Vintage football shirts can fit differently depending on the manufacturer, era, design and version. Use the size label as a starting point, then compare garment measurements with a shirt that fits you well.
Before choosing your size
The reference below is an illustrative adult football-shirt guide drawn from a specialist retailer's published sizing guidance. It is not a verified size chart for our stock, a brand-specific chart or a guarantee of fit. Product-specific measurements, where available, take priority. Vintage-style reproductions may also differ from original period shirts.
Indicative adult size reference
Measurements below are flat pit-to-pit garment widths in inches, not body chest circumference. The ranges are taken from Casual Football Shirts' adult football-shirt sizing reference and should only be used for initial orientation.
| Reference size | Flat chest width, armpit to armpit |
|---|---|
| S | 19–20 inches |
| M | 20–21 inches |
| L | 22–23 inches |
| XL | 24–25 inches |
| XXL | 25–26.5 inches |
Do not use these ranges to assume the dimensions of an individual shirt. There is no universal shirt-length range for each vintage size, so length must be checked separately. For centimetres, multiply inches by 2.54.
How to measure a shirt you own
- Choose a football shirt that fits you comfortably. Lay it flat on a level surface and smooth it gently without stretching the fabric.
- Chest width: measure straight across the front from one armpit seam to the other. This is the flat width, not the full circumference and not your body measurement.
- Length: measure from the highest shoulder point beside the collar down to the bottom hem. Other retailers may measure from the back collar instead, so check that both measurements use the same starting and ending points.
- Record the measurements and units, then compare like for like with the individual product details.
Why vintage sizes can vary
Different brands and production eras use different cuts. A Medium from one shirt may not fit like a Medium from another. Original period garments and modern reproductions can also have different dimensions. For previously worn garments, age, wear and laundering may affect the fit. Do not assume that every shirt from a particular decade is loose or slim.
Choosing your preferred fit
For a familiar fit, use your favourite shirt's width and length as the reference. For a roomier fit, compare with a shirt you already wear more loosely rather than automatically choosing one label size up. Flat garment width should not be compared directly with your body chest measurement because the garment needs room for movement.
If measurements are missing or you are between sizes
Contact us before ordering. Include the product name and season, the size you are considering, your reference shirt's pit-to-pit width and length, the units used and whether you prefer a closer or more relaxed fit. Ask for clarification if the measurement method is not stated.
Reference sources
Casual Football Shirts: indicative adult sizing ranges
Football Finery: vintage shirt sizing and measurement guidance
The Football Tailor: measuring a shirt