Shirt Size Order Distribution: What Sizes to Order for T-Shirts (2024)

If you’ve been put in charge of placing a bulk t-shirt order for a team, business, organization or fundraiser, you’re probably feeling pretty uncertain about where to start. It’s one thing to place a large order when you have a list of what size everyone needs. It’s another thing entirely, though, when you have to order blindly and hope that you end up with everything you need.

The good news?

There actually are some guidelines to follow. Before you order bulk wholesale t-shirts, be sure to read this guide!

Shirt Size Order Distribution: What Sizes to Order for T-Shirts (1)

Don’t Give in to Guesswork

When you need to place a large order for shirts, it’s easy, of course, to go the “easy” route, take a wild guess and order 25 of each size. The problem here, of course, is that you’re going to end up with a lot of extra shirts in some sizes and probably not enough in others. People come in all different shapes and sizes, and those sizes aren’t necessarily distributed evenly. Taking this approach is almost guaranteed to end up costing you extra money and wasting time.

Browse Our Collection of Bulk Wholesale T-Shirts

You also shouldn’t guess that you’ll need, say, only mediums and larges. While they may work for a lot of the people you’re ordering for, going this route means excluding smaller and larger people.

Look at the Numbers

For the purposes of this blog post, we are going to assume you are placing an order for shirts that will be distributed or sold to people within the United States. Average sizes vary from one nation to another, so these numbers will be different if you’re shopping for people outside the U.S.

When you look at the numbers, large is the most common shirt size. In fact, it accounts for about 30 percent of shirt sales. Coming in at 28 percent, the size medium is a close runner-up and extra large is next at 20 percent. The percentages are much lower for smaller and larger sizes. In total, it breaks down like this:

  • XS: 1 percent
  • S: 7 percent
  • M: 28 percent
  • L: 30 percent
  • XL: 20 percent
  • 2XL: 12 percent
  • 3XL: 2 percent

Looking at that data, if you take a wild guess and only order shirts in medium and large because they’re the most common sizes, you’ll end up excluding about 42 percent of the people you’re buying shirts for in the first place.

Follow a Simple Ratio

Shirt Size Order Distribution: What Sizes to Order for T-Shirts (2)

In general, we recommend following a simple ratio when placing orders for wholesale sweatshirts or t-shirts. Keep in mind, of course, these numbers are not set in stone and you may want to make changes based on certain factors (more on that later). In most cases, though, your safest bet is to follow this ratio:

1-2-3-3-1

This ratio breaks down to:

  • 1 Small
  • 2 Medium
  • 3 Large
  • 3 Extra Large
  • 1 Extra Extra Large

If you need 100 shirts, multiply each number by 10. If you need 1,000, multiply by 100 and so on. While medium is statistically a more common size than extra large, we recommend skewing toward the XL side. Someone who normally wears a medium can wear a large or extra large if you run out. Someone who normally wears an extra large would have a much more difficult time squeezing into a smaller shirt if their size isn’t available.

Shop Wholesale Women’s T-Shirts in All Different Sizes and Styles

It’s also a good idea to order at least one or two shirts in the outlying XS and 3XL sizes. Statistically speaking, very few people are likely to need them. However, it never hurts to have a couple just in case. Of course, if you are purchasing several hundred or thousand, you’ll want to invest in a few more.

Additional Considerations

Shirt Size Order Distribution: What Sizes to Order for T-Shirts (3)

Understanding the numbers helps a lot, but common sense still needs to come into play. If you’re buying shirts for a family reunion and know your relatives are mostly on the larger side, you’ll probably want to spend more money on the bigger sizes and less on the smaller. If, on the other hand, you’re ordering tees for guests at a yoga retreat, you’ll probably need additional smaller sizes.

Also, shirt fabric types can make a difference. Consider sizing up if you choose 100 percent cotton shirts. This will help ensure they’ll still fit after being washed. You may also want to skew a bit larger if you’re ordering more fitted styles.

