comprehensive overview should guide readers through understanding how shirt sizes correspond with age, helping to make better size choices whether shopping for toddlers, kids, or adults. Always combine age with height, weight, and chest measurements for the best fit.