Size Guide
Last updated:
Choosing a T-shirt size online is mostly about two numbers: how wide the tee is across the chest and how long it is from shoulder to hem. This Size Guide gives you both numbers for every Honeyshirt size from S to 5XL, shows you how to measure yourself or a shirt you already love, and walks through the common “between two sizes” and “buying for someone else” situations. If a size still turns out wrong, you can exchange it within 60 days of delivery.
Sizing at a glance
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL.
- Fit: our classic tees use a unisex, straight-cut fit with a crew neck and short sleeves.
- Easiest method: lay a T-shirt that fits well flat and compare it with the table below.
- Between sizes: size up for a relaxed fit or for layering; size down for a closer fit.
- Wrong size? Exchange it within 60 days of delivery; we ship the new size free.
1. Size chart for our classic unisex tee
The measurements below are the garment specifications published for the classic heavyweight cotton unisex tee blank (Gildan 5000, US) in our print partner’s catalog, and they apply to products that use this blank. Each product page names the garment it is printed on; if a product uses a different blank, its own measurements are shown there and take priority over this page. “Chest” is the full circumference of the tee around the chest, measured 1 inch below the armholes, which is twice the flat width across the front. “Length” is measured from the highest point of the shoulder down to the bottom hem.
| Size | Body length (in) | Chest, full around (in) | Chest, flat width (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 28 | 36 | 18 |
| M | 29 | 40 | 20 |
| L | 30 | 44 | 22 |
| XL | 31 | 48 | 24 |
| 2XL | 32 | 52 | 26 |
| 3XL | 33 | 56 | 28 |
| 4XL | 34 | 60 | 30 |
| 5XL | 35 | 64 | 32 |
| Size | Body length (cm) | Chest, full around (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 71.1 | 91.4 |
| M | 73.7 | 101.6 |
| L | 76.2 | 111.8 |
| XL | 78.7 | 121.9 |
| 2XL | 81.3 | 132.1 |
| 3XL | 83.8 | 142.2 |
| 4XL | 86.4 | 152.4 |
| 5XL | 88.9 | 162.6 |
These are measurements of the garment, not of your body. A tee is designed to be roomier than your chest so that it hangs comfortably. Garments are cut and sewn in large batches, so an individual tee can differ slightly from the specification, typically by a fraction of an inch.
2. Method one: measure a tee you already like
This is the most reliable way to choose, because it captures how you like a shirt to fit.
- Pick a short-sleeve T-shirt that fits the way you want, ideally one that has already been washed a few times.
- Lay it flat on a table or bed, front facing up, and smooth out wrinkles without stretching the fabric.
- Chest: measure straight across the front from side seam to side seam, 1 inch below the armholes. Double that number to compare with the “full around” column, or compare it directly with the “flat width” column.
- Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder, where the collar meets the shoulder seam, straight down to the bottom hem.
- Find the Honeyshirt size whose numbers are closest to your shirt. If chest and length point to different sizes, let the chest decide; it is the measurement that affects comfort most.
3. Method two: measure your body
If you do not have a favourite tee to hand, measure your chest with a soft tape measure:
- Stand relaxed, arms down, wearing a thin top or nothing at all.
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades, keeping it level and snug but not tight.
- Read the number where the tape overlaps.
- Add ease for comfort: for a regular fit choose a size whose chest measurement is about 2 to 4 inches more than your body measurement; for a roomy, relaxed look, add 4 to 6 inches or more.
Example: a body chest of 40 inches plus about 4 inches of ease points to the L (44 inches). If you prefer a looser fit for wearing over a long-sleeve layer, the XL (48 inches) is the better choice.
4. When you are between two sizes
| If you want… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A relaxed, everyday fit | The larger size | More room across the chest and a little extra length. |
| To layer over a hoodie or thermal | The larger size | Layers need extra width at the chest and sleeves. |
| A closer, tidier fit | The smaller size | Less fabric at the sides and hem. |
| A tee to tuck in | The size whose length suits you | Length matters more than width when tucking. |
| An oversized street look | One or two sizes up | Drops the shoulder seam and lengthens the body. |
5. Buying a tee for someone else
Most Honeyshirt tees are gifts, and guessing someone’s size is the classic problem. Some practical ways around it:
- Borrow a shirt quietly. Measure one of their T-shirts flat while they are out and compare it with the chart.
- Check the label. Look at the size tag of tees they wear often, but compare actual measurements if possible, because sizes vary between brands.
- Ask a partner or family member. They often know whether the person likes a loose or close fit.
- When in doubt, size up. A slightly loose tee is still wearable; a tight one usually is not.
- Grandparents and dads often prefer a more comfortable fit, especially for a casual or lounge tee, so a size up is a common choice.
If the size is wrong, the recipient can exchange it within 60 days of delivery, as explained in our Returns & Exchanges Policy.
6. Matching tees for groups and families
For family reunions, birthday crews or couple sets, collect each person’s flat-lay chest measurement before ordering, then map each one to the chart. Keep a short list: name, chest, chosen size. That list makes it easy to check the order confirmation and to correct any line within 24 hours using Cancel or Change an Order. For children’s tees, use the measurements on the specific product page, since this chart covers adult unisex sizes only.
7. Shrinkage and caring for the fit
Classic cotton tees can relax or shrink slightly after the first washes, especially in hot water or a hot dryer. To keep both the fit and the print looking their best:
- Turn the tee inside out before washing.
- Wash in cold water with similar colours, on a gentle cycle.
- Tumble dry on low, or better, hang or lay flat to dry.
- Do not iron directly on the print; iron inside out on a low setting if needed.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener on printed areas, as they can fade or weaken the print.
If you plan to tumble dry on high heat regularly, consider the larger size when you are between two. Gentle care also protects the print from cracking, which keeps a gift tee looking new for longer.
8. How sizes appear on product pages
On each product page, sizes are shown as options from S to 5XL using the same labels as this chart. A link to this Size Guide appears next to the size selector. If a size is unavailable for a particular design or colour, it is shown as unavailable rather than hidden, so you can see the full range. The price is shown when you select a size, and if a size is priced differently you see that before adding it to your cart.
9. Worked examples
Mark, buying his own game-day tee
Mark’s favourite tee measures 21 inches flat across the chest and 30 inches long. On our chart, 21 inches sits between the M (20) and the L (22), and his length matches the L exactly. He wants room to wear the tee over a thermal on cold match days, so he chooses the L.
Priya, ordering for her grandfather
She cannot ask without spoiling the surprise, so she measures one of his everyday shirts while visiting: 25 inches flat, 31 inches long. That is between the XL (24) and the 2XL (26). Because he likes loose, comfortable clothes, she goes with the 2XL and keeps the 60-day exchange in mind just in case.
A family reunion of nine
The organiser collects flat-lay chest measurements in a group chat, writes each person’s name next to the matching size, and orders two S, three L, two XL, one 3XL and one 5XL in a single order. When an uncle remeasures the next morning, she emails us within 24 hours and we switch his tee from XL to 2XL before printing.
10. Sizing questions we hear often
Is unisex sizing the same as men’s sizing?
Unisex tees are cut on a straight, traditional T-shirt pattern, which is close to how men’s tees are usually sized. Many people who normally buy women’s fitted tees find they prefer one size down in a unisex cut for a similar fit, but checking the chest measurement against the chart is always more reliable than converting labels.
Why does my usual size feel different from another brand?
Every brand and blank has its own pattern, so a “Large” from one company can be an inch or two different from another’s. That is why we publish measurements rather than relying on the label alone.
Do sleeves get longer with bigger sizes?
Yes. The whole garment is graded up, so larger sizes are wider, longer and have slightly longer, wider sleeves. If sleeve length matters to you, compare against a tee you own.
Can you make a custom size?
No. Every tee is printed on a standard blank in one of the eight sizes listed here, so we cannot alter measurements. If none of the sizes works for you, contact us before ordering and we will be honest about whether we have a suitable option.
Will a bigger size make the print bigger?
Designs are scaled to sit well on the chest of each size, so the print area is broadly similar from M upward, while the smallest size can carry a slightly smaller print. The design never runs off the edge or under the arms, whichever size you choose.
11. Exchanges if the size is wrong
Ordered the wrong size? Contact us within 60 days of delivery and we will exchange it for another size of the same design. You pay to send the original back; we pay to ship the new size to you. If the size was our mistake, for example a tee labelled XL arrived when you ordered L, the whole exchange is free and you usually do not need to return the wrong tee. Within 24 hours of ordering, before printing, you can simply change the size for free.
12. Questions about sizing
Not sure which size to pick? Email [email protected] with the flat-lay measurements of a shirt you like and the design you are interested in, and we will recommend a size within 1 business day. You can also browse our FAQs or the Help Center, or go straight to the shop.