We hope this guide makes it easier for you to order the right size shirts. If you have any questions or need assistance, we’re always here to help.

Shirt Size Order Distribution: What Sizes to Order for T-Shirts (2024)

FAQs

Shirt Size Order Distribution: What Sizes to Order for T-Shirts? ›

Common size breakdown. So for example, to place the best order if you need 100 t-shirts, you'd select 10 Smalls, 25 Mediums, 30 Larges, 25 XLs, and 10 2XLs. Depending on the shirt style and audience, you may want to add a few 3XL and 4XLs too.

How many of each size to order for t-shirts? ›

Common size breakdown. So for example, to place the best order if you need 100 t-shirts, you'd select 10 Smalls, 25 Mediums, 30 Larges, 25 XLs, and 10 2XLs. Depending on the shirt style and audience, you may want to add a few 3XL and 4XLs too.

What t-shirt size should I wear? ›

LONG & SHORT SLEEVE T-SHIRTS & POLO SHIRTS Size Guide
SizeTo fit Chest Size
InchesCM
S36-3891-96
M38-4096-101
L40-42101-106
6 more rows

What t-shirt sizes are most popular? ›

The majority of t-shirts purchased in the world today are medium and large, which together account for 77% of the t-shirt purchases. Extra-large comes in next at 18%, and small and XXL follow up after that. In the US, the population is generally a little larger, which is why 3XL is added on many orders.

Should you always buy T-shirts 1 size up? ›

1. T-shirts. With the quality kinds being largely comprised of cotton, you're at risk of dryer shrinkage of up to 20 percent. Sizing up means you don't have to sweat it if the shirt accidentally tumbles dry.

Should you buy shirts a size bigger? ›

When you just don't know what size to order or if you think you're in between sizes, it's always a safe bet to go a size up. It's much easier to work with a garment that's slightly bigger than one that's too small, if you don't want to return it.

What is shirt size chart? ›

Men's Dress Shirt And Casual Shirt Size Chart
SizeAvg. Neck SizeAvg. Sleeve Length
S14.5-15.5"32/33, 34/35"
M15-16.5"32/33, 34/35, 36/37"
L16.5-17.5"32/33, 34/35, 36/37"
XL17-19"34/35, 36/37"
1 more row

What size shirt am I based on height and weight? ›

OUR SHIRTS: TYPICAL SIZE FOR HEIGHT x WEIGHT
Height130 -150 LBS170-180 LBS
5'7"XSL
5'8"XSL
5'9"XSM
5'10"XSM
9 more rows

Should T shirts be tight or loose? ›

A tee shouldn't be too loose, or it'll hang awkwardly and make you look shapeless. Too tight and it'll show your least flattering contours — even if you have a perfectly toned torso, you might look a bit showy in a tight tee. If you're slim, choose a t-shirt with a tailored torso so you're not swallowed up.

How should an oversized t-shirt look? ›

How To Style An Oversized Shirt Your Way
  1. Tied In A Knot.
  2. The Tuck-It-Under-Your-Sports-Bra Trick.
  3. Go Bold With A Graphic Tee.
  4. Comfy And Cozy With Joggers.
  5. Pair With Leggings Or Shorts For A Casual Gym Outfit.

What is the most common clothing size? ›

American women have long been told that the average size is 14. Wrong! It's actually a size 16, reveals a study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education that sheds a major light on how retailers view the term "average.'"

Is it better to buy bigger or smaller? ›

Generally: a bigger size. If you're stuck in between sizes or aren't sure which size to buy, it's much easier to get an item tailored to fit you than it is to stretch out a smaller size. That being said: You shouldn't have to choose!

How do I know if my t-shirt fits me? ›

The fastest way to find out is to raise your arms while wearing the shirt untucked. If your midriff is exposed when you raise your arms, that means your shirt is too short. If you mostly plan to wear the shirt tucked, do the test again, with your shirt tucked in.

