Size Guide
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Finding the right T-shirt size online is easier than it looks once you stop relying on the letter on the label and start comparing measurements. This guide gives you the garment measurements for every Rubytee size from S to 5XL, shows you how to measure a shirt you already own, explains how to choose between two sizes, and tells you what to do if a shirt does not fit. If you still have a question after reading it, email support@rubytee.com and we will help you pick.
Sizing at a glance
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL.
- Fit: our classic tees have a regular, unisex fit: straight through the body, not tight.
- Best method: measure a T-shirt that fits you well, laid flat, and match it to the chart.
- Between sizes: size up for a relaxed fit, size down for a closer fit.
- Wrong size? Exchange it within 60 days of delivery; we ship the new size free.
1. Rubytee classic T-shirt measurements
The chart below shows garment measurements, not body measurements. “Chest” is the full circumference of the shirt around the chest, measured just below the armholes; half of that number is the width you get when you measure the shirt laid flat from side seam to side seam. “Length” is the body length from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, down to the bottom hem.
| Size | Chest (around) | Chest width (laid flat) | Body length |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36 in | 18 in | 28 in |
| M | 40 in | 20 in | 29 in |
| L | 44 in | 22 in | 30 in |
| XL | 48 in | 24 in | 31 in |
| 2XL | 52 in | 26 in | 32 in |
| 3XL | 56 in | 28 in | 33 in |
| 4XL | 60 in | 30 in | 34 in |
| 5XL | 64 in | 32 in | 35 in |
| Size | Chest (around) | Chest width (laid flat) | Body length |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 91.4 cm | 45.7 cm | 71.1 cm |
| M | 101.6 cm | 50.8 cm | 73.7 cm |
| L | 111.8 cm | 55.9 cm | 76.2 cm |
| XL | 121.9 cm | 61.0 cm | 78.7 cm |
| 2XL | 132.1 cm | 66.0 cm | 81.3 cm |
| 3XL | 142.2 cm | 71.1 cm | 83.8 cm |
| 4XL | 152.4 cm | 76.2 cm | 86.4 cm |
| 5XL | 162.6 cm | 81.3 cm | 88.9 cm |
Each step up adds about 4 inches (10 cm) around the chest and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of body length. Measurements can vary by around half an inch (1–2 cm) from shirt to shirt because cut-and-sewn cotton garments always vary slightly in production. Some styles, such as women’s fit tees, tank tops or long sleeves, may have their own measurements; when a product differs from this chart, the product page says so.
2. How to measure a shirt you already own
The most reliable way to choose a size is to measure a T-shirt that already fits you the way you like. It takes about two minutes and you only need a tape measure or a ruler.
- Lay the shirt flat on a table or the floor, front side up. Smooth out wrinkles without stretching the fabric.
- Measure the chest width: place the tape straight across the shirt from one side seam to the other, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the bottom of the armholes. Write the number down. Double it if you want to compare with the “Chest (around)” column.
- Measure the body length: start at the highest point of the shoulder, where the shoulder seam meets the collar, and measure straight down to the bottom edge of the hem.
- Compare your two numbers with the chart and pick the size whose numbers are closest. If your shirt sits between two sizes, read section 4.
Measuring a shirt is better than measuring your body, because a shirt that fits well includes the ease, or extra room, that you find comfortable. Two people with the same chest measurement can prefer very different shirt widths.
3. If you want to measure your body instead
If you do not have a T-shirt to compare, measure your body and add ease. Stand relaxed, breathe normally and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms, keeping it level and snug but not tight. For a regular fit, choose a shirt whose “Chest (around)” measurement is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) larger than your body measurement. For a roomier fit, add 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). Then check the body length against a shirt or top you own to make sure the hem will sit where you like it.
4. Choosing between two sizes
Being between sizes is common. Here is how to decide:
- You like a relaxed, easy fit, or you plan to layer the tee over another top: choose the larger size.
- You like a neater fit that follows your shape, or you will wear it under a jacket or overshirt: choose the smaller size.
- Length matters more than width to you, for example if you are tall: compare body length first, because width is easier to live with than a shirt that is too short.
- You will tumble dry the shirt: cotton can relax or shrink slightly with heat. If you are on the edge, size up, or follow the care tips in section 8 to keep shrinkage to a minimum.
Example: a customer’s favorite tee measures 23 inches across the chest and 30.5 inches long. Large is 22 by 30, Extra Large is 24 by 31. They like the slightly loose feel of their favorite shirt, so they choose XL.
