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The best way to choose a Tee Willow size is to compare with a shirt you already love. This guide shows you how to measure a garment in two minutes, how our unisex tees, crewneck sweatshirts and pullover hoodies tend to fit, what to do when you are between two sizes, and how to buy for someone else without spoiling a surprise. And if the size still is not right when it arrives, you can exchange it free within 60 days of delivery.
Exact measurements can differ between garment styles and production runs, so when a product page lists measurements for that specific garment, those numbers take priority over the general advice on this page.
Sizes we offer
Most Tee Willow designs come in adult unisex sizes. The exact sizes available for each design and garment are shown on its product page.
| Size label | Used on | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| S | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Our smallest adult size; compare chest width with a shirt you own |
| M | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | A frequent starting point; check chest width and length before choosing |
| L | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Choose it over M when you prefer a relaxed fit or plan to layer |
| XL | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Also used one size up when you want an oversized look |
| 2XL | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Extended size; check body length as well as chest width |
| 3XL | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Extended size; availability can vary by colour |
| 4XL | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Extended size; availability can vary by garment |
| 5XL | Tees, sweatshirts, hoodies | Extended size; availability can vary by garment |
If a size you need is not shown for a particular design or colour, email support@teewillow.com and we will tell you whether it can be offered.
How to measure a garment you already own
You need a tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler) and a flat surface such as a table or a bed. Choose a tee, sweatshirt or hoodie that fits the way you like, then lay it flat, front side up, smoothing out wrinkles without stretching the fabric.
| Measurement | How to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chest width | Straight across the front, from side seam to side seam, about one inch below the armpits | Decides how roomy the garment feels around your body; double it for the full chest circumference of the garment |
| Body length | From the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the bottom hem | Decides whether it sits at the hip, covers the waistband or looks cropped |
| Sleeve length | From the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve cuff | Most important for sweatshirts and hoodies, where long or short sleeves are noticeable |
Write the three numbers down. When a product page lists garment measurements, compare your numbers with them and choose the size whose chest width is closest to your favourite shirt, then check the length. When no measurements are listed, use the fit notes below and remember that exchanges are free.
Measuring your body instead
If you do not have a shirt to compare with, measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight. A garment usually needs to be several inches larger than your body measurement to feel comfortable, more for a relaxed fit and more again for a sweatshirt or hoodie that you will layer over another top.
How each garment tends to fit
T-shirts
Our tees are unisex crew-necks with a straight, classic cut. They are designed to sit around the hip with short sleeves that end mid-upper-arm. Many women who usually wear a fitted women’s tee choose one size smaller than their women’s size in a unisex tee; many men stay in their usual size. For a boxy, oversized look, go one size up.
Crewneck sweatshirts
Sweatshirts have ribbed cuffs and a ribbed waistband that gather the fabric at the wrist and hip, so they feel roomier than a tee in the body and arms. If you will wear one over a long-sleeve top, stay in your usual size or go one up. For the cosy, slouchy look in many lifestyle photos, go one or two sizes up and expect the sleeves to bunch at the cuff.
Pullover hoodies
Hoodies are cut fuller through the body and sleeves and have a front pouch pocket that adds a little visual bulk. Most people choose their usual unisex size for a classic fit. Petite adults often prefer the smaller of two sizes so that the sleeves and hem do not swallow them. If you want room for layers on cold mornings, go one size up.
Fit by occasion
The right size can depend on where the shirt is going. A few examples from the situations our customers shop for:
- Family photo day: matching shirts photograph best when they are not too baggy. Most people look tidy in their usual size, and the group looks consistent.
- Theme park or road trip: comfort wins. A tee one size up breathes better on a hot day, and a hoodie in your usual size packs smaller.
- Halloween night: if the shirt goes over a costume or a warm layer, choose a sweatshirt or hoodie one size up.
- Gardening, camping and dog walks: a relaxed tee or hoodie gives room to move; consider one size up if you like to bend and stretch without the hem riding up.
- Christmas morning: a slouchy sweatshirt one or two sizes up is the classic cosy look.