Why oversized shirts are better? ›

The clothes generally just hang off your body's frame without any chance of showing skin or constricting you. Commonly, when someone wears an oversized top, they will further commit to the aesthetic with comfortable pants, socks, and shoes.

What is t-shirt size scheme? ›

T-shirt sizing is a relative estimation technique where t-shirt sizes, such as XS, S, M, L, and XL, are used to estimate product backlog items in a seamless way. Most agile teams do estimates, as it helps teams to understand, discuss, and plan what they are going to work on next.

What size should I get for an oversized tee? ›

When shopping for oversized clothing, stylists suggest purchasing a shirt two sizes larger than your normal size. Your shirt should fit loose around your waist and shoulders while falling a few inches longer than a typical shirt.

When choosing a shirt size which measurement is most important? ›

Neck Measurements

Being half of a numerical size, the neck is one of the most important measurements in a men's shirt. It's vital to get it right.

Do tighter shirts make you look bigger? ›

If you have the right physique then tight shirts do not make you look smaller. in fact they have the opposite effect and make you look bigger by enhancing your muscles!

How do you tell if a shirt is too big or small? ›

A quick way to tell if your shirt is correctly sized is to simply look at the line of stitching that runs along the shoulders. "If the stitching runs past your natural shoulder, the shirt is too big," Rubido said. "If the stitching line stops well before your shoulder tip, the shirt is too small."

What does 32 34 shirt size mean? ›

Numbers on the Shirt

The first is the shirt's neck width and the second is the length of the sleeve. There is a range of lengths for sleeves because you can adjust the sleeve length using the cuff buttons. Typically, you'll see options like 32-33, 34-35, and 36-37 for sleeve lengths.

How big are t-shirt sizes? ›

ADULT
Shirt SizeStandard WidthSuggested Design Width
Small18 inches9.5-10.5 inches
Medium20 inches10-11 inches
Large22 inches10.5-11.5 inches
X-Large24 inches11-12 inches
3 more rows

What size would a 450 lb man wear? ›

Size Chart
SizeWeightHeight
4X250 - 300 lbs5'7" - 6'
5X300 - 335 lbs5'4" - 5'9"
6X/7X335 - 450 lbs5'3" - 5'9"
8X420 - 470 lbs5'6" - 6'
3 more rows

What size is 135 lbs? ›

Mondor
SizeHeightWeight
S4'11 - 5'4 /1.50 - 1.60cm95 - 115lbs / 43 - 52kg
M5'2 - 5'7 / 1.55 - 1.70cm115 - 135lbs / 52 - 61kg
L5'4 - 5'9 / 1.60 - 1.75cm135 - 155lbs / 61 - 70kg
XL5'6 - 5'11 / 1.65 - 1.80cm150 - 175lbs / 68 - 77kg
1 more row

What size does a 170 lb woman wear? ›

The average weight for women is around 170 pounds. With these measurements, the typical American woman wears a large to extra large pant size, or between a size 18 and 20.

Is it better to hang or fold t-shirts? ›

What to fold: Anything that can easily stretch out, such as sweaters, knits, T-shirts and sweats, should be folded rather than hung, because folding puts less stress on these materials. Sturdy items like denim, cords and khakis also do well folded.

How baggy should a t-shirt be? ›

A proper t-shirt should fit straight on the body. Not too tight where it's form-fitting and clinging to your body (this isn't an undershirt!) Shirts that are too baggy in the body will look unflattering, giving the illusion that your gut is bigger than it is.

Do t-shirts shrink in length or width? ›

Another way of saying this is that t-shirts tend to shrink more in the length than in the width. Sleeve length, shirt length and neck opening around are where you can expect most shrinkage to occur, while generally speaking t-shirts won't shrink as much in their width.

What colors look best on oversized t-shirts? ›

Color. Having a foundation of colors in the best oversized t-shirts will be so useful when it comes to dressing. We recommend the colors of CDLP 's range—off-white, white, black, and navy. This is especially useful for the winter when you need a t-shirt more as a layer than a part of the external aesthetic.