5. Sizing for plus sizes: 2XL to 5XL
Every Rubytee design is offered in the full range, so plus-size shoppers get the same choice as everyone else. In the larger sizes, both the chest and the length grow with every step, so the shirt covers comfortably and does not ride up when you lift your arms. If you are moving up from a brand that runs small, measuring a shirt you already own is especially helpful: compare the chest width first, then the length. Our Plus Size T-Shirts collection makes it easy to browse styles in 2XL to 5XL.
6. Buying for someone else
Buying a shirt as a gift, or ordering for a whole group, means choosing sizes for people you cannot measure. A few tips:
- Ask the person, or someone who lives with them, for the size on the label of a T-shirt they wear often. Better still, ask them to measure it flat and send you the chest width and length.
- If you have to guess, choose the size they usually wear in casual T-shirts. A shirt that is a little roomy is more wearable than one that is too tight.
- For group orders, such as a reunion, team or event, collect everyone’s size in writing before you order. A simple list of names and sizes saves exchanges later.
- Remember that gift recipients can exchange their shirt for another size within 60 days of delivery.
7. What if the size is not right?
No size chart can guarantee a perfect fit for every body. If your shirt does not fit, you can exchange it for another size or return it within 60 days of delivery. Send the shirt back unworn and unwashed; we ship the new size to you at no cost. Start by emailing support@rubytee.com or submitting a ticket with your order number and the size you want. Full details are in our Returns & Exchanges Policy.
8. Keeping the fit after washing
Most cotton T-shirts change a little in the first few washes, and heat is the main cause. To keep your shirt close to its original measurements:
- Wash inside out in cold or warm water, not hot.
- Use a gentle or normal cycle with similar colors.
- Tumble dry on low, or better, hang or lay flat to dry.
- Do not iron directly on a print; iron inside out on a low setting if needed.
- Skip bleach and avoid putting fabric softener directly on printed areas.
Following these steps also keeps the printed design looking sharp for longer.
9. Size labels on Rubytee products
On every product page, the size options use the same labels as this guide: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL. The size you choose is printed on the label inside the shirt you receive. If the label does not match what you ordered, that is our mistake; send us a photo and we will send the correct size free of charge.
10. How fit changes by style
The measurements in section 1 describe our classic crew neck tee. Other styles in the store follow the same size labels but are cut for a different look. Use this table as a guide, and always check the product page for any style-specific measurements.
| Style | How it fits | Sizing tip |
|---|---|---|
| Short sleeve crew neck | Regular unisex fit, straight body | Use the chart in section 1 directly. |
| Long sleeve | Similar body to the crew neck, with full-length sleeves | If you have long arms or like to push sleeves up, consider sizing up. |
| Tank top | Sleeveless, deeper armholes, often a little longer | For sport choose your usual size; for a loose layered look size up. |
| V-neck | Same body as the crew neck with an open neckline | Choose your usual size; the neckline does not change the chest fit. |
| Women’s fit | Shaped side seams, narrower through the waist, sometimes shorter | Many customers size up one for a relaxed feel; compare with a fitted tee you own. |
11. Sizing questions we hear often
Are your T-shirts true to size?
Our classic tees follow standard US unisex sizing. “True to size” depends on what you are used to, which is why we publish real garment measurements: compare them with a shirt you like and you will know exactly how ours will fit.
I usually wear a men’s Large. What should I order?
For a unisex classic tee, start with Large and check the chest width against a men’s Large you own. If yours measures closer to 24 inches across than 22, choose XL.
I usually wear a women’s Medium. What unisex size is that?
Unisex sizes are cut wider than women’s sizes. Many women who wear a women’s Medium choose a unisex Small for a neat fit, or a Medium for a relaxed fit. Measuring a T-shirt you like is the surest way to decide.
Can I order two sizes to compare?
Yes. Some customers order two sizes of the same design, keep the one that fits and return the other unworn within 60 days of delivery for a refund of the item price. Return postage for the extra shirt is paid by you, as with any change-of-mind return, so measuring first is usually the cheaper option.
Will the shirt shrink?
Cotton can shrink slightly, mostly in length, if washed hot or tumble dried on high heat. Washing cold and drying on low or on a line keeps changes to a minimum.
Where do your measurements come from?
The figures in this guide are the specification measurements for our classic unisex tee, taken flat on the garment. We publish them in both inches and centimeters so customers in every country we ship to can compare easily.
12. Questions about sizing
If you are still unsure, email support@rubytee.com with the measurements of a shirt you like, and tell us which design you are looking at. We reply within 1 business day with our recommendation. You can also browse our FAQs, read the Shipping & Delivery details or start shopping in T-Shirts.