The graphic catches your eye. The fit decides how often you wear it. Before choosing your Belarté T-shirt size, take a moment to check the size chart on the product page. A familiar size label is a starting point, but the measurements tell you how the shirt will actually fit.
This guide shows you how to compare a T-shirt you already like with our garment measurements. The diagrams use size XL as an example. For your own size, always use the table on the product you are buying.
Start with a T-shirt that fits you well
- Choose a T-shirt with the fit you want: closer to the body, relaxed or roomy.
- Lay it flat on a level surface. Smooth out creases gently without stretching the fabric.
- Measure the chest width, body length, shoulders and sleeves with a tape measure.
- Compare those numbers with the product size chart, using the same unit throughout.
Measuring a favourite shirt is more useful than guessing from your usual letter size. Check both width and length: a wider shirt may still be shorter than you want.
What do the measurements mean?
Chest width
Measure straight across the flat T-shirt from one underarm to the other. This is often called pit-to-pit width. It is the width of the garment, not the circumference of your chest.
For the XL example, the chest width is 57.5 cm / 22.64 in. Doubling that gives approximately 115 cm around the garment. That does not mean it is intended for a person with a 115 cm chest: you also need room to move and the amount of looseness you prefer.
Length
Measure from the highest shoulder point beside the neck down to the bottom hem. Keep the tape straight. This helps you judge where the shirt will finish on your body.
Shoulder width
Measure across the back from one shoulder seam to the other. Shoulder placement contributes to the fit, particularly when the seam sits lower on the arm.
Sleeve length
Measure from the shoulder seam along the upper edge of the sleeve to its end. Start at the seam rather than at the neck.
XL measurement example in centimetres
The same XL measurements in inches
- Chest width: 57.5 cm / 22.64 in
- Length: 74.5 cm / 29.33 in
- Shoulder width: 55.5 cm / 21.85 in
- Sleeve length: 23 cm / 9.06 in
One inch equals 2.54 cm. Small differences in converted values can come from rounding. Use either centimetres or inches consistently when comparing your shirt with the chart.
Choosing the fit you want
If you are between two sizes, compare both with your measured T-shirt. Choose the dimensions that give you your preferred width and length. Going up a size can add room, but it can also change the shoulders and sleeves. Do not size up automatically just because you want a relaxed look.
For more about the silhouette, read our guide to oversized vs regular fit T-shirts.
Quick sizing questions
Should I order my usual size?
Use it as a starting point, then check the measurements. Size labels can differ between brands, so the same letter does not always mean the same fit.
Are these body measurements?
No. These are measurements of the T-shirt laid flat. Compare them with another garment, not directly with a tape wrapped around your body.
Will every measurement be exact?
Small differences can occur through production and manual measuring. Check any tolerance stated on the product page, and measure your reference shirt without pulling or stretching it.
Check the chart before you add to cart
Open the size chart, compare your measurements and choose the fit you actually want. A quick check now is easier than discovering later that the shirt is too short or too narrow.
See the Belarté Rose & Dagger graphic T-shirt shown in this guide. Once you have found your fit, our graphic T-shirt washing guide explains how to care for the print.