The Complete Jersey Size Guide: Measure Once, Cheer in the Right Fit

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Buyer's Guide · All Leagues

The Complete Jersey Size Guide: Measure Once, Cheer in the Right Fit

Updated September 18, 2026 · 7 min read

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FanGear Pro size guide — how to measure chest and body length, shown on our authentic Charlotte FC jersey.
Quick answer: Your chest measurement decides your jersey size. Soccer is slim, NBA is standard, NFL is boxy, MLB is full, and NHL is the loosest cut of all. Match your chest to the chart for your league; if you are between sizes, size up (except NHL).

1. How to measure yourself

Take measurements over a thin t-shirt (never outerwear), standing relaxed with arms at your sides. A soft tape measure is best; if you only have string, wrap it, mark it, then measure against a ruler.

  • Chest (most important): around the fullest part of your chest, just under the armpits, tape parallel to the floor.
  • Waist: your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso.
  • Body length: from the highest point of the shoulder (by the collar) down to where you want the hem.
  • Sleeve: shoulder seam to wrist, for long-sleeve jerseys and jackets.
  • Inseam: crotch to ankle, for pants.
ChestBodylengthSleeve

Measure chest straight across the fullest part; body length from the shoulder seam to the hem.

2. Fit by league

Not all jerseys are cut the same. Know the silhouette before you pick a size:

LeagueFit typeHow it should feel
SoccerAthletic / slimClose to the body; size up for a looser look
NBAStandard / longRelaxed through the chest, longer hem
NFLRoomy / boxyClassic oversized game-day look
MLBFull / button-frontRelaxed traditional baseball cut
NHLVery looseThe loosest cut of all; order your true size

3. Quick size finder by chest

Know your chest? Find your size in every league at a glance. All numbers are body measurements, not garment measurements.

Your chestChest (cm)SoccerNBANFLMLBNHL
33–35"84–89XS–SSS
35–37"89–94SS–MSS–MS
37–40"94–102MM–LMM–LS–M
40–43"102–109LLLLM
43–47"109–119XLXLXLXLL
47–51"119–1302XL2XL2XL2XLXL
51–55"130–1403XL3XL3XL3XL2XL
55"+140+3XL3XL4XL3XL3XL

4. Men's size charts at a glance

Condensed men's charts (chest and body length). Full soccer detail, women's and youth charts are in our dedicated soccer sizing guide.

SizeSoccer chestNBA chestNFL chestMLB chestNHL chest
S35–37"37–39"35–38"36–38"40–43"
M37–40"39–41"38–41"38–41"43–46"
L40–43"41–43"41–44"41–44"46–49"
XL43–47"43–46"44–48"44–48"49–52"
2XL47–51"46–49"48–53"48–52"52–55"
3XL51–55"49–52"53–58"52–56"55–58"

NHL jerseys naturally run 1–2 sizes roomier than soccer or NBA of the same label — a 40" chest wears an NHL S the way it wears a soccer L.

5. Real jerseys from FanGearPro

Every shirt below is live in our store right now — authentic and replica, men's and women's.

6. Sizing FAQ

How do I measure myself for a jersey?

Use a soft tape measure over a thin t-shirt. Chest is the key number: measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under the armpits, with the tape parallel to the floor. Also note waist (for shorts/pants) and body length (shoulder seam to where you want the hem). If you are between two sizes, size up.

Do jerseys run big or small?

It depends on the league. Soccer jerseys are the slimmest, most athletic cut; NBA is standard; NFL and MLB are roomy; NHL hockey jerseys are the loosest of all. Match your chest measurement to the chart for your league rather than guessing from your t-shirt size.

I'm between two sizes. Which should I pick?

Size up for every league except NHL. Jerseys are casual wear meant to be relaxed, and a little extra room always looks better than a snug fit. NHL already runs very loose, so stay at your true size there.

Should I buy men's or women's jerseys?

Women's jerseys have a tapered, contoured waist; men's are cut straight and boxy. Many fans prefer the men's fit for the classic oversized look. A woman ordering a men's cut should usually go one size down from her women's size.

Do I wear the same size in jerseys, shorts and jackets?

Usually close but not always. Jerseys and jackets size by chest; shorts and pants size by waist and hip. It is common to wear a jersey L but shorts M, so always check the chart for the specific product type.

What if the size still isn't right?

Every order is covered by our 30-day free returns and free size exchanges. Send us your height, chest and waist and we will help you pick, or swap the size after delivery at no charge.

Shipping & returns: Free shipping on orders of $57 or more. Orders under $57 ship for a flat $7. Dispatch in 7–15 business days. We offer 30-day free returns and free size exchanges.
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