T-Shirt Size Guide for Group or Large Orders
A Guide to Choosing the Right T-Shirt Sizes for Large Orders
By Liz Antonucci | Updated on May 12, 2023
Is your company planning an activity-based fundraiser like a marathon? Do you need to upgrade uniforms for more than a hundred employees? Asking everyone for their size can take too long you'd think it'd be more convenient to just order 50 or so of each. But if you do this, here's a likely scenario-you'll have an excess of a size that won't fit many and run out of shirts the majority of your participants prefer. So, how do you make a fair estimate of custom t-shirts for each size?
Find out how you can make the best choices based on common sizes, men's vs. women's bodies, and T-shirt fits.
Do the Math
Our customers typically opt for medium, large, and extra-large sizes in their orders.
Here's the breakdown of the t-shirt size orders:
- Extra Small (XS): 2%
- Small (S): 13%
- Medium (M): 20%
- Large (L): 22%
- Extra Large (XL): 20%
- 2 Extra Large (2XL): 13%
- 3 Extra Large and above (3XL+): 9%
We recommend buying more shirts in medium, large, and XL sizes and then distributing the rest of your T-shirt budget between small and 2XL. It's better to have additional stocks of shirts a size larger than what people would normally get as they are likelier to wear a loose shirt than one that's too tight. However, it helps to have several pieces of XS and 3XL shirts so you can cater to more body types. Having more popular sizes in stock will serve more customers or employees, while a few pieces of the smaller and larger sizes help cover all your bases.
Men's Sizes vs. Women's Sizes
Sizing doesn't only depend on measurements. Men and women have very different body types and shapes so you need to consider who will wear your T-shirts prior to ordering. You can arrive at good estimate how many medium and XL shirts you'll need per gender if you identify if most of your wearers are men or women.
Men's and unisex shirts usually have wider shoulders, longer sleeves, a straight torso, and a fuller waist. In comparison, women's shirts have narrower shoulders, shorter and tighter sleeves, a tapered waist, and contoured torso. Order sizes in your wearer's gender so that the T-shirt fits their body.
Size by T-Shirt Fit
T-shirts come in different fits and these help determine how they hug your body or if they fall properly. Its shape also influences your decision before you buy-whether you'll be ordering a size up or down, or if it fits just right. Learn more about the common T-shirt fits and how they'll affect your T-shirt size choices:
Slim fit is worn to show off one's figure since it flatters the body's contour. If the T-shirt you're ordering is slim, account for its tight fit for smaller sizes and the fact that people prefer going up a size for this style.
Classic fit falls loosely when you wear it, and it feels comfortable thanks to its relaxed look. People are likely to go for their usual size in this popular fit. It's a safe choice for relaxing activities like a backyard lunch fundraiser.
Athletic fit starts through the shoulders and then tapers around the torso, so it narrows through the waist. Compared to the slim fit, it cuts closer to the body and is typically used for athletic events. You're likelier to produce these for individuals who regularly go to the gym or for your company sports team's new uniforms.
Big and Plus fits are for men with sizes larger than a 3XL. For women, the fits are usually for sizes bigger than 2XL.
Find the Best T-Shirt for Your Bulk Order
Choosing the right sizes for your bulk T-shirt order doesn't have to be complicated. To make an accurate estimate of how many small, medium, to XL pieces you'll need, account for the most popular sizes, the shirt's fit, and the gender of the wearers. All these factors ensure everyone has a shirt to wear at your event or office. Not sure where to start in terms of style or brand? Some of the most popular T-shirt brands for group orders are Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, and Gildan®. Check out the best options for your business with LogoSportswear today.
Written by Liz Antonucci
Liz Antonucci is a Merchandising Manager at LogoSportswear. Armed with her Bachelor of Science in Retail Marketing and associate degree in Fashion Merchandising, Liz has successfully pursued a career in areas she is passionate about - product development, fabric, and merchandising apparel from small-scale enterprises to big businesses. Read More...