T-Shirts With Longer Sleeves: Tall Tees, 3/4 Sleeve Raglans and Sleeve Lengths by Style

For a t-shirt with longer sleeves, the two options in standard blank catalogues are tall sizes and 3/4 sleeve raglans. A tall tee keeps the same chest width as the regular size but adds length to both the body and the sleeve: Gildan's tall 2000T in XLT has a 22 inch sleeve against 20 inches on the regular Gildan 5000 in XL, both with a 24 inch chest. A 3/4 sleeve raglan reaches roughly to the forearm. Sizing up to a bigger regular size also lengthens the sleeve, but it makes the whole shirt wider.

All measurements below are from the brands' spec sheets as published by distributor SanMar, checked in October 2026. Sleeve length is measured from the centre back of the neck over the shoulder to the sleeve hem unless noted.

Why regular tees have short sleeves

A short sleeve on a standard blank lengthens by about 1.5 inches per size. On the Gildan 5000, the sleeve runs from 15 5/8 inches in S to 25 inches in 5XL. Someone with long arms or broad shoulders who buys for chest fit often finds the sleeve ends higher on the arm than they would like, and the only way to get a longer sleeve in the same style is a bigger, wider shirt.

Tall tees: longer sleeves at the same chest

Gildan's 2000T comes in LT to 3XLT with sleeves from 20 1/2 to 25 inches. Port & Company's PC61T and PC54T come in LT to 4XLT with sleeves from 20 3/4 to 24 3/4 inches, and PC61PT is the tall version with a pocket. Tall tees are made in fewer colours than the regular styles: SanMar lists the 2000T in Black, Charcoal, Navy, Royal, Safety Green, Sport Grey and White.

3/4 sleeve raglans

A raglan sleeve runs in one piece from the collar to the cuff, so its length is measured from the neck edge and the figures are not comparable with set-in sleeves.

Raglans are tri-blend or cotton-poly in most catalogues, which matters for printing: DTF presses well on blends, but the lower temperature in the DTF temperature and time chart applies to polyester-heavy fabric.

Full long sleeve tees

When the sleeve should reach the wrist, the long sleeve version of a style is the answer. Gildan's Ultra Cotton long sleeve (2400) runs from 33 1/2 inches in S to 40 1/2 inches in 5XL, measured from centre back. Port & Company's PC61LST is the tall long sleeve, from 38 inches in LT to 41 inches in 4XLT. Long sleeve tees also open up sleeve prints; the placement calculator gives sleeve print sizes and positions.

How to measure sleeve length

Lay a shirt that fits well flat. Measure from the centre of the back neck seam, over the top of the shoulder, down to the end of the sleeve. Compare that number with the "sleeve length from centre back" row on a style's spec sheet. Some brands measure from the shoulder seam instead (Next Level labels its long sleeve figures "set in sleeve