Youth Jersey Size Chart
The sizing reference you actually need. Chest measurements, height ranges, sport-specific fit tips, and brand-by-brand notes so you order the right size the first time.
Ordering jerseys for a youth sports team shouldn't be a guessing game. But between brands that size differently, kids who grow three inches between ordering and game day, and sport-specific fit requirements, it can feel like one. This guide gives you the actual measurements you need to get it right.
We'll cover youth jersey sizes (YXS through YXL), adult sizes (S through 3XL), sport-specific fit recommendations, how to measure properly, and what to do when your athlete is between sizes. Whether you're ordering baseball jerseys, basketball jerseys, soccer jerseys, or football jerseys, this chart will help you pick the right size the first time.
Youth Jersey Size Chart
Standard youth sizes from YXS to YXL.
These measurements represent the most common sizing across major jersey brands. Individual brands may vary by half an inch to a full inch in either direction, so always check the specific brand's chart when available.
| Size | Age Range | Chest (in) | Height (in) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YXS | 4 to 5 | 22 to 24 | 38 to 42 | 35 to 45 |
| YS | 6 to 7 | 25 to 27 | 43 to 48 | 46 to 60 |
| YM | 8 to 10 | 28 to 30 | 49 to 54 | 61 to 80 |
| YL | 10 to 12 | 30 to 32 | 55 to 60 | 81 to 110 |
| YXL | 12 to 14 | 32 to 34 | 60 to 65 | 100 to 130 |
Pro tip: The age ranges are rough guidelines. Kids grow at wildly different rates. A tall, thin 8-year-old might need a Youth Large while a stockier 10-year-old fits perfectly in a Youth Medium. Always go by chest measurement, not age.
Adult Jersey Size Chart
Standard adult sizes from S to 3XL.
Most high school athletes (especially juniors and seniors) wear adult sizes. If a player is between a Youth XL and an Adult Small, the chest measurements will be similar (32 to 34 inches), but the adult jersey will be about 2 to 3 inches longer in the torso.
| Size | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Height (in) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 34 to 36 | 28 to 30 | 64 to 67 | 120 to 145 |
| M | 38 to 40 | 32 to 34 | 67 to 70 | 146 to 175 |
| L | 42 to 44 | 36 to 38 | 70 to 73 | 176 to 205 |
| XL | 46 to 48 | 40 to 42 | 73 to 76 | 206 to 235 |
| 2XL | 50 to 52 | 44 to 46 | 73 to 76 | 236 to 265 |
| 3XL | 54 to 56 | 48 to 50 | 73 to 76 | 266 to 300+ |
How to Measure for a Jersey
Get accurate measurements in under two minutes.
All you need is a soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing, not a metal one). If you don't have one, use a piece of string and then measure the string against a ruler.
Chest Measurement
This is the most important measurement for jersey sizing. Have your child stand straight with arms relaxed at their sides.
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, just under the armpits
- Keep the tape level all the way around (not angled up or down in the back)
- The tape should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and the body.
- Read the measurement in inches
Height Measurement
Height helps you determine whether a youth or adult size is appropriate, especially for athletes who are tall for their age.
- Have your child stand against a flat wall with no shoes
- Place a flat object (book, ruler) on top of their head touching the wall
- Mark the wall at the bottom of the flat object
- Measure from the floor to the mark
Football Jersey Sizing
If you're ordering football jerseys, take the chest measurement while your athlete is wearing their shoulder pads. Football jerseys are designed to fit over pads, so measuring without pads will result in a jersey that's too tight on game day. Add 4 to 6 inches to a bare-chest measurement as an alternative if pads aren't available.
Sport-Specific Sizing Notes
How jersey fit varies by sport.
Not every sport fits the same way. A basketball jersey that fits perfectly would be wrong for soccer, and a football jersey follows completely different rules. Here's what to know for each sport.
Baseball Jerseys
Fit: Slightly loose, traditional cut. Baseball jerseys should allow full range of motion for throwing and batting without being baggy. Full-button jerseys tend to run slightly wider than pullovers. If your athlete tucks the jersey in (most leagues require it), make sure the length is adequate. Our custom baseball jerseys come in full-button, two-button, and pullover styles.
Basketball Jerseys
Fit: Modern slim fit or loose traditional fit (player preference). Basketball jerseys have gotten less baggy in recent years. Youth players often prefer a slightly looser fit. Reversible jerseys tend to run about one size larger than single-layer jerseys because of the extra fabric. Check out our custom basketball jerseys in both reversible and single-layer options.
Soccer Jerseys
Fit: Athletic, slightly fitted. Soccer jerseys are designed to be snug enough that opponents can't grab them but comfortable enough for a full 90 minutes of running. They're usually the slimmest-fitting jerseys in youth sports. If your athlete prefers a looser fit, go one size up. Our custom soccer jerseys are lightweight and moisture-wicking.
Football Jerseys
Fit: Oversized to accommodate shoulder pads. Football jerseys are the exception to every other sizing rule. Always measure with pads on. A football jersey should fit comfortably over pads without restricting arm movement. Most players go 2 sizes up from their t-shirt size. Our custom football jerseys are cut to fit over all major pad brands.
Volleyball Jerseys
Fit: Tight performance fit. Volleyball jerseys are designed to be form-fitting for unrestricted movement during serves, digs, and spikes. They're typically the tightest-fitting jersey in youth sports. If your athlete isn't comfortable in a tight fit, go one size up for a more relaxed feel. Our volleyball jerseys come in both fitted and loose styles.
Brand-by-Brand Sizing Notes
How major brands compare.
One of the biggest headaches in ordering team jerseys is that a "Youth Medium" from Nike is not the same as a "Youth Medium" from Augusta. Here's a general guide to how the most common brands fit.
| Brand | Fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | Runs slim | Athletic cut, shorter torso. Size up if between sizes. |
| Under Armour | Runs slim | Similar to Nike but slightly longer. Compression styles run very tight. |
| Adidas | True to size | Consistent sizing. Good baseline for comparison. |
| Augusta | Runs generous | Wider cut, longer body. Can often size down one from other brands. |
| Badger | Runs generous | Similar to Augusta. Comfortable, relaxed fit. Popular for youth leagues. |
| Sublimated (Custom) | Varies | Depends on the blank manufacturer. Always request a sample before a large order. |
Tips for Ordering Team Jerseys
Advice from coaches and team parents who've been through it.
Request a Sample Kit
Before placing a full team order, get samples in a range of sizes. Let players try them on at practice. This eliminates 90% of sizing issues and returns. Secondslide offers sample kits for exactly this reason.
Measure Everyone
Don't let parents self-report sizes. Set up a sizing day at practice where you measure every player's chest. It takes 30 minutes and saves weeks of exchanges later.
Order Extras in Common Sizes
Youth Medium and Youth Large are the most common sizes for ages 8 to 12. Order a few extras in those sizes for late registrations, replacements, or growth spurts.
Account for Growth
If you're ordering in the spring for a fall season, size up one for youth players. Kids can grow 1 to 3 inches over a summer. For high school athletes who've stopped growing, order current size.
Check Return Policies
Before placing a large order, understand the return and exchange policy. With custom jerseys, exchanges work differently than off-the-rack purchases. Ask upfront.
When in Doubt, Size Up
A slightly big jersey works fine. A too-small jersey doesn't work at all. If you're unsure between two sizes, always go with the larger one. You can't stretch a jersey, but a slightly loose one still looks and plays fine.
Youth to Adult Size Transition
When it's time to move up.
The overlap between Youth XL and Adult Small is the most confusing part of jersey sizing. Here's how to navigate it.
| Size | Chest (in) | Body Length (in) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth L | 30 to 32 | 22 to 23 | Younger athletes who need room to grow |
| Youth XL | 32 to 34 | 24 to 25 | Older youth athletes with average height |
| Adult S | 34 to 36 | 27 to 28 | Tall youth athletes or small adults |
The key difference is body length. An Adult Small is 2 to 3 inches longer than a Youth XL even though the chest measurements overlap. If your athlete is tall for their age (over 5'4" or so), an Adult Small will hang better and won't ride up during play. If they're average height with a 32 to 34 inch chest, Youth XL will provide a more proportional fit.
When you're ordering custom jerseys for a mixed-age team, you'll likely need both youth and adult sizes in the same order. Secondslide handles mixed-size orders without any hassle. Just tell us who needs what and we'll make it work.
Custom Jerseys from Secondslide
Now that you know the right size, design your team's look.
Custom Jerseys
Browse all custom jersey options across every sport. Design online, get a free quote, and order with no minimums.
Custom Baseball Jerseys
Full-button, two-button, and pullover baseball jerseys with full sublimation. Built for the diamond.
Custom Basketball Jerseys
Reversible and single-layer basketball jerseys with unlimited design options.
Custom Soccer Jerseys
Lightweight, moisture-wicking soccer jerseys with sublimated designs that won't crack or fade.
Custom Football Jerseys
Game-day football jerseys designed to fit over pads. Custom numbers, names, and logos.
Volleyball Jerseys
Performance volleyball jerseys in fitted and loose styles. Sublimated for unlimited colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size jersey should I order for my kid?
Measure your child's chest circumference (around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms) and compare it to the size chart. If they're between sizes, go up one size. For sports like football where pads are worn, go up two sizes. Most youth jerseys are sized by age range, but chest measurement is more accurate because kids grow at different rates.
Do youth jerseys run small?
It depends on the brand. Nike and Under Armour youth jerseys tend to run slim and fitted. Badger and Augusta tend to run true to size or slightly generous. Sublimated jerseys from most brands run true to size. When in doubt, order a sample or go one size up. It's much easier to work with a jersey that's slightly too big than one that's too small.
What's the difference between youth and adult sizes?
Youth sizes (YXS through YXL) are designed for kids roughly ages 4 to 14. Adult sizes (S through 3XL) are for ages 14 and up. The crossover point is usually around a Youth XL and an Adult Small, which have similar chest measurements (about 32 to 34 inches). A Youth XL is shorter in length than an Adult Small, so if your athlete is tall for their age, an Adult Small may be a better fit.
How do I measure for a jersey?
You need two measurements: chest and height. For chest, wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of the chest, just under the armpits, and keep the tape level. Don't pull it tight. For height, have your child stand flat against a wall without shoes. If you're ordering football jerseys, take the chest measurement while wearing shoulder pads.
Should I order a size up for growing kids?
For spring and summer sports, ordering current size is fine because the season is short. For fall and winter sports, going one size up is smart since kids can grow noticeably during a longer season. If you're ordering early in the offseason (like ordering in June for a September football season), one size up is a safe bet. Two sizes up is usually too much and the jersey won't fit right.
Do different brands fit differently?
Yes, brand sizing varies more than most people expect. Nike runs slim and athletic. Under Armour is similar but slightly longer in the torso. Adidas tends to be true to size. Augusta and Badger run generous. For sublimated jerseys, sizing depends on the blank used, which varies by manufacturer. When ordering for a full team, we recommend getting a sample kit with all sizes so players can try them on before you place the bulk order.
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