TAFANELLI NOTEBOOKS | THE WORKSHOP

How to choose the right t-shirt size: the complete guide

It's the question that comes up most often, and the number one cause of disappointment when receiving a garment: did I pick the right size? A t-shirt that is too short, too wide, or too tight, and the most beautiful piece loses all its appeal. Good news: choosing your size correctly is no accident. With the right method, you (almost) never get it wrong again. Here is the complete guide.

Step one: understand the fit

Even before talking about S, M, or L, you have to understand one essential thing: the size depends on the fit. The same "M" will not hang the same way depending on how the t-shirt is designed. We distinguish three main families:

Slim / fitted fit: close to the body, tailored. It emphasizes the silhouette. Ideal for a clean look, less forgiving on larger body types.
Straight / boxy fit: more structured, defined shoulders, body a bit wider and often shorter. This is the cut of "quality" t-shirts, with a clean and modern drape.
Oversize fit: intentionally large, long, and loose, for a relaxed streetwear effect.

Remember this: for a boxy fit, if you go up a size, you gain both length and width. This is the point that traps the most people. Knowing the fit of a model is therefore the prerequisite for any size choice.

Most "size mistakes" are not size mistakes: they are fit mistakes. We order an M expecting a straight fit, when it is boxy. The size was correct — it's the fit we hadn't anticipated.

The foolproof method: measuring a t-shirt you love

Here is the most reliable trick, the one that avoids 90% of bad surprises: don't guess, compare. Take the t-shirt you wear the most, the one that fits you perfectly, from your closet and measure it while laying it flat.

Place it flat on a table, without stretching it, and take its measurements (see below). All you have to do then is compare these figures to the size guide of the model you are eyeing, and choose the size whose measurements are the closest. It's simple, free, and infinitely more reliable than relying on an abstract "M" label — because an M varies significantly from one brand to another.

The three measurements that matter

No need to pull out the tailor's tape for everything. Three measurements are enough, taken from the t-shirt laid flat:

Chest width: from one armpit seam to the other. It is the king of measurements, the one for comfort and ease. (Multiplied by two, it gives the garment's chest circumference.)
Total length: from the highest point of the shoulder (near the collar) to the bottom of the t-shirt. This determines whether the t-shirt will be "too short" or not — crucial for tall people.
Shoulder width: from one shoulder seam to the other, at the top. It conditions the proper fit of the sleeves and the upper torso.

With these three figures and the model's size guide, the right choice becomes obvious. Tip: note these measurements once and for all in your phone, you will have them for all your future purchases.

Choosing according to your body type

Measurements always come first, but a few body type benchmarks help to refine:

Tall and thin: your enemy is length, not width. On a straight fit, choose the size that guarantees you enough length, even if it means having a little extra room in the body.
Square / muscular: start with the chest and shoulder width. Take the size that fits in the shoulders, the rest will follow.
Slim silhouette: avoid going too far up in size on a boxy fit, at the risk of "floating" in it. The right size will suit you better than a size above.
Hesitating on the style: right size for a sharp drape, a size up for a more relaxed/intentional oversize effect.

Between two sizes: how to decide

Are you right between two sizes? The decision depends on two things: the model's fit and the drape you want.

Fitted fit + desire for comfort → take the larger size.
Straight / boxy fit + desire for a sharp fit → take the smaller size (it is already naturally loose).
Desire for an oversize look → size up, intentionally.
Non-preshrunk cotton → know that it may lose a tiny bit in the first wash: when in doubt, do not size down.

In all cases, go back to your measurements: they decide better than intuition.

The TAFANELLI case

Our t-shirts have a precise fit identity, thought out in the smallest details — we took four years to finalize our pattern. The fit is straight, slightly boxy, on a thick and high-quality cotton, hand-screenprinted. Concretely:

The drape is sharp and structured, defined shoulders — neither tight nor oversize.
For a fit true to the model's intention, take your usual size.
If you are tall or prefer a little more length and ease, one size up works very well.
On each product page, our "Find my size" tool allows you to compare our measurements with a t-shirt you already love — the safest method.

Have a doubt before ordering? Write to us: we will gladly advise you on the right size, backed by measurements. Better to ask a question before than to have a return after. To learn more about our fits and materials, also read the anatomy of our t-shirt.

The most common mistakes

Relying on the letter (S/M/L) rather than the measurements: an M changes completely depending on the brand.
Ignoring the fit: ordering a boxy cut while expecting a classic straight fit.
Confusing length and width: going up a size to gain length, and ending up too wide.
Forgetting the wash: poorly maintained cotton can shrink. Follow the right gestures, as for cotton care.
Not asking for advice: thirty seconds of messaging avoids a postal return trip.

Frequently asked questions

Should you go up a size "to be comfortable"?

Not systematically. On a cut that is already straight or boxy, going up a size often makes the t-shirt too wide. Rely on measurements and the desired drape rather than the "go up" reflex.

Will the cotton t-shirt shrink?

Quality cotton, often preshrunk, moves little if well maintained (wash at low temperature, air dry). Low-end cotton or washing too hot can shrink more.

How do I know my size without trying it on?

Measure a t-shirt that fits you perfectly while flat (chest, length, shoulders) and compare it to the model's size guide. This is the most reliable method that exists.

Men, women: does the size change?

On a unisex t-shirt, everyone refers to the same measurements. Women who prefer a fitted fit often take a size down, or intentionally opt for a looser drape.

Choose well, to wear better

A t-shirt in the right size is a t-shirt you wear for years. At TAFANELLI, we put as much care into the fit as in the design — because a beautiful piece is only worth it if it truly fits you.