Are oversized t-shirts in style 2023? ›

With their relaxed fit and effortless look, they are one of the trendiest pieces of clothing this season in 2023. You, too, can be a part of the oversized t-shirt bandwagon if you learn how to wear a oversized t shirt.

Should oversized t-shirts be tucked in? ›

If you ever feel like your jeans-and-tee combo looks a little sloppy, a tucked-in top (perhaps cinched with a black leather belt) will do just the trick. Tucking in an oversized tee helps create an hourglass shape and lengthen your legs. When tucking in your shirt, stick to relaxed-fit denim as opposed to skinny jeans.

What clothing size is most attractive? ›

When it came to size, the men were asked which dress size they preferred in women, here the results were unanimous. The majority of the men (nearly 86% of them) preferred a woman with a dress size 14 to 16.

What is the average size American woman? ›

The average height for women in the United States is about 5 foot 4 inches (or about 63.7 inches) tall. The average height has increased over time.

How much does a size 10 woman weigh? ›

If majority rules, a size 10 has a 36″ bust, 28″ waist and a 40″ hip. She's five foot five or six inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.

How many shirts should I order for merch? ›

A quick and easy way to remember in ordering bulk shirts is through a simple ratio based on a total of 10. Simply divide the total number of shirts you're ordering to 10 (total ratio) and multiply the product by each sizing. For example, if you need 100 shirts, multiply each by 10.

How many T shirts do I actually need? ›

You should own 5-6 casual tops, t-shirts, tees, as well as 2-4 workout tops or tanks. One t-shirt or top for each day of the week is a good rule of thumb to build a conscious wardrobe focused on simplicity and versatility. For most people, one t-shirt for each day of the week is plenty enough to meet everyday needs.

What is the difference between XL and 2XL shirts? ›

A: In answer to your question, an XXL is the next size up from an XL (Girth, Sleeves, Length) A 2XL is the same dimensions as an XL in length with a little more girth.

How many tshirts should I start my business with? ›

Start out with no more than 8 designs and 6 tees for each size in each design. That comes out to 24 tees per design (6S, 6M, 6L, 6XL) and a total of 192 tees across your entire line. That way, you can do an initial test run and see which sizes are selling the best for you, as well as which designs.

How much should I make per t-shirt? ›

Average T-Shirt Profit Margins

Average custom t-shirt industry markups tend to fall between 30% to 50%. For example, if your total printing and shipping costs add up to $20 and you decide on a 30% profit margin, the retail price will be $20 + ($20 x 30%) = $26. Making your profit $6.

What is the average amount of shirts a person should have? ›

How Many Shirts Should I Have? A regular person should have at least 7 shirts in their closet to have a clean one for each day of the week. However, our life circ*mstances vary and some women don't need as many to sustain them through the week.

How many t-shirts does the average person have? ›

For example, the average human in a warmer climate may own fewer shirts than those in colder climates. A general estimate for the average human is probably around 10-20 shirts, although some people may own less and some may own significantly more.

How many pairs of t-shirts should a man own? ›

Overall, 30 tops — a mix of shirts, polos and tees — is a sensible number for a guy.

What are the different types of t-shirt sizing? ›

The term originates from the way T-shirt sizes are indicated in the US. Rather than having T-shirts in sizes 4, 5, 6 etc, there are just a few sizes: Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L) and Extra Large (XL) and so on.

What does XLT mean in clothing? ›

What is XLT Size? Just like LT, XLT is a size extra-large made for tall people. It stands for extra-large tall.

What size is 2XL for? ›

Waist Sizes
2XLTO FIT WAIST43-46"inch
3XLTO FIT WAIST47-50"inch
4XLTO FIT WAIST51-54"inch
5XLTO FIT WAIST55-58"inch
7 more rows

What size is a 2XL T shirt? ›

INTERNATIONAL T-SHIRT SIZES COMPARED
SIZEUSEU
L40-4250-52
XL42-4452-54
2XL44-4654-56
3XL46-4856-58
3 more rows

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 6031

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.