The Ultimate Size Chart Men Need for the Perfect T-Shirt Fit

Let’s be honest, trying to find the right t-shirt size online can feel like a total shot in the dark. But it doesn’t have to be. This guide is your new best friend for finding the perfect fit for our Brooklyn-inspired tees.

We'll break down everything you need to know about our three core styles: Slim, Regular, and Oversize. Get it right the first time, and you'll be wearing your new favorite tee with the kind of confidence that only comes from a perfect fit.

Finding Your Perfect Brooklyn Tee Fit

Here at The Brooklyn Initiative, we believe a t-shirt is more than just a piece of fabric. It’s a canvas for your personal style, a nod to the unstoppable creative energy of the borough itself.

Just like every neighborhood has its own vibe—from the artistic pulse of Bushwick to the classic brownstones of Park Slope—our fits are designed to celebrate that same diversity. Your style tells a story, and finding the right fit is where it all begins.

This is more than just another men's size chart. It's about helping you find a piece that feels like you. The confidence you get from a great-fitting tee is the same inspiration we pull from Brooklyn’s one-of-a-kind culture—a culture forged by innovators like Jean-Michel Basquiat, who started his career spray-painting cryptic messages across the borough. Our mission is to stitch that defiant spirit into every single thread.

Your Quick Fit Reference

To make it easy, we've boiled down our three signature fits into this quick guide. Think of it as your starting point for finding the style that best matches your aesthetic. Each one is designed to capture a different side of Brooklyn's identity.

A quick look at this table will help you zero in on the tee that feels like it was made just for you.

Quick Fit Guide: The Brooklyn Initiative Tees

Fit Style Description Best For
Slim Fit A modern, tailored cut that sits close to the body, accentuating your physique. A sharp, contemporary look that’s perfect for layering under a jacket or wearing on its own for a clean silhouette.
Regular Fit A classic, straight cut from the chest to the waist, offering a comfortable and timeless look. The versatile, everyday essential that balances comfort and style, reflecting Brooklyn's effortlessly cool vibe.
Oversize Fit A relaxed, generous cut with dropped shoulders, inspired by streetwear and skate culture. Making a bold statement with a laid-back, artistic edge that channels the borough's creative underground.

Whether you're going for a clean, tailored look or a more relaxed, artistic vibe, this table gives you a clear snapshot of what to expect from each fit. Now, let’s get into the details to make sure you nail your size.

How To Take Your T-Shirt Measurements

Getting the perfect fit is an art, a lot like the murals that bring Brooklyn's streets to life. It all starts with knowing your measurements—a simple step that puts you in control, helping you choose a tee that feels like it was made just for you. Don't worry, this isn't complicated. All you need is a soft measuring tape and a couple of minutes.

Taking these two simple measurements gets rid of the guesswork. Think of it as creating a personal blueprint for your style. It ensures every tee you get from us captures that effortless confidence that defines the Brooklyn look.

Measuring Your Chest Correctly

This is the most important measurement for getting your t-shirt size right. Stand up straight but stay relaxed—no puffing out your chest or holding your breath. Just be natural.

Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, right under your armpits. Make sure the tape is level all the way around and feels snug, but not constricting. For instance, if you measure 40 inches, you’re probably looking at a Medium in our Regular Fit for that classic, comfortable vibe.

Determining Your Ideal Body Length

Next up, let's figure out your ideal t-shirt length. This is all about how you want the shirt to drape, whether you like it hitting right at the hip or prefer a longer cut for that modern streetwear style.

  • Start at the Top: Place the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your shoulder, right where it meets the neck.
  • Measure Straight Down: Let the tape fall straight down your front to the spot where you want the hem of the t-shirt to end. Your hip is usually a great reference point, but this is totally up to you.
  • Record the Number: Jot down that measurement. It’s your key to choosing a tee that hangs exactly how you like it.

This quick process is all you need to find your perfect match on our size chart. To help you choose between our signature styles, this visual guide shows how each fit is designed to look.

A visual guide illustrating three t-shirt fits: slim fit, regular fit, and oversize fit with diagrams.

Each fit—Slim, Regular, and Oversize—is a different vibe. It lets you match your tee to your mood or the occasion, just like a true Brooklyn original. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on how to take all your key measurements.

The Official Brooklyn Initiative Men's Size Chart

Alright, you’ve got your numbers—now let's find that perfect tee. This isn't just a size chart; it's the master guide to our three signature fits, each designed to capture a piece of Brooklyn's creative energy. Think of it as your personal map to a t-shirt that doesn’t just fit your body, but fits your style.

We’ve laid out every measurement for every size and fit, so you can easily match your chest, length, and sleeve numbers to our designs. Whether you're after the clean lines of our Slim Fit or the relaxed confidence of our Oversize tee, this is where it all comes together. Each fit tells its own story, reflecting a different side of Brooklyn's one-of-a-kind spirit.

