Carhartt Size Chart: K87 Tee, K121 Hoodie and Jacket Sizing

Short answer: Carhartt sizes tops by body chest. On Carhartt’s chart a medium fits a 40″ chest, a large 44″, an XL 48″ and a 2XL 52″. If you fall between sizes, Carhartt says to order the next size up. The K87 pocket tee and K121 hoodie are both Loose Fit, Carhartt’s roomiest cut. Tall sizes add length: Carhartt puts Regular at 5′7″ to 5′11″ and Tall at 6′ to 6′3″.

Carhartt publishes body measurements (your chest and waist), not garment measurements. For the actual shirt, hoodie and jacket numbers below we use the SanMar spec sheets for the Carhartt styles we order. Garment chest is a flat half measure taken one inch below the armhole. Body length runs from the high point of the shoulder to the hem at the back. All numbers are in inches.

Jump to: body chart · K87 tee · K121 hoodie · jackets · fit labels

Carhartt Men’s Body Size Chart

Source: the men’s body measurement chart on Carhartt.com product pages. SanMar’s Carhartt size charts list chest as a range instead (S 34″ to 36″, M 38″ to 40″, L 42″ to 44″ and so on). The top of each SanMar range matches Carhartt’s number, so the two agree.

Source: Carhartt.com height guide. The tops and jackets on this page come in Regular and Tall.

Carhartt K87 Pocket T-Shirt Size Chart

Sources: SanMar CTK87 spec sheet and SanMar CTTK87 tall spec sheet. Tall sizes keep the same chest and add 2″ of body length. Carhartt.com lists the K87 in Regular XS to 5XL and Tall L to 4XL; the SanMar sheets cover S to 4XL and LT to 3XLT. Ask us about sizes outside that range.

Carhartt lists the K87 as a Loose Fit heavyweight pocket tee, 100% cotton jersey in most colors (Heather Gray is 90/10 cotton/poly). See the Carhartt K87.

Carhartt K121 Midweight Hoodie Size Chart

Sources: SanMar CTK121 spec sheet and SanMar CTTK121 tall spec sheet. Tall adds 2″ of body length and about 2″ of sleeve. Carhartt.com lists the K121 as a Loose Fit midweight hoodie in Regular XS to 4XL and Tall L to 3XL, 10.5 oz and 50/50 cotton/poly in most colors.

See the Carhartt K121. We also carry the K122 zip-front hoodie; ask us for its chart. More on decorating them: custom Carhartt hoodies.

Carhartt Jacket Size Chart: Detroit and Active Jac

Sources: SanMar CT103828 spec sheet and SanMar CT104050 spec sheet. Chest is a flat half measure. SanMar lists the same body chest ranges for both jackets as for the shirts, so pick by your chest. A medium jacket is 23 1/2″ across, 1/2″ more than a medium K87 tee. Ask us for sleeve lengths.

See the Duck Detroit Jacket or the Washed Duck Active Jac. Crew outfits and embroidered jackets: custom Carhartt workwear.

Carhartt Fit Labels Explained

• Loose Fit: Carhartt calls it its roomiest cut, built for range of motion through the chest, shoulders and waist. The K87 and K121 are both Loose Fit.
• Original Fit: the old name. Carhartt notes that Loose Fit was formerly called Original Fit, so older tags and spec sheets may still say Original.
• Relaxed Fit: Carhartt says Relaxed Fit hoodies and sweaters sit closer to the body for a “just right” fit. Expect less room than Loose Fit in the same size.

Source: Carhartt’s men’s hoodies and sweatshirts fit notes.

How to Measure for Carhartt

1. Chest (body): Carhartt says to measure just under the arms and across the shoulder blades, holding the tape firm and level. Use that with the body chart.
2. Waist: measure at your natural waist, where you bend side to side.
3. Garment check: lay a Carhartt you already own flat, measure across one inch below the armholes and match it to the Chest (half) column.

Ordering for a crew? Order one of each size as a fit set before the full run. Loose Fit is roomy, so some people size down. Carhartt vs other workwear? Read Carhartt vs Berne and our Carhartt embroidery guide. Other charts: size charts hub · Gildan · Bella+Canvas · Next Level · hat size chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Carhartt shirts run big?
The K87 and K121 are Loose Fit, which Carhartt calls its roomiest cut. A medium K87 is 23 inches across the chest laid flat, so it feels roomy. If you want a closer fit, try one size down or look at Relaxed Fit styles.

What size Carhartt should I get?
Measure your chest under the arms and use the Carhartt body chart: medium fits a 40 inch chest, large 44, XL 48 and 2XL 52. Carhartt says to order the next size up if you fall between sizes.

What is the difference between Carhartt regular and tall?
Tall keeps the same chest width and adds length. On the SanMar spec sheets a tall K87 is 2 inches longer than the regular, and a tall K121 hoodie is 2 inches longer with about 2 inches more sleeve. Carhartt suggests Tall for people 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches.

Is Carhartt Original Fit the same as Loose Fit?
Yes. Carhartt says Loose Fit was formerly called Original Fit. It is the roomiest cut, with extra range of motion through the chest, shoulders and waist.

How big is a Carhartt K121 hoodie?
A medium K121 is 24 inches across the chest laid flat and 29 inches long, with a 36 5/8 inch sleeve measured from the center back of the neck, per the SanMar spec sheet.