In Ireland: What Do Americans Call T-Shirts?

If you've ever been on Grafton Street or popped into Penneys, you know how central T-shirts are in Ireland. Yet, ask someone from the States what they call that comfy basic, and you'll most likely get the same answer—T-shirt. Americans don't use a wild or mysterious term; it's the same one we use here. No need to stress about translation next time you're buying online or chatting with a cousin in Boston.

Still, there are a few twists that catch Irish shoppers off guard, especially if you're hunting for deals on American sites or wandering through a Target while on holiday. We'll dig into those differences and give you some laughs along the way. But bottom line? If you're roaming Henry Street, rest assured that T-shirt is as universal as Dairy Milk in Ireland and the States.

• The Straight Answer: T-Shirts in the US vs Ireland
• Irish Lingo: How We Name Our Clothes
• Shopping the States: What to Know If You're Browsing Abroad
• Irish Brands and Where to Buy Your Next Tee
• Funny Mix-Ups and Language Blunders
• Tips for Irish Shoppers and Travellers

The Straight Answer: T-Shirts in the US vs Ireland

This bit couldn’t be simpler: Americans call them “T-shirts,” and so do we here in Ireland. There’s no special code word, no surprise difference hiding in the wardrobe. In shops from New York to Galway, ask for a T-shirt and you’ll get the same thing—a short-sleeve top with that classic T shape. It’s the T-shirts label everywhere, and it won’t trip you up in Dublin or Los Angeles.

The whole deal started way back in the early 1900s, when the U.S. military adopted these shirts as official undershirts. By the 1950s, thanks to Hollywood icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean, the T-shirt was suddenly cool. The word just stuck on both sides of the Atlantic. Here’s how the term compares across countries for fun:

Even if you’re scrolling through American websites, the product name stays the same. You might spot “tee” as a slang version in the States, so if you see “graphic tee” or “plain white tee,” that’s just shorthand—they’re talking about T-shirts.

The Irish Times fashion columnist Deirdre McQuillan summed it up well:

“Whether you’re hitting the shops in Limerick or browsing stocks on Fifth Avenue, a T-shirt’s a T-shirt. Makes life a bit easier, doesn’t it?”

The only wrinkle? Americans might refer to some variations or fits with extra names, like “crew neck” or “V-neck tee,” but those have filtered into Irish shops too. So, no sweat—whether you’re in Cork or Chicago, you’ll find what you’re looking for if you just ask for a T-shirt.

Irish Lingo: How We Name Our Clothes

If you stick close to Irish high streets or peek into any wardrobe in Dublin, you’ll see the basics: jumpers, tracksuit bottoms, vests, and of course, T-shirts. In Ireland, we don't get too creative with naming these bits. We use ‘T-shirt’ just like in the States but, funny enough, when it comes to other tops, the words start to change. For example, 'jumper' here means what Americans call a sweater, and if you ask for a vest, you'd get what Americans would call an undershirt. But talk about a 'tank top' in the US, and you’re really asking for the Irish version of a sleeveless vest. It gets confusing fast if you’re hopping between both countries.

Most Irish shops like Penneys, Dunnes Stores, and Life Style Sports keep it simple and label things as ‘T-shirts’ on their tags and online listings. The strong preference for the T-shirts keyword makes sense because nobody wants to wander around Brown Thomas hunting for a “jersey” and come out with a GAA kit instead of something you can lounge in.

If you’re shopping second-hand in Dublin’s thrift spots or checking out charity shops in Galway, you’ll see the same familiar words. But if you get handed a ‘jersey’ in Cork, someone’s probably talking about a sports top, not your casual tee. That’s why it pays to know the local twists, especially when swapping stories with American friends or shopping on US websites.

Quick tip: Irish kids and teens might call graphic tees ‘logo tops’ or ‘printed tops’ in school uniform codes, especially at places like Marks & Spencer or Elverys. So if your little one’s school is strict, make sure to double-check those terms before splashing out on tees with slogans for back-to-school.

Shopping the States: What to Know If You're Browsing Abroad

So, you’re scrolling through an American website, chasing that perfect T-shirt deal, or maybe you’ve popped over to New York and found yourself facing endless racks of tops. It looks simple, but there are a few quirks that trip up Irish shoppers every time.

First up, American sizes run big. A “medium” from Walmart or Old Navy is usually closer to a large in Dunnes or Penneys. Don’t be surprised if you end up swimming in a top you ordered as your usual size. Always check the sizing charts—they’re different from what we’re used to in Ireland.

Here’s a quick US/Irish T-shirt size comparison:

Another thing—watch out for the word “tee” on American sites. “Tee” just means T-shirt, not golf gear. Sometimes you’ll spot “crew neck” or “V-neck” in the filters, too, for the collar shape. The soft cotton and “tagless” labels sound grand, but double-check if there’s polyester mixed in, especially if you hate fabrics that cling or trap heat on a hot day in Phoenix Park.

When you’re importing from the US, don’t forget customs charges and VAT. They sneak up, especially for parcels over €22. Use the An Post calculator before buying so you don’t get stung on the doorstep. Also, US returns can be expensive—most stores expect you to cover the postage.

If you’re shopping for Irish tastes, remember a lot of American tees are logo-heavy, with sports teams, college names, or state references—not just plain styles you’d grab at Carraig Donn or Jack & Jones in Dundrum. Sometimes that’s what you’re after, but if you want something low-key, stick to product reviews and zoom in on the images.

Quick tips for hassle-free US T-shirt shopping:

• Convert sizes with a chart, not by guesswork.
• Read the fabric details—avoid 100% polyester if you like your tees breathable.
• Factor in taxes, customs, and return costs.
• Check seller ratings (especially on Amazon or eBay—it’s wild over there sometimes).
• Ask Irish mates who’ve been there before—firsthand tips go a long way.

