What T-shirt Sizes Should I Order For My Group: A Bulk Order Guide

Whether you’re getting tees for your office, people in your community, or something for your school sale...no worries...We have the information you need. Following is data on what size t-shirts people normally buy for group orders.

So, What Sizes Should I Order?

We pulled data from our a 100% cotton, regular fit, standard tee. You can use this information as a base and then adjust based on your shirt’s cut and sizing if you choose to go with a different option.

Sales generally show that 11% of orders are for youth sizes, 12% small, 22% medium, 25% large, 19% extra large, 8% 2XL, and 3% are extended sizes (3XL and up). 

Here is a chart so you can visualize it!

Here’s a common breakdown without youth sizes factored in: 14% small, 25% medium, 28 % large, 21% extra large, 9% 2XL, 3% extended (3XL and up).

Majority of the sizes (74%) is right in the middle, and it’s split pretty evenly among sizes medium, large, and extra large, with large coming out slightly ahead. This should give you the formula you need if you’re ordering a standard fit cotton unisex tee.

There are many other sizes and cuts of shirts you may want to consider, depending on what kind of group you’re ordering for.

A Few Things To Know about Unisex Shirt Sizing and Specialty Cuts

When you’re thinking about t-shirts sizes, you should take into consideration the sizing and cuts of the specific shirt you choose.

For example, The standard cotton unisex tee, is different from a fine cut fitted unisex tee which tends to be semi-fitted and run small.

Apparel Styles: Unisex, Women’s, and Youth

Unisex
Unisex products are styled for any gender and have wider shoulders, longer arms, and added length in the body.

Women’s
Women’s products have more narrow shoulders, shorter arms, and often, a fitted, contoured silhouette.

Youth
Designed specifically for children these styles can range from infant and toddler sizes to youth XL.

Apparel Cuts: Slim, Semi-Fitted, Standard, Relaxed

Slim Fit
A narrower fit that hugs the body, chest, and arms.
Sleeve length: Shorter
Shoulder seam: On shoulder
Arm opening: Tightest
Across chest: Tightest
Length: Standard
Recommended for: Customers looking for the tightest fit or for petite frames. 

Semi-Fitted
A closer fit that skims the body, chest, and arms.
Sleeve length: Shorter
Shoulder seam: On shoulder
Arm opening: Tighter
Across chest: Tighter
Length: Standard
Recommended for: Customers looking for a slimmer, more trendy fit.

Standard Fit
A straight fit through the body, chest, and arms.
Sleeve length: Standard
Shoulder seam: On shoulder
Arm opening: Standard
Across chest: Standard
Length: Standard
Recommended for: Customers looking for a standard fit across the board.

Relaxed Fit
A loose fit through the body, chest, and arms.
Sleeve length: Longer
Shoulder seam: Below shoulder
Arm opening: Loose
Across chest: Loose
Length: Standard
Recommended for: Customers looking for a fit with extra room for layering.

Buying T-shirts for Children

If you’re placing a group order for a bunch of kids, it can be a little more complicated. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you can’t go wrong with erring on the side of too big as children just seem to keep growing! So if you’re ordering for an elementary school team or the PSTA t-shirt sale, break down your sizes like this: YXS 10%, YS 25%, YM 30%, Y/L 25%, YXL 1​​0%.