Always go by the measurements, not the size on the label. Sizing on older football shirts differs enormously from modern sizing, and it differs between manufacturers and between decades.
How we measure
Every shirt is measured flat, laid out on a table, with no stretching:
- Chest (pit to pit) — straight across the chest from one armpit seam to the other.
- Length — from the shoulder down to the bottom hem.
Both measurements appear on every listing.
Typical men’s football shirt sizing
Sizing varies a bit by brand, but these are typical measurements:
| Size | Chest (pit to pit) | Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 48–50 cm | 68–70 cm |
| M | 51–53 cm | 70–72 cm |
| L | 54–56 cm | 72–74 cm |
| XL | 57–59 cm | 74–76 cm |
A few notes
- Chest here is measured flat across, so double it for the full chest circumference — a Medium is roughly 102–106 cm around.
- Football shirts often run slim or athletic-fit compared to a regular T-shirt, so Nike, adidas and Puma all suggest sizing up if you want a looser fit.
- If you are buying a specific brand’s shirt, it is worth checking that brand’s own size chart, as these can shift by 2–3 cm either way.
Finding your fit
Take a shirt you already own that fits the way you want, lay it flat, and measure it the same way. Compare those numbers against the listing. That is the most reliable method there is.
Not sure? Send us the listing and the measurements you are working to, and we will tell you honestly whether it will fit.