Folded t-shirts, a measuring tape, and an 'Official Size Chart' ruler for clothing fit guidance.

Official Size Chart for The Brooklyn Initiative Tees (Inches/CM)

Here it is—the complete breakdown of our t-shirt collection. We've included precise chest, body length, and sleeve measurements for our Slim, Regular, and Oversize fits so you can compare your numbers directly and choose with total confidence.

Size Fit Style Chest (in/cm) Body Length (in/cm) Sleeve Length (in/cm)
S Slim Fit 36-38 in / 91-96 cm 27 in / 68.5 cm 7.5 in / 19 cm
M Slim Fit 39-41 in / 99-104 cm 28 in / 71 cm 8 in / 20.5 cm
L Slim Fit 42-44 in / 107-112 cm 29 in / 73.5 cm 8.5 in / 21.5 cm
S Regular Fit 38-40 in / 96-101 cm 28 in / 71 cm 8 in / 20.5 cm
M Regular Fit 41-43 in / 104-109 cm 29 in / 73.5 cm 8.5 in / 21.5 cm
L Regular Fit 44-46 in / 112-117 cm 30 in / 76 cm 9 in / 23 cm
S Oversize Fit 42-44 in / 107-112 cm 30 in / 76 cm 9 in / 23 cm
M Oversize Fit 45-47 in / 114-119 cm 31 in / 78.5 cm 9.5 in / 24 cm
L Oversize Fit 48-50 in / 122-127 cm 32 in / 81 cm 10 in / 25.5 cm

Now that you've seen the raw data, let's talk about what those numbers feel like when you're actually wearing the shirt.

Understanding The Fit Notes

Measurements are just the starting point. The real magic is in how each fit expresses a different side of you, channeling that artistic freedom that makes our home borough so iconic.

  • Slim Fit: This cut is all about a modern, tailored silhouette. It hugs the body for a sharp look that’s just as powerful on its own as it is layered under a jacket.

  • Regular Fit: Your everyday hero. This is our take on the classic, comfortable tee—a timeless and incredibly versatile piece you'll reach for again and again.

  • Oversize Fit: Inspired by the authentic streetwear culture of Brooklyn, this fit offers a relaxed, generous drape for maximum comfort and a bold, creative statement.

It's interesting to see how these fits connect with broader trends. In the U.S. market, for example, size Large (L) is a powerhouse, making up a massive 30% of all shirt sales. Medium (M) isn't far behind at 28%, with Extra Large (XL) at 20%. Knowing this helps us keep our most popular styles stocked and ready for you. If you're curious, you can dive deeper into popular clothing sizes and market trends over at Modaknits.com.

Choosing your size is the final step in making a piece of Brooklyn's creative legacy your own. For even more style inspiration, head over to our complete men's size guide here.

Finding Your Fit Across the Globe

Brooklyn's vibe isn't confined by bridges and tunnels—it's a global state of mind. We send our tees to every corner of the planet, connecting with people who feel that same creative pull. That means our size chart for men has to be just as worldly.

If you're joining us from outside the United States, we know that figuring out your size can sometimes feel like guesswork. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward conversion guide. Think of it as your passport to the perfect fit, no matter where you call home.

International Size Conversion Guide

To keep things simple, here’s a quick-reference table that translates our standard US sizes into their European (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) equivalents. This way, the tee you receive will have the same authentic feel as one you'd pick up from a pop-up shop in Williamsburg.

US Size EU Size UK Size
Small (S) 48 38
Medium (M) 50 40
Large (L) 52 42
XL 54 44

So, if you’re a Large here in the US, you’ll be looking for a size 52 in the EU or a 42 in the UK to get that same signature fit.

Getting this right is a bigger deal than you might think. With the men's apparel market set to grow by a massive USD 358.9 billion between 2024-2029, and a staggering 60% of online returns being due to sizing issues, we’re committed to making sure you get it right the first time. For a deeper dive into how different countries measure up, check out the global clothing size conversion guide on CiprianiLeather.com.

Our mission is to get our gear into the hands of every Brooklyn enthusiast, wherever you are. For a more detailed breakdown of our sizing here at home, be sure to check out our dedicated US men's clothing size chart.

How Your Desired Fit Changes Your Size Choice

A size chart isn't a set of rigid rules; it's a starting point. Think of your measurements as the foundation, but the real magic happens when you decide how you want a t-shirt to actually feel and look. This is where you move beyond just numbers and start crafting your personal style.

The fit you're going for is hands-down the most important part of the equation. It's what turns a simple tee into a piece that says something about you. Did you know the iconic roller coaster at Coney Island, The Cyclone, is one of the oldest wooden coasters still in operation? Just like you can choose a wild ride or a gentle one, you can choose your fit to match your vibe.