With a bit of prep, you’ll get that American bargain and skip the usual headaches. Nothing ruins the excitement like a tee that fits your dog better than it fits you. Trust me, Whiskers still hasn’t forgiven me for that mix-up.

Irish Brands and Where to Buy Your Next Tee

You don’t have to board a flight to New York or wait weeks for a US delivery to get your hands on solid, stylish T-shirts. Ireland’s got plenty of homegrown brands and easy spots to pick up your next favourite tee, whether you’re after something plain, a GAA crest, or something quirky for Electric Picnic.

For local pride, Irish Design Shop and The T-Shirt Company both offer quality tees, including ones you can personalise for events or stags. CarveOn is another Irish label where the craftsmanship is top notch, though you'll pay a premium if you want something unique and sustainable.

Love a bit of craic on your T-shirt? Hairy Baby is a Cork staple, famous for Garda jokes and Irish sayings—ideal for gifts or a bit of nostalgia if you're living abroad. TinyLife goes one better, donating profits to local causes. Cúl Heroes store and O'Neills are perfect for sporting tees if you want to show off your parish allegiance.

Here’s where you can shop for T-shirts on the high street and online without any fuss:

• Penneys (Primark for visitors) – unbeatable for basics and cheap prints, with locations from Dublin to Donegal
• Brown Thomas – go here for premium or big-name designer labels
• Dunnes Stores – strong for multi-packs and family shops, always handy if you’re after value
• Lifestyle Sports – sport tees galore for fans of Irish rugby, GAA, and more
• Iceland – odd choice, but sometimes has pop culture tees in the clothing aisle!

If you want to compare price ranges quickly, here's a rough guide based on current prices in May 2025:

If you’re keen on reducing your carbon footprint, don’t ignore vintage and charity shops, especially in places like Dublin’s Temple Bar or Galway’s Latin Quarter. There, you can nab secondhand gems and support good causes at the same time.

Funny Mix-Ups and Language Blunders

So you’re in the US, looking for a T-shirt, but the shop assistant suddenly starts shouting about "tees." Yep, that’s short for T-shirt across the pond, and hardly anyone in Ireland says it that way. Americans might also say "graphic tees" or "crew necks," while in Ireland, we usually just stick with the basics: T-shirt with a print, or just a T-shirt. It’s all a bit of fun until someone asks if you want a “tank top” and you end up with a stringy vest instead of a sleeveless pullover (which is what some of us might expect in Ireland!).

Want proof people get tripped up? Here’s a quick table showing how things can get lost in translation between Ireland and the US:

It’s actually kinda common for Irish tourists in New York or Florida to accidentally buy something a bit different from what they expected. Picking out a "jumper" in a US department store? You might walk away with a dress for a seven-year-old. I once heard a story from a friend who asked for a “jumper” in Los Angeles and basically got handed over to the children’s section. Brilliant.

Just so you don't get caught out, here’s what helps:

• Stick to "T-shirt"—no one will be confused in either country.
• If you’re after a cosy jumper (sweater), double-check, since "sweater" is the American word.
• Want a vest to wear under your shirt? Say "undershirt" in the US and "vest" here.
• Need a tank top for hot weather? Ask for exactly that in the US, but try "vest" if you're sticking to Irish shops, especially smaller ones like Dunnes or the local boutiques in Galway.

Language is weird, but at the end of the day, you’ll probably figure it out and have a good laugh. If you’re really unsure, just point—works anywhere, even if your accent doesn’t.

Tips for Irish Shoppers and Travellers

Here’s the straight talk for anyone in Ireland buying T-shirts from American shops or travelling Stateside—some stuff just works differently. Take sizing, for example. A medium in Dunnes or Penneys might feel different from a medium in Old Navy or Gap. US brands usually run bigger. If you’re used to Irish sizes, double-check the size charts before you order. Most US shops give exact measurements (in inches) for chest width, so grab a tape measure before clicking “add to cart.”

Watch out for the small print when shopping online from Irish retailers that ship from the US. Added import duty, VAT, and shipping costs can sneak up. Under current rules, orders over €150 get hit with customs and VAT. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might expect if your T-shirts shopping turns into a splurge:

Returns aren’t always free either, so always check the shop’s returns policy. Sometimes sending a T-shirt back to the US costs more than the shirt itself.

If you’re travelling over for a shopping weekend in New York or Florida, keep an eye on sales tax. Prices on the label don’t include tax, and it varies by state. In New York City, T-shirts under $110 are tax-free. In Chicago, you’ll pay around 10.25% at the till. Hold on to those receipts in case you get stopped by customs at Dublin Airport.

Spot a deal on US outlet websites? Brands like American Eagle, J.Crew, and H&M often have big sales, especially around Black Friday (late November). Just check if they ship to Ireland directly—it’s hit and miss. For hotspots here, Dubliners swear by BT2, Folkster, and Siopaella for a quirky tee you won’t see on every corner. Penneys launches fresh prints all year, and Irish labels like Human Collective push for sustainable cotton with a bit of homegrown pride.

“Shipping costs and returns paint a very different picture for Irish consumers online. Always read the terms, and measure before you pay.”
— Sarah Travers, consumer columnist, Irish Independent

Couple of last tips: join shop mailing lists for discounts, and use your Revolut or Monzo to dodge overseas card fees. With more Irish shoppers buying cross-border every year (ComReg stats put it at 52% last Christmas), there’s never been more choice—but you have to stay sharp to get the best value for your tee collection.