Tips for an accurate measurement
- Measure a garment of the same type: compare a tee with a tee and a hoodie with a hoodie.
- Use a shirt that has been washed a few times, because that is the size it settles into.
- Measure twice. If the two numbers differ, use the average.
- Keep the tape straight and the garment flat; do not pull the fabric tight.
- Write down the numbers with the person’s name if you are measuring for a group.
Between two sizes?
- Choose the larger size if you prefer a relaxed fit, plan to layer, or are buying a sweatshirt or hoodie.
- Choose the smaller size if you prefer a closer fit, are buying a tee to wear on its own, or have a slim frame for your height.
- Check the length if you are tall: going up a size usually adds length as well as width.
- Think about washing: following the care steps below helps the garment keep its size and shape; hot washes and high-heat drying can shrink cotton-rich fabrics.
Still unsure? Email us the product link and the chest width and body length of a shirt you like, and we will suggest a size.
Buying for someone else
Gift sizing is guesswork, so here are some ways to make it easier without spoiling the surprise.
- Check the size label of a shirt they wear often, or ask a family member to check it for you.
- If you cannot check, a sweatshirt or hoodie is more forgiving than a fitted tee.
- When in doubt between two sizes for a gift, choose the larger one; most people are happier with a slightly roomy sweatshirt than a tight one.
- Ship straight to the recipient if you like. They can exchange the size within 60 days of delivery, directly with us, and we never reveal what you paid.
Sizing a family or group order
Matching shirts look best when everyone is comfortable in theirs. Before you order for a reunion, trip or event:
- Send everyone a quick message asking them to measure a shirt they like, using the chest width and body length method above, and to reply with their size.
- Put the list in one place, with each person’s name, garment and size, and build the cart from it.
- For personalized sets, put each person’s name next to their size so the right name ends up on the right shirt.
- If someone cannot measure, ask for their usual unisex size, and remind them that exchanges are free.
If one person’s size is wrong after delivery, only that piece needs to come back. The rest of the group keeps theirs.
Care: keeping the fit and the print
How you wash a garment affects both its size and its print. To keep your Tee Willow pieces fitting the way they did on day one:
- Turn the garment inside out before washing.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with similar colours.
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
- Tumble dry on low heat, or hang to dry in the shade.
- Never iron directly over the print; if needed, iron inside out on low heat.
- Avoid washing with towels or anything with zips or hooks, which can rub against prints and cause pilling.
If the size is not right
You have 60 days from delivery to exchange or return any item, for any reason, and we pay the return postage. For an exchange, email us with your order number and the new size; we send a prepaid label and, if you ask for an early exchange, start printing the new size as soon as your return gets its first carrier scan. Full details are in our Returns & Exchanges Policy, and refunds are explained in our Refund Policy.
Frequently asked sizing questions
Do you offer kids’ or youth sizes?
Our current sizes are adult unisex S to 5XL. If you are looking for children’s sizes for a family set, email us; we are happy to tell you if they become available.
Are women’s fitted cuts available?
Our garments are unisex cuts. Many women find that sizing down one from their usual women’s size gives a comfortable fit in a unisex tee.
What if two family members are the same size but want different fits?
Choose the garment rather than the size to change the fit: the same size in a hoodie feels roomier than in a tee. Or order one person a size up for a relaxed look; both pieces still match in design and colour.
Will my shirt shrink?
Following the care steps above keeps shrinkage to a minimum. Hot washes and high-heat drying are the main causes of shrinkage in cotton-rich garments, so wash cold and dry low.
Can I order different sizes of the same design in one order?
Yes. Add each size as its own line in the cart. This is how most family and group orders are placed, and every piece ships free together or in a few parcels.
Does the print size change with the garment size?
Prints are placed to look balanced on each size, so the design can be slightly smaller on small sizes and slightly larger on extended sizes. Placement can vary a little from piece to piece, which is normal for printed apparel.
Need help choosing?
Email support@teewillow.com with the product link and your measurements and we reply within 1 business day. You can also browse our FAQs, visit the Help Center or start shopping T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hoodies.