Youth Size Chart: Kids' T-Shirt and Hoodie Sizes by Age
Short answer: youth sizes follow age ranges. Youth small fits about ages 6 to 8, medium 10 to 12, large 14 to 16 and XL 18 to 20. A youth XL is close to an adult small, so teens often move to adult sizes after YXL.
Youth Sizes by Age
| Youth Size | Size Number | Typical Age |
|---|---|---|
| YXS | 4 (some brands 2–4) | 4–5 |
| YS | 6–8 | 6–8 |
| YM | 10–12 | 9–11 |
| YL | 14–16 | 12–14 |
| YXL | 18–20 | 14–16 |
Size numbers come from the manufacturers' youth spec sheets. Ages are a rough guide only; kids grow on their own schedule, so measure a shirt that fits when you can.
Gildan 5000B Youth Heavy Cotton Tee
| Size | Chest (flat) | Body Length |
|---|---|---|
| YXS | 16″ | 20 1/2″ |
| YS | 17″ | 22″ |
| YM | 18″ | 23 1/2″ |
| YL | 19″ | 25″ |
| YXL | 20″ | 26 1/2″ |
Source: Gildan 5000B spec sheet (±1″ tolerance). The classic, roomy youth tee for camps, schools and teams. See the Gildan 5000B.
Port & Company PC54Y Youth Core Cotton Tee
| Size | Chest (flat) | Body Length |
|---|---|---|
| YXS | 14″ | 19″ |
| YS | 16″ | 21″ |
| YM | 17″ | 23″ |
| YL | 18″ | 25″ |
| YXL | 19″ | 27″ |
Source: SanMar Port & Company Youth Core Cotton spec sheet. Our go-to budget youth tee, a bit narrower and longer than the 5000B. See the PC54Y.
Independent Trading Co. SS4001Y Youth Hoodie
| Size | Chest (flat) | Body Length | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| YS (6/8) | 16″ | 21″ | 28 1/2″ |
| YM (10/12) | 18″ | 23″ | 30″ |
| YL (14/16) | 20″ | 25″ | 31 1/2″ |
| YXL (18/20) | 22″ | 27″ | 33″ |
Source: Independent Trading Co. spec sheet. Sleeve is measured from the center back, including the cuff. The youth version of the hoodie our customers love most. See the SS4001Y.
Ordering Youth Shirts for a Team or School
- Collect sizes, not ages. Send parents a sign-up with YS to YXL plus adult S and M. Older kids often need adult sizes.
- Order a little extra in the middle. YM and YL go fastest on most school and team orders.
- Keep the design small enough. A youth chest is narrower, so we scale the print to fit. See our print placement guide.
We also carry the Bella+Canvas 3001Y, Gildan Softstyle youth, Next Level youth and Comfort Colors youth tees. Ask and we will send the exact chart. Adult charts are on the size charts hub, and caps are on the hat size chart.
More Size Charts
- Gildan size chart: Includes the 5000B youth tee.
- Bella+Canvas size chart: Includes the 3001Y youth jersey tee.
- Next Level size chart: Includes the 3310 youth cotton tee.
Free quote · Ships nationwide
Quote Your Youth Order
School, team, camp or church group: tell us your size mix and design and we will send a quote.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 775-230-0211 or email sales@battlebornclothing.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a youth medium?
A youth medium is size 10–12, which usually fits kids around 9 to 11 years old.
Is a youth XL the same as an adult small?
Close, but not the same. A Gildan 5000B youth XL is 20″ across the chest and 26 1/2″ long; the adult small is 18″ across but 28″ long. The youth XL is wider and shorter.
What size is YL in kids' sizes?
YL is size 14–16.
Can I mix youth and adult sizes on one order?
Yes. Most team and school orders mix both youth and adult sizes.