How to Choose the Right T-Shirt Size Online: A Simple Guide for India

Ordering a T-shirt online and getting the size wrong is frustrating – and with a personalised tee that is printed just for you, getting it right the first time matters even more. The good news: you do not need a tailor. With one T-shirt you already own and a measuring tape, you can pick the right size in about two minutes. This guide shows you how, explains the difference between regular, oversized and women’s fits, and covers the most common sizing mistakes we see.

The easiest method: measure a T-shirt you already love

Body measurements are useful, but the most reliable method is to measure a tee that already fits you the way you like.

1. Lay the T-shirt flat on a bed or table and smooth out the wrinkles.
2. Chest: measure straight across from one armpit seam to the other. Double that number to get the full chest measurement.
3. Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder (next to the collar) straight down to the bottom hem.
4. Compare with the size chart on the product page – click See Sizing Guide next to the size options.
5. Pick the size whose chest number is closest to yours. If you are between two sizes, choose the bigger one for comfort.

Every clothing product on Ethorva has its own size chart taken from the manufacturer’s official measurements, because a polo, an oversized tee and a hoodie are all cut differently.

How to measure your body (if you don’t have a reference tee)

• Chest: wrap the tape under your armpits around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level and snug but not tight.
• Then add 2–4 inches for a regular, comfortable fit, and compare with the chest column of the size chart.
• For an oversized look, choose the oversized tee in your usual size – it is already cut loose.

Regular fit vs oversized fit vs women’s fit

Regular fit

Our Classic round neck, V-neck and most designed tees follow a standard regular fit: close to the body without being tight. Order your usual size.

Oversized fit

The LuxeFit and StreetEase oversized tees have dropped shoulders and a wider body by design. Order your usual size – sizing up on an oversized tee usually makes it look like a nightdress. Size down only if you want a less baggy look.

Women’s fit

The Bliss Curve women’s tee has a shaped body and shorter sleeves. Use the bust measurement on its own chart, which starts from XS. Crop tops and baby tees are intentionally short and snug – check the length column carefully.

Polos, hoodies and sweatshirts

Polos are cut a little more structured. Hoodies and sweatshirts are made to be worn over a tee, so they already allow some room – your usual size is normally right.

Sizing for kids and toddlers

Children grow quickly, so for the Junior Swag kids tee and Tiny Trekkers toddler tee we recommend choosing one size up if your child is between sizes. Compare with a tee that fits them now.

Common sizing mistakes

• Using a size from another brand. An “L” varies a lot between brands. Always check the chart.
• Sizing up on oversized tees. They are already loose.
• Ignoring length. If you are tall, check the length column, not just the chest.
• Measuring a stretched tee. Old, stretched T-shirts measure bigger than their tag size.
• Guessing for gifts. Ask a family member or quietly measure one of their tees.

Does cotton shrink after washing?

Our tees are made from pre-shrunk cotton, so shrinkage is minimal when washed correctly. Wash in cold water, inside out, and avoid tumble-drying on high heat. A variation of about half an inch is normal for all cotton garments. See our wash care instructions and our printed T-shirt care guide.

What if the size doesn’t fit?

Because every printed product is printed to order, we cannot accept change-of-mind returns. Size exchanges are available at production cost – details are in our returns policy. That is exactly why two minutes with a tape measure is worth it.

Step by step: how to read the size chart on a product page

Every product page has its own size chart, and it is worth a minute of your time because different styles are cut differently.

1. Open the chart for the exact product you are buying, not a chart from another tee. A regular tee, an oversized tee and a women’s tee can all say “M” and still measure differently.
2. Check the unit. Most charts are in inches. If your tape shows centimetres, divide by 2.54.
3. Find your chest number first. Compare the full chest measurement of your reference tee with the chart and note the closest size.
4. Then check the length. If you are tall, or you like to tuck your tee in, make sure the length works too. Chest decides the size; length decides whether you are happy with it.
5. Read the shoulder number on oversized styles. Dropped shoulders are part of the look, so a wider shoulder measurement is normal there.

Choosing a size for a gift

Buying a custom T-shirt for someone else is harder, because you cannot ask them to measure without spoiling the surprise. A few practical ways around it:

• Borrow a tee quietly. If you live with the person, measure one of their favourite T-shirts while it is drying or folded in the cupboard.
• Ask a family member or friend who shops with them. Many people know their partner’s or sibling’s size by heart.
• Look at their other clothes. The size label on a shirt or kurta from a known brand is a rough starting point, though Indian brands vary a lot.
• When in doubt, go one size up for a regular tee. A slightly loose tee is still wearable; a tight one usually is not.
• Choose an oversized style if you really have no idea. The relaxed cut is more forgiving across body types.

Sizing hoodies, sweatshirts and full-sleeve tees

Winter wear needs a little extra thought. You will usually wear a hoodie or sweatshirt over another layer, so check the chest measurement with that in mind. For full-sleeve styles such as the All-Day Comfort Full Sleeve T-Shirt, also check the sleeve length if you have long arms: measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff on a full-sleeve top you own and compare. For relaxed hoodies like the Rebel Comfort Oversized Hoodie, the same rule as oversized tees applies: order your usual size for the intended loose look.

A quick fit check when your order arrives

• The shoulder seam should sit on or just past your shoulder bone (further down on oversized styles).
• You should be able to lift your arms without the hem riding up above your waist.
• The fabric should not pull across the chest or stomach.
• The print should sit in the middle of your chest, not near your stomach. If it sits too low, the tee is probably too long for you.

Try it on before washing, and keep the packaging until you have checked everything.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the size chart?

On every clothing product page, click See Sizing Guide next to the size and colour options.

Are the measurements body or garment measurements?

Our charts list garment measurements in inches. That is why measuring a T-shirt you already own is the most accurate way to compare.

I am between two sizes. Which should I pick?

For regular tees, pick the larger size. For oversized tees, pick your usual size.

Do men’s and women’s sizes differ?

Yes. Women’s tees are shaped and usually run smaller than men’s or unisex tees of the same label. Always use the chart for the exact product.

Should I size up for a hoodie or sweatshirt?

Only if you plan to wear thick layers underneath. Otherwise, order the size that matches your reference measurement.

How do I measure a child who is growing fast?

Measure a tee that fits them now and choose the next size up if it falls between two sizes, so it lasts a little longer.

Found your size? Browse unisex tees, men’s tees, women’s wear or design your own in Personalised Gifts.

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