Matching Your Size to Your Vibe

Our size chart is your creative toolkit. You can follow it to the letter for the fit we designed, or you can bend the rules by sizing up or down to create a look that's uniquely yours.

  • For the Intended Fit: Love the clean, classic look of our Regular Fit? Just find the size that lines up with your chest measurement. This will give you that timeless, effortless silhouette we had in mind when we designed it.

  • For a Relaxed Vibe: If you want that same Regular Fit tee to feel a bit more laid-back and slouchy, try going one size up. You'll get a more relaxed drape that's perfect for nailing that authentic, artistic Brooklyn streetwear aesthetic.

  • For a Tighter Look: Prefer a sharper, more form-fitting style? Consider sizing down in our Regular or Oversize fits. This can create a cleaner, more modern silhouette that puts a whole new spin on the design.

Choosing your fit is an act of self-expression. It’s about curating a look that feels authentic to you, whether that means a perfectly tailored tee or a relaxed, oversized statement piece that captures the defiant spirit of Brooklyn's creative culture.

Getting this right is a game-changer, especially when inconsistent sizing across brands is such a headache. The global men's apparel market hit a massive $587.61 billion in 2024, yet sizing inconsistencies leave 30% of shoppers feeling frustrated. We want to make sure you get the perfect fit every time by showing you how to play with it. You can dive deeper into these trends by checking out the global apparel industry stats at UniformMarket.com.

At the end of the day, our chart is a guide, but you're the artist. Don't be afraid to experiment a little to find the look that truly feels like you.

Real-World Fit Examples From Our Models

Let's be real—numbers on a size chart can only tell you so much. The true test is seeing how a t-shirt actually looks on a real person. It’s that moment when measurements become style.

To help you nail your perfect fit, we’re pulling back the curtain and showing you exactly what sizes our models wear on our product pages. This isn't just about showcasing our tees; it's about giving you a concrete visual reference so you can shop with total confidence.

Three male models showcasing different t-shirts and black skinny jeans as a model fit guide.

See The Fit In Action

Find the model whose build is closest to yours and see how our different fits create a totally unique look. Think of this as your personal style guide for capturing that authentic, Brooklyn-inspired vibe.

  • Model David:

    • Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
    • Chest: 41 inches (104 cm)
    • Wears: A size Large in our Slim Fit for a sharp, tailored silhouette that’s clean and modern. For that classic, relaxed streetwear vibe, he goes with an XL in the Oversize Fit.
  • Model Alex:

    • Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
    • Chest: 39 inches (99 cm)
    • Wears: A size Medium in our Regular Fit. This is his go-to for that timeless, everyday comfort that just works, giving him an effortlessly cool look no matter the occasion.

These examples are here to turn our men's size chart from a list of numbers into a practical tool you can actually use. It’s all about helping you see the potential in each fit and envisioning how you'll make it your own. We want you to wear your tee with the same confidence and originality that defines Brooklyn itself.

Got a Sizing Question? We’ve Got Answers.

Even with the most detailed charts, sometimes you just have a specific question. That's what this section is for. We've gathered the most common queries to give you that last little bit of confidence before you pick your size. Let's make sure the tee you choose feels like it was made just for you.

How Do I Choose Between Slim and Regular Fit?

This really boils down to the vibe you're going for. It’s all about your personal style and how you want the shirt to drape.

Our Slim Fit is cut for a modern, more tailored look. It sits closer to your body, highlighting your shape for a sharp, clean silhouette. On the other hand, the Regular Fit is your classic, straight-down-the-line tee—it’s got that timeless comfort and easygoing feel that works for just about anything.

What If My Measurements Are Between Two Sizes?

It happens all the time, and the "right" answer depends entirely on how you like your clothes to feel.

As a general rule, we suggest sizing up if you're in between. This gives you a bit more room and a more relaxed, comfortable fit. But if you’re aiming for that snug, body-hugging style, going with the smaller size will get you that more form-fitting look.

How Much Will My 100% Cotton Tee Shrink?

You can expect our 100% cotton tees to shrink just a little, like any garment made from natural fibers. We typically see about 3-5% shrinkage after the first time you wash and dry it.

To keep it to a minimum, we always recommend washing in cold water and either letting it air-dry or using a low-heat setting on your tumble dryer. Taking that extra step will help keep the fit true and the graphic looking fresh for years to come.

Is the Sizing the Same for Limited Edition Drops?

Absolutely! Consistency is key for us. Our limited-edition and collaboration tees are built on the exact same sizing blocks as our core collection.

You can rely on the same men's size chart to find your perfect fit, so you can grab those unique, collectible pieces without any guesswork.


Ready to find the tee that tells your story? Explore the full collection of authentic, Brooklyn-inspired graphic tees at The Brooklyn Initiative and wear a piece of the borough’s creative soul. Shop the collection now.