Getting the right size is the difference between a shirt you live in and one that sits in the drawer. This football jersey size guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to choose a football jersey size — from fit styles to measuring your chest, to kids sizing and the golden rule for when you're stuck between two sizes. Read it once and you'll order with total confidence.
Regular fit vs slim fit: know your cut
Modern football shirts come in two broad cuts, and knowing the difference is the first step to nailing the fit.
- Regular (replica/fan) fit — the classic, slightly relaxed cut most fans choose. It sits comfortably over the shoulders and chest with a little room to move, layer, and breathe. If you want an everyday matchday shirt, this is your default.
- Slim (player/authentic) fit — a tighter, body-hugging cut that mirrors what the players actually wear on the pitch. It's tailored through the chest and waist with shorter, closer sleeves. Brilliant if you want that sharp, on-pitch silhouette — but it runs noticeably smaller.
The takeaway is simple: a slim-fit shirt in your usual size will feel one size smaller than a regular-fit shirt in the same size. Always check which cut you're buying before you decide. Our detailed size guide lists the exact measurements for each cut so you're never guessing.
How to measure your chest and length
Forget what the label on your old hoodie says — the only reliable way to find your size is to measure yourself. You'll need a soft tape measure and two minutes.
- Chest: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under the armpits, keeping it level and snug but not tight. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides. Note the measurement in centimetres.
- Length: Measure from the highest point of your shoulder (next to the collar) straight down to where you want the shirt to finish. This tells you how long the jersey will sit on your body.
- Compare: Match your chest measurement to the chart on our size guide page. Chest is the single most important number for football shirts, so always lead with it.
If you'd rather copy an existing shirt, lay a jersey that fits you well flat on a table, measure it pit-to-pit (then double that for the full chest) and top-to-bottom for length, and compare those figures to the chart.
Player fit vs fan fit: which is right for you?
This is the question we get asked most. Fan fit (regular) is built for comfort and everyday wear — it's forgiving, easy to layer, and flatters every body shape. Player fit (slim/authentic) is built for performance: lightweight, close-cut, and designed to move with an athlete on the pitch.
Choose fan fit if you want comfort, a relaxed look, or you're buying as a gift and aren't sure of exact measurements. Choose player fit if you train in your shirt, prefer a tailored look, or want the genuine on-pitch feel. Remember: because player fit is cut closer, most fans size up one when choosing it. You'll find both styles across our new arrivals.
Kids sizing made easy
Children's shirts are sized by age and height rather than chest alone, but a quick measurement still beats guesswork — kids grow fast and ages on labels vary between brands. Measure your child's chest and height, then match both to the kids chart on our size guide.
A common temptation is to buy big "to grow into" it. A little room is fine, but go too large and the shirt swamps them and feels uncomfortable on the pitch. If your child is between sizes or mid-growth-spurt, sizing up one is sensible — just not two. Browse age-appropriate cuts in our kids collection.
The size-up-if-between-sizes rule
Here's the rule that saves the most returns: if your chest measurement falls between two sizes, size up. Football shirts are designed to be worn comfortably, and a slightly roomier fit always beats one that's pulling tight across the chest or riding up at the waist. Sizing up is especially important if you:
- Are buying a slim/player fit shirt (it already runs small).
- Plan to wear a baselayer or hoodie underneath on cold matchdays.
- Prefer a relaxed, casual look rather than body-hugging.
- Are between measurements on the chart by even a centimetre or two.
The only time to size down is if you specifically want that tight, authentic on-pitch silhouette and your measurements sit right at the top of a size band.
Quick checklist before you order
- Confirm whether the shirt is regular or slim fit.
- Measure your chest (the number that matters most) and your preferred length.
- Match both to the chart on our size guide.
- Between sizes? Size up.
Get those four things right and your shirt will fit like it was made for you. And because every Footxo order includes free custom name & number printing and free worldwide shipping, you can make it truly yours and have it delivered wherever you are at no extra cost. Find your perfect fit across our latest drops in new arrivals — your colours, your name, your number.
