Irish T-Shirt Size Calculator
In Ireland, sizing standards can be different from UK or US sizing. This calculator helps you determine if you're size M or L based on your chest measurement and common Irish sizing patterns.
Your Size Recommendation
Irish T-Shirt Sizing Guide
| Size | Chest (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| S | 86–91 | Slender frame, under 70kg |
| M | 94–99 | Average build, 70–80kg |
| L | 102–107 | Broad shoulders or muscular, 80–90kg |
| XL | 110–115 | Large frame, over 90kg |
When you’re standing in front of a rack of t-shirts in a Dublin store like Penney’s, Primark, or even a local artisan shop in Galway, and you’re wondering am I size M or L? - you’re not alone. In Ireland, sizing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how your body fits into a culture that values comfort over conformity, where rain-soaked walks in the Wicklow Mountains demand a little extra room, and where Irish-made brands like Irish Linen Co. or Claddagh Wear often run slightly different from what you’d find in London or New York.
Why Irish T-Shirt Sizing Feels Different
Many people assume clothing sizes are universal. They’re not. In Ireland, most major retailers follow EU sizing standards, but there’s a catch: Irish brands often design for a slightly leaner, more average build than US or UK brands. That’s because the average Irish adult - especially outside urban centers - tends to have a narrower frame compared to the broader cuts common in American apparel.
Take a look at the t-shirts sold in Cork’s English Market or Belfast’s Victoria Square. You’ll notice that a size M here might fit like a US Small. A size L in an Irish store could be equivalent to a US Medium. This isn’t a mistake - it’s how local manufacturers tailor their products to the population. If you’ve ever bought a t-shirt online from an Irish brand and found it too snug, you’re not too big - you just didn’t account for the local cut.
How to Know If You’re an M or an L in Ireland
Here’s how to figure it out without guessing:
- Measure your chest - wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your armpits, while standing naturally. Don’t suck in. This is your most reliable number.
- Compare to Irish brand charts - check the size guide on websites like Claddagh Wear, Irish Linen Co., or Carhartt WIP Ireland. Most list chest measurements in centimeters. For example:
| Size | Chest (cm) | Fits Irish Body Type |
|---|---|---|
| S | 86-91 | Slender frame, under 70kg |
| M | 94-99 | Average build, 70-80kg |
| L | 102-107 | Broad shoulders or muscular, 80-90kg |
| XL | 110-115 | Large frame, over 90kg |
If your chest measures 96cm, you’re likely an M in Ireland. But if you like your t-shirts with a bit of breathing room - especially if you wear a light fleece underneath during chilly Galway evenings - go for the L. Many locals do.
What Irish People Actually Wear
In Ireland, comfort trumps trends. You won’t see many people wearing tight, cropped t-shirts unless they’re at a festival like Electric Picnic or a summer gig in Wexford. Most people - from farmers in Tipperary to students in Limerick - prefer a relaxed fit. That’s why even in Dublin’s trendiest boutiques, the best-selling t-shirts are usually slightly oversized, crew-neck, and made from breathable cotton.
Brands like Wicklow Wear and Donegal Knitwear (yes, they make t-shirts too) design with this in mind. Their L size isn’t just bigger - it’s cut longer in the torso and sleeves to accommodate layering under waterproof jackets, which most Irish people own at least two of.
Common Mistakes Irish Shoppers Make
Here are the three most common errors people make when picking t-shirt sizes in Ireland:
- Assuming UK sizing is the same - UK brands like Next or M&S often run smaller than Irish ones. An M in Next might be too tight for someone who’s perfectly sized in a Claddagh Wear L.
- Buying online without checking measurements - if you order from an Irish brand’s website and skip the size chart, you’re gambling. Returns in Ireland can take 10-14 days, and you’ll pay for postage unless the item is faulty.
- Choosing size based on age - a 50-year-old in Kerry might wear an M, while a 22-year-old in Cork might need an L. Body shape matters more than age.
Where to Try Before You Buy
If you’re unsure, go to a physical store. Here are the best places in Ireland to test fit:
- Dublin: Penney’s on Grafton Street has a wide range of sizes and a generous return policy.
- Cork: The Bon Secours Hospital retail outlet (yes, really) carries affordable, well-cut Irish-made tees.
- Galway: Visit Claddagh Wear on Shop Street - staff are used to helping tourists and locals alike find the right fit.
- Belfast: Primark on Royal Avenue has clear size labels and a good selection of relaxed-fit cotton tees.
Pro tip: If you’re buying a t-shirt for a pub crawl or a St. Patrick’s Day event, size up. You’ll be wearing it over a jumper, maybe a waistcoat, and you’ll want to move freely - especially if you’re dancing to a fiddle in a Doolin pub.
What to Do If You’re Between Sizes
If your chest measurement falls between M and L - say, 99cm - here’s how to decide:
- Choose M if: You prefer a fitted look, you’re under 75kg, and you mostly wear your t-shirt on its own.
- Choose L if: You wear layers, you’re over 75kg, you like to tuck it in sometimes, or you’ve had bad experiences with shrinking after washing.
And yes - Irish cotton t-shirts do shrink. Especially if you wash them at 40°C or tumble dry them. Most brands recommend washing at 30°C and air-drying. That’s not just eco-friendly - it’s how you keep your size.
Final Rule of Thumb for Irish T-Shirt Sizing
If you’re unsure, go with the larger size. In Ireland, a slightly loose t-shirt isn’t sloppy - it’s practical. It lets you move freely in a sudden downpour, layer up in a chilly coastal breeze, or sit comfortably on a stone wall in the Burren without feeling restricted. And honestly? Most Irish people do.
So next time you’re standing in front of that rack, ask yourself: Do I need to fit in - or do I need to feel free? In Ireland, the answer is usually the latter.
Is Irish t-shirt sizing the same as UK sizing?
No. Irish sizing tends to run slightly larger than UK brands like Next or M&S. A UK Medium often fits like an Irish Small. Always check the chest measurement in centimeters, not just the size label.
Why do my Irish t-shirts shrink after washing?
Many Irish-made t-shirts are 100% cotton and pre-shrunk only minimally. Washing at 40°C or tumble drying can shrink them by 3-5%. To keep your size, wash at 30°C and lay flat to dry. Brands like Claddagh Wear and Wicklow Wear often include this care advice on the tag.
Should I size up for Irish weather?
Yes - especially if you live in the west or north. Rain, wind, and layering are part of daily life. A slightly looser fit lets you wear a thermal or light fleece underneath without feeling tight. Most locals choose L over M for this reason, even if they’re average-sized.
What’s the best Irish brand for t-shirts?
Claddagh Wear and Irish Linen Co. are top choices for quality and fit. They use locally sourced cotton, design for the Irish frame, and offer clear size guides. For budget options, Primark and Penney’s have reliable, soft cotton tees that hold up well if cared for properly.
Do Irish men and women have different sizing?
Yes. Women’s t-shirts in Ireland are often cut narrower in the shoulders and shorter in the torso. Men’s tees are generally boxier and longer. Always check the size chart for gender-specific fits - don’t assume unisex sizing will work.
Next Steps
Don’t guess your size again. Grab a tape measure, check your chest in centimeters, and compare it to the charts from Irish brands. If you’re shopping online, save the size guide page before you buy. If you’re in doubt, go for the L - you’ll thank yourself when you’re walking the Cliffs of Moher in a light drizzle, and your t-shirt doesn’t feel like a second skin.
In Ireland, clothing isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about being ready - for rain, for pubs, for long walks, for sudden changes in weather. And the right t-shirt size? That’s just the first step.
