Not sure which jersey size to order? You are not alone. Sizing is the number one thing that makes people hesitate before buying online, because a jersey does not fit exactly like a regular T-shirt. The good news is that it is easy to get right once you know what to check.
The quickest way is to match your height and weight to the size chart. For a more accurate fit, measure your chest and compare it with the garment numbers. And keep one thing in mind: fan version and player version jerseys fit differently.
This guide is part of our Jersey Guide series. If you also want to check fabric, stitching and print quality before buying, read our jersey quality buying guide.
The Quickest Way: Use Your Height and Weight
If you just want a fast, reliable answer, go by your height and weight. Find where you land on the chart for the version you are buying, and that is your size. It is the easiest method, and it gets most shoppers the right fit straight away.
| Version | Size | Length (cm) | Chest Width (cm) | Suggested Height | Suggested Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Version | S | 69-71 | 53-55 | 162-170 cm / 5’4″-5’7″ | 50-62 kg / 110-137 lb |
| Fan Version | M | 71-73 | 55-57 | 170-176 cm / 5’7″-5’9″ | 62-78 kg / 137-172 lb |
| Fan Version | L | 73-75 | 57-58 | 176-182 cm / 5’9″-6’0″ | 78-83 kg / 172-183 lb |
| Fan Version | XL | 75-78 | 58-60 | 182-190 cm / 6’0″-6’3″ | 83-90 kg / 183-198 lb |
| Fan Version | XXL | 78-81 | 60-62 | 190-195 cm / 6’3″-6’5″ | 90-97 kg / 198-214 lb |
| Player Version | S | 69 | 49-51 | 162-170 cm / 5’4″-5’7″ | 50-62 kg / 110-137 lb |
| Player Version | M | 69-71 | 51-53 | 170-176 cm / 5’7″-5’9″ | 62-78 kg / 137-172 lb |
| Player Version | L | 71-73 | 53-55 | 176-182 cm / 5’9″-6’0″ | 78-83 kg / 172-183 lb |
| Player Version | XL | 73-75 | 55-57 | 182-190 cm / 6’0″-6’3″ | 83-90 kg / 183-198 lb |
| Player Version | XXL | 75-77 | 57-59 | 190-195 cm / 6’3″-6’5″ | 90-97 kg / 198-214 lb |
Prefer inches and pounds? Here is the quick conversion for many US and UK shoppers:
- S: about 5 ft 4 in – 5 ft 7 in, 110-137 lb
- M: about 5 ft 7 in – 5 ft 9 in, 137-172 lb
- L: about 5 ft 9 in – 6 ft 0 in, 172-183 lb
- XL: about 6 ft 0 in – 6 ft 3 in, 183-198 lb
- XXL: about 6 ft 3 in – 6 ft 5 in, 198-214 lb
The Accurate Way: Measure and Compare
Want to be completely sure? Use a jersey or T-shirt you already own and love the fit of. Lay it flat on a table, smooth out the creases, and measure two things: chest width, straight across from one armpit to the other, and length, from the top of the shoulder down to the hem.
If you measure your body instead, wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, keep it level, and do not pull it tight. Since the chart uses flat garment width, choose a shirt width that gives you a little room to move.
How a Jersey Should Actually Fit
On a well-fitting jersey, the shoulder seams sit near the edge of your shoulders, not halfway down your arm. The chest feels comfortable with a little room to move, the length falls around your waistband, and the sleeves usually sit around the middle of your upper arm.
If the shoulders droop or the body feels like a tent, you may have sized up too far. If it pulls across the chest, shoulders or sleeves, you have probably sized down too far.
Fan Version vs Player Version: They Fit Differently
This is the single biggest reason people order the wrong size. A fan version is a casual everyday fit, a bit looser and often softer. A player version is slimmer, lighter and more athletic, similar to the type worn on the pitch.
In the chart, the player version is a few centimeters narrower at the chest. That means a player Medium will feel tighter than a fan Medium. If you want a relaxed drape, choose fan version at your chart size. If you want a sharp, fitted look, choose player version. If you want player version but prefer a little room, size up one.
What If I Am Between Two Sizes?
Use this simple rule: size up for comfort, size down for a snug fit. For most fans, sizing up is safer, especially with the slimmer player version. Only size down if you specifically want the jersey to sit tight against your body.
| Fit Goal | Best Choice | How It Should Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxed everyday wear | Fan version at your chart size | Comfortable through the chest with easy movement. |
| A sharper athletic look | Player version at your chart size | Slimmer and closer to the body. |
| Between two sizes | Size up | Safer for comfort, especially with player version jerseys. |
| Layering over a hoodie | Size up one | Enough room without pulling at the chest or shoulders. |
| Women preferring a closer fit | Measure chest width first | Size down only if the garment width still allows comfort. |
Which Size Suits the Look You Want
Sometimes it is not about right or wrong. It is about the style you want. Use the fit guide below before checkout, then compare with the product photos and reviews.
- Clean classic fit: choose your chart size.
- Relaxed casual fit: choose fan version or size up one.
- Slim athletic fit: choose player version at chart size.
- Oversized streetwear look: size up one or two, depending on your height.
- Layering over hoodie or thermal: size up one.
Does the Sport Change the Fit?
A little, yes. Football jerseys follow the fan and player version charts above. Basketball jerseys are sleeveless and often longer and looser. Baseball jerseys are button-up styles and usually sit boxier through the body. Always check the size details on the specific product you are buying.
Should You Size Up for Layering?
If you plan to wear a hoodie or thermal under your jersey in colder weather, sizing up one is a smart move. For the classic fit that sits close and clean, stick to your chart size.
Custom Name and Number: Does It Affect Sizing?
Custom name and number printing does not affect the size you choose. Select the garment size first, then add your customization. If you want to see how customization looks on a product page, check this custom soccer jersey example.
Because custom prints are made for you, double-check spelling, number and quantity before placing the order.
Buying for Women or Kids
The size chart is a standard adult unisex fit, cut fairly straight rather than tapered. If you are a woman who prefers a closer fit, you can size down one, or measure your chest and go by garment width for the most accurate result.
Buying for a child? Check whether a youth size is listed on the product page. If there is no youth size, a small adult size with a little room can work for older kids and teens.
Avoid These Common Sizing Mistakes
- Guessing instead of checking the chart.
- Using your normal T-shirt size without comparing measurements.
- Forgetting that fan version and player version fit differently.
- Ignoring reviews that mention whether the jersey runs small or large.
- Ordering custom name and number printing before checking the size carefully.
Reviews Are Your Shortcut
Spend 30 seconds reading reviews before committing. Real buyers often mention whether a jersey runs small, large or true to size. If several buyers say to size up, take that advice seriously.
Your Quick 3-Step Size Check
When it is time to place your order, use this simple process:
- Find your size on the chart for the exact version you are buying.
- Compare the chest width with a shirt you already own, or measure your own chest.
- Between sizes? Size up for comfort and read a few reviews for real-world fit.
Find Your Size and Shop With Confidence
Now that you know your size, the rest is the fun part. FANKIT offers fan version and player version jerseys for football, basketball, baseball and more, with custom name and number printing if you want to make it your own. Browse the collection, pick your size with confidence and order today.
FAQ
What size jersey should I get?
Match your height and weight to the chart for the version you are buying. To be extra sure, measure the chest and length of a shirt you already own and compare.
I am between two sizes. What should I do?
Size up for a comfortable fit, or size down for a snug one. For most shoppers, especially with the slimmer player version, sizing up is safer.
How do I measure myself for a jersey?
Measure around the fullest part of your chest with a soft tape, keeping it level and not too tight. You can also lay a well-fitting shirt flat and measure armpit to armpit.
Do fan and player versions fit the same?
No. Player version jerseys are slimmer and lighter, while fan version jerseys are roomier and more relaxed.
Do basketball and baseball jerseys fit like football ones?
Not exactly. Basketball jerseys are often longer and looser, while baseball jerseys are usually boxier through the body.
Will the jersey shrink after washing?
A quality polyester jersey barely shrinks if cared for properly. Wash cold, avoid the dryer and let it air dry.
Should I size up if I want to layer underneath?
Yes. If you will wear a hoodie or thermal underneath, sizing up one gives you more room.
Can I exchange it if the size is wrong?
Check the store return and exchange policy before ordering. The best way to avoid exchanges is to compare the size chart before checkout.
