With a second-hand football shirt, S, M or L alone is not enough. Measure a shirt that fits you well and compare it with the dimensions of the offered example. The size comparison tool on this page works out the difference for you.
1. Keep body measurements and shirt measurements apart
First check what a size chart measures. The hummel clothing charts, for example, use body measurements, including the circumference around the widest part of the chest. That is a different measurement from the width of a shirt laid flat.
A flat chest width doubled is at most an approximation of the circumference of the garment. It is not your chest circumference and you cannot simply enter that value in a body measurement chart. The shirt has its own cut and room to move.
2. Lay both shirts down in the same way
Use a flat surface and a measuring tape. Lay the shirt smooth without stretching the fabric. For your own reference shirt use an example that you wear comfortably; if possible compare a similar model.
If you do not have the other shirt yourself, ask the seller how the measurements were taken. A photo with the measuring tape visible helps to recognise different measuring methods. Take over the centimetres, not a size letter or an estimated body measurement.
3. Measure from armpit seam to armpit seam
Measure the flat width from one armpit seam to the other. Keep both endpoints at the same height and record the result as chest width or pit-to-pit. Measure the second shirt in the same way.
If a seam runs through the design differently, name the endpoints you used. A measuring difference caused by another method unjustly looks like a difference in fit. Do not pull elastic fabric to get a higher number.
4. Measure from shoulder to hem
For this comparison you measure from the highest shoulder point next to the collar to the hem. Use the same side and the same method on both shirts. So do not measure one shirt from the middle of the collar and the other from the shoulder.
If the shirt has a longer back or a curved hem, note that separately. A single length measurement does not describe the whole cut. Sleeves, shoulders and room to move can also matter if you are looking for a precise fit.
5. Read the differences together
Enter the chest width and length of your own shirt and of the offered shirt in the tool. A plus means the offered shirt is larger at that point; a minus means smaller. With 52 cm against 50 cm, for example, the difference in flat chest width is +2 cm.
A shirt can be both wider and shorter. So read both results and look at the model, not only at a single number. The tool does not give a guaranteed size recommendation and does not account for all stretch, fabric properties or earlier shrinkage.
A handy question for a seller
Ask for the actual dimensions of the used example, not only for the original size chart.
- What is the flat chest width from armpit seam to armpit seam, without stretching?
- What is the length from the highest shoulder point next to the collar to the hem?
- Is the back longer and how were the measurements taken?
- Can you send a photo in which the measuring tape is visible?
Compare the measurements of two shirts
A size letter does not tell you exactly how a used shirt fits. Compare its actual measurements with a shirt that fits you well.
Measure both shirts flat without stretching. If using a seller’s measurements, check how they were taken.
How to read this
- A plus means the compared shirt is larger at that point than your reference; a minus means smaller.
- Measure chest width from armpit seam to armpit seam and length from the highest shoulder point beside the collar to the hem. Use the same method for both shirts.
- Read both differences together. The tool compares measurements and cannot guarantee fit.
Your entries stay in this form and are not sent or saved.
Sources
- hummel: size charts and measuring instructionsThe clothing charts use body measurements. hummel states that the guiding measurements can differ per model.