Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed at the start of every new season
Choosing the right football shirt size is the difference between a shirt you wear every week and one that stays in the drawer. Fits vary between brands, seasons and styles — slim match shirts, relaxed stadium shirts and boxy retro classics all sit differently. This football shirt size guide gives you real measurements, simple steps and honest advice so you get the perfect fit, whether you shop from the UK, Europe, the USA or anywhere else.
Quick answer: To find your football shirt size, measure a shirt that already fits you well — lay it flat, measure armpit to armpit and double it — then match that figure to the “shirt chest” column in the size chart. Size S is 98 cm, M is 102 cm, L is 106 cm, XL is 110 cm and XXL is 114 cm around the chest. For slim player version shirts, or if you are between sizes, go one size up.
Table of Contents
How should a football shirt fit?
There is no single “correct” fit — it depends on how you want to wear it. As a general rule, a good fit means:
- Shoulders: the shoulder seam sits on or just past the edge of your shoulder.
- Chest: you can pinch a few centimetres of fabric either side without it pulling across the chest.
- Length: the hem reaches roughly the middle of your trouser zip or slightly below the belt.
- Sleeves: they finish around mid-bicep and do not dig in when you raise your arms.
Modern match shirts are designed to be closer-fitting; stadium and retro shirts are designed to be roomier. Knowing which style you are buying is half the battle.
Adult football shirt size chart
These measurements are taken from the All Football Kits adult size chart. “Shirt chest” is the full circumference of the shirt (not your body), and length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem.
| Size | Height | Weight | Shirt chest | Shirt length | Shorts length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 165–175 cm | 60–70 kg | 98 cm / 38.2 in | 70 cm / 27.3 in | 44.5 cm / 17.5 in |
| M | 170–175 cm | 70–80 kg | 102 cm / 39.8 in | 72 cm / 28.3 in | 46 cm / 17.9 in |
| L | 175–180 cm | 80–85 kg | 106 cm / 41.3 in | 74 cm / 29.1 in | 48 cm / 18.9 in |
| XL | 180–185 cm | 85–90 kg | 110 cm / 42.9 in | 76 cm / 29.9 in | 49 cm / 19.3 in |
| XXL | 185 cm+ | 95–110 kg | 114 cm / 44.8 in | 78 cm / 30.7 in | 50.5 cm / 19.9 in |
Adult XS is available on most shirts for slimmer and smaller fans. You can view the printable chart on our size chart page.
How to find your football shirt size in 7 easy steps
- Pick your favourite shirt. Choose a T-shirt or football shirt that fits exactly how you like.
- Lay it flat on a table or bed and smooth out any creases.
- Measure armpit to armpit straight across, about 2 cm below the armholes.
- Double that number to get the full chest measurement.
- Measure the length from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem.
- Compare both numbers with the chart above and choose the closest size.
- Adjust for style: go up one size for a slim match shirt, or if you like a relaxed fit.
This “measure a shirt you love” method is more reliable than measuring your body, because it reflects the fit you actually prefer.
Measuring your body instead
If you would rather measure yourself, wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, keeping it level. Add roughly 6–10 cm for a regular fit and 2–5 cm for a close fit, then compare with the “shirt chest” column.
Football shirt size by height and build
Height and build both matter. Use this quick guide as a starting point:
| Your build | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Tall and slim | Choose by length first — you may need one size up so the shirt is long enough. |
| Short and broad | Choose by chest first; a slightly longer shirt can be tucked or worn untucked. |
| Athletic / muscular | Size up in slim match shirts so the chest and arms are not tight. |
| Carry weight around the middle | Choose a stadium (fan version) shirt and consider one size up. |
| Average build | Your usual T-shirt size usually works for stadium and retro shirts. |
What size football shirt for a 6ft man?
A 6ft (183 cm) man of average build usually wears L or XL. If you weigh under 85 kg, try L; over 85 kg, try XL. For a slim match shirt, go one size up from your usual choice.
What size football shirt for a 5ft 9in man?
At 5ft 9in (175 cm), most people wear M or L depending on build. Average build: M. Broader chest or relaxed fit: L.
Player version, fan version and retro: how each fits
The style of shirt changes which football shirt size you should choose.
| Style | Fit | Sizing advice |
|---|---|---|
| Player version | Slim, athletic | Size up if between sizes |
| Fan / stadium version | Regular, relaxed | True to size |
| Retro and classic shirts | Roomier, often boxy | True to size, or size down for a closer fit |
| Long sleeve shirts | Regular | True to size; check sleeve length if tall |
| Goalkeeper shirts | Roomier for padding | True to size or one up for base layers |
For a deeper comparison of the two modern cuts, read our guide to player version vs fan version football shirts.
Found your size? Shop the new 2026/27 football shirts, international shirts and retro shirts in sizes XS to XXL — with free worldwide shipping on every order.
UK, EU and US football shirt size conversion
Football shirts are sold in letter sizes almost everywhere, but if you are used to numbered sizing, this conversion table helps. Always double-check the centimetre measurements above.
| Letter size | UK chest (in) | EU men’s size | US size |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34–36 | 44 | XS |
| S | 36–38 | 46 | S |
| M | 38–40 | 48–50 | M |
| L | 40–42 | 52 | L |
| XL | 42–44 | 54 | XL |
| XXL | 44–46 | 56 | XXL |
Ordering from the USA, Canada or Australia
Fans in North America and Australia generally find their usual letter size works. American “soccer jersey” sizing follows the same XS–XXL lettering, so a US medium is a UK medium. Delivery is free worldwide and typically takes 10–14 days.
Ordering from Ireland and Europe
Use the EU column above or, better still, the centimetre measurements. European fans buying a slim match shirt should follow the same “size up if between sizes” rule.
Women’s football shirt sizing
Most football shirts are cut as unisex or men’s sizes. Women usually find that one size down from their usual women’s T-shirt size gives a similar fit — for example, a women’s UK 10–12 often suits an adult S. If you prefer a relaxed, oversized look (very popular for casual styling), stay with your usual size or go one up.
Compare the shirt chest and length measurements with a top you already own for the most accurate result.
Retro shirt sizing explained
Shirts from the 1980s and 1990s were famously baggy, with wide bodies and dropped shoulders. Many modern retro remakes keep that relaxed feel, so a retro football shirt size often fits roomier than a modern match shirt.
- Want the authentic 90s oversized look? Stay true to size.
- Want a neater, modern fit? Go one size down.
- Wearing it over a hoodie or long-sleeve top? Go one size up.
See our pick of the best classic football shirts of all time for inspiration, or browse the full classic football shirts collection.
Do football shirts shrink?
Modern football shirts are made from polyester, which barely shrinks when washed correctly. Problems usually come from heat: a hot wash or tumble dryer can distort the fabric and damage crests and printing. Wash at 30°C, turn the shirt inside out and air-dry it. Our guide to how to wash a football shirt has the full routine.
Because shrinkage is minimal, you do not need to size up “just in case” — choose the size that fits now.
8 common sizing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Assuming every brand fits the same. Cuts change by kit maker and season.
- Ignoring the version. A slim match shirt and a stadium shirt can fit a full size apart.
- Measuring your body tightly. Keep the tape snug but comfortable.
- Forgetting length. Tall fans should always check the length column.
- Buying for growth in adults. Adults do not need room to grow — buy the size that fits today.
- Forgetting layers. If you will wear a base layer or hoodie underneath, size up.
- Guessing when buying a gift. Borrow one of their shirts and measure it, or choose a relaxed-fit style.
- Using a hot wash. Heat, not the fabric, is what spoils fit and print.
Your football shirt size checklist
Before you order, run through this quick checklist. It takes less than a minute and saves the hassle of a shirt that does not fit.
- I know whether the shirt is a slim match shirt, a stadium shirt or a retro shirt.
- I have compared my shirt chest measurement with the chart, not just the letter on the label.
- I have checked the length, especially if I am tall.
- I have decided whether I want a fitted or relaxed look.
- I have allowed room for any base layer or hoodie I plan to wear underneath.
- If I am between sizes, I have chosen the larger football shirt size.
Tick all six and you can order with confidence. If you are still unsure about your football shirt size, our team is happy to help — just send your height, weight and chest measurement through the contact page.
Does football shirt size change between seasons?
It can. Kit makers sometimes adjust their cut from one season to the next, so the football shirt size that fitted you perfectly two years ago may feel slightly different today. When a new season’s range arrives, check the measurements again rather than relying on memory.
Buying a football shirt as a gift
Guessing someone else’s football shirt size is tricky. These tips help:
- Check the size label on a T-shirt or hoodie they wear often.
- Ask a partner, friend or family member discreetly.
- If unsure, choose a fan version or retro shirt — the relaxed fit is more forgiving.
- For children, use height and our kids football kit sizes guide.
More ideas for every budget are in our football gifts guide.
Football shirt size for teenagers
Teenagers are often caught between kids and adult sizing. The largest kids size (28) fits roughly 150–160 cm, and adult XS or S usually takes over from there. If your teenager is slim, the kids size may fit better through the body; if they are broad-shouldered or taller than 165 cm, an adult football shirt size will be more comfortable.
A simple test: if the kids size fits the chest but looks short, move to adult sizing.
Football shirt size for big and tall fans
Taller and larger fans often struggle with shirts that fit the chest but stop short at the waist. Two tips help:
- Check the length column first. At XXL, the shirt is 78 cm long; if you need more length, a relaxed-fit fan version or retro shirt will usually sit longer than a slim match shirt.
- Choose stadium or retro styles. Their roomier cut gives more space across the stomach and shoulders.
If you are unsure which football shirt size will work for you, message our team with your height, weight and chest measurement and we will recommend a size.
Football shirt size for playing vs casual wear
How you plan to use the shirt should shape the size you choose.
For playing football or training
You want freedom of movement without excess fabric. Choose your true football shirt size in a fan version, or size up by one in a slim match shirt so it does not restrict your arms when you stretch, tackle or throw a ball in.
For everyday and casual wear
Casual styling has moved towards looser, oversized fits — especially with retro shirts. Many fans now choose one size up for a relaxed streetwear look with jeans, cargo trousers or tracksuit bottoms. See our guide to football shirt outfit ideas for styling inspiration.
For framing and collecting
If the shirt is going in a frame, size matters less than condition. Smaller sizes are easier to frame neatly, while a larger football shirt size fills a frame more dramatically.
How to read the size label on a football shirt
The size label is usually found on the inside collar or on a small tag stitched into the side seam. It shows the letter size (XS to XXL) and sometimes a height or chest range. Retro remakes may use a different label style, so always rely on the measurements in the product listing rather than the label alone.
When comparing shirts from different sellers, look at the centimetre measurements rather than the letters. Two shirts labelled “M” can differ by several centimetres depending on the maker and the cut.
Shorts and full kit sizing
If you are buying shorts or a full kit, use the shorts length column in the chart above. Football shorts usually have an elasticated waist with a drawcord, so waist size is flexible — length is the key choice. Taller fans who like a longer short may prefer one size up.
Shop with confidence. Every adult shirt comes in sizes XS to XXL, with kids sizes on most designs. Browse club shirts, Premier League shirts and vintage football shirts — free worldwide shipping on every order.
Frequently asked questions
Do football shirts run small?
Slim match (player version) shirts usually run about one size small compared with everyday T-shirts. Fan version and retro shirts generally fit true to size.
Should I size up in a football shirt?
Size up if you are between sizes, if you are buying a slim player version, or if you plan to wear a layer underneath. Otherwise, choose your usual football shirt size.
What does “shirt chest” mean on a size chart?
It is the full measurement around the shirt itself at chest level. Measure a well-fitting shirt armpit to armpit and double it to compare.
Is a football shirt size the same as a T-shirt size?
Often, yes, for fan version and retro shirts. Slim match shirts fit tighter, so many people choose one size above their normal T-shirt size.
What size football shirt should a woman buy?
Most women choose one size smaller than their usual women’s top size for a similar fit, or their usual size for a relaxed, oversized look.
Do football shirts shrink in the wash?
Polyester football shirts shrink very little if washed at 30°C and air-dried. Hot washes and tumble dryers cause the damage.
This football shirt size guide is reviewed every season so it stays accurate for 2026/27, 2027/28 and beyond. For background on the standard international clothing sizes used across Europe, see the EN 13402 sizing standard.
