So, shirt size? It’s like a puzzle. There are inches, centimeters, and letters like M or XL and on top of it, every brand has its own meaning of ‘medium‘. That is why I came up with a proper Shirt Size Chart Guide: Inches to CM Conversion.
It is not a dull chart with only corporate style but a real explanation of Shirt Size Chart, what they are, and how you can be sure that you don’t get a shirt that will choke your shoulders or swim on you because of its size.
Why Shirt Sizes Are So Confusing (and Kind of Annoying)
Firstly, there is no globally agreed standard. The M size shirt of brand A can be perfect for you, but the medium of brand B will feel like you have taken your younger brother’s shirt. On top of that, there is the metric vs. imperial thing inches to cm, chest vs. collar vs. length. It’s a lot to handle.
Therefore, instead of trial and error (and maybe also a few returns), it’s more time-saving to get to know the conversion of sizing systems. Believe me once you have this checked, buying shirts will be far less of a hassle.
Men Shirt Size Chart: Inches to CM Breakdown
Let’s get to the point. Below is a standard men shirt size chart that converts chest measurements from inches to centimeters
| Shirt Size | Chest (Inches) | Chest (CM) | Collar (Inches) | Collar (CM) |
| S | 34-36 | 86-91 | 14-14.5 | 36-37 |
| M | 38-40 | 96-102 | 15-15.5 | 38-39 |
| L | 42-44 | 106-112 | 16-16.5 | 41-42 |
| XL | 46-48 | 117-122 | 17-17.5 | 43-44 |
| XXL | 50-52 | 127-132 | 18-18.5 | 46-47 |
| XXXL | 54-56 | 137-142 | 19-19.5 | 48-49 |
M Size Shirt? XL Size Shirt? Here’s What Those Letters Actually Mean
You know, the M size shirt label isn’t just some random letter it usually lines up with a 38–40 inch chest, or roughly 96–102 cm. But that doesn’t mean all medium size shirts follow the exact same measurements.
Real Talk:
- XL shirt size? That’s most of the time for males with a 46–48 inch chest (117–122 cm).
- XXL size in number for men? Approximately 50–52 inches, which is 127–132 cm.
- XXXL size shirt? 54–56 inches (137–142 cm).
If you are caught in the middle of two sizes, don’t rely solely on the label and instead use your chest measurement. Labels lie.
What About 38, 40, 42 Size Shirt?
Most of the time these numbers indicate the chest of a person in inches. It is widely used in Europe and some dress shirt brands.
- 38 size shirt = Small-Medium (96 cm chest)
- 40 size shirt = Medium (100–102 cm)
- 42 size shirt = Large (106–107 cm)
Yes, if you are a T-shirt person and you are used to this system, then this might seem unfamiliar to you. But it’s actually more common for button-downs and dress shirts.
T Shirt Size Chart (Because T-Shirts Are Built Different)
T-shirts are different. They are a bit more stretchy and have a looser fit. Nevertheless, if you are shopping online, a t shirt size chart is indispensable.
| Size | Chest (Inches) | Chest (CM) | Length (Inches) | Length (CM) |
| S | 34–36 | 86–91 | 27 | 68.5 |
| M | 38–40 | 96–102 | 28 | 71 |
| L | 42–44 | 106–112 | 29 | 73.5 |
| XL | 46–48 | 117–122 | 30 | 76 |
| XXL | 50–52 | 127–132 | 31 | 79 |
| XXXL | 54–56 | 137–142 | 32 | 81.5 |
XL Size in Number for Men (Yeah, This Gets Googled a Lot)
You can’t imagine how many times people write “XL size in number for men” or “L size in number t-shirt” into Google. Here is a summary of the facts:
- Medium size in number = 38–40 inches
- Large size in number = 42–44 inches
- XL size number = 46–48 inches
- XXL size in number = 50–52 inches
- XXXL size in number = 54–56 inches
Tips for Sizing Without Screwing It Up
You don’t need a fashion degree, it only takes a tape measure and 2 minutes. Just follow this instruction to get a measurement of your own:
- Chest: Put the tape around the fattest part, under your arms. Make it tight enough, but not too tight.
- Shoulders: Measure from the left shoulder seam to the right one across the back.
- Length: Measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the shirt to end.
What if you are between sizes? If it is a slim fit, size up. In the case of an oversized shirt, size down.
Why CM vs. Inches Even Matters
To be honest, this could be the main reason why people get confused. If a size chart is in centimeters and you are used to inches, you will always get the wrong size.
Here goes a quick Shirt Size Chart Guide: Inches to CM Conversion to have at hand:
| Inches | Centimeters |
| 34 | 86 |
| 36 | 91 |
| 38 | 96.5 |
| 40 | 101.5 |
| 42 | 106.5 |
| 44 | 112 |
| 46 | 117 |
| 48 | 122 |
| 50 | 127 |
| 52 | 132 |
| 54 | 137 |
| 56 | 142 |
Size Chart for Men: It’s Not Just About Chest
Some brands consider the waist, sleeve length, and even shoulder width in addition to chest. Hence, a shirt in one XL size may be just right for your chest and at the same time, it may be so wide at your midsection that you can stand up in it.
If there are full measurements, go for that brand. It becomes difficult especially when you are looking for a XXXL shirt size or bigger.
Shirt Size by Fit Style (Because Not All XLs Are Created Equal)
| Fit Style | Chest Fit (in) | Chest Fit (cm) | Notes |
| Slim Fit | -1″ to -2″ | -2.5 to -5 cm | Tapered at the waist |
| Regular Fit | True to size | True to size | Most standard fit |
| Relaxed Fit | +1″ to +2″ | +2.5 to +5 cm | Looser, more comfy |
| Oversized Fit | +3″ and above | +7.5 cm and up | Fashion-forward, roomy style |
Final Thoughts? (Not Really, Just Wrapping It Up)
It is always a trial and error situation, especially if you buy online, of what the size will be. Nonetheless, once you have taken your measurements and figure out what the terms shirt size, tshirt size chart, and size chart for men really mean, leveling gets easier.
Keep this guide as a bookmark if you are shopping internationally or switching brands. Because honestly? One XL is never just one XL. You know?
FAQs: People Also Ask
1. What size is 42 in shirts?
A 42 size shirt generally refers to a Large (L) and is suitable for a 106–107 cm chest.
2. What is M size shirt number in cm?
A M size shirt is usually 96–102 cm around the chest.
3. What would XL size be numerically for men?
XL size is approximately 46–48 inches, or 117–122 cm.
4. What is the meaning of XXL size?
An XXL chest will typically have a measurement between 50–52 inches or 127–132 cm.
5. Is size 38 small or medium?
38 is generally referred to as “small medium” and thus varies from brand to brand.
Kashaan Kapoor is a skilled fashion writer with over 5 years of experience creating content and blogs about clothing and style. He blends trend insights with timeless fashion advice to keep readers stylish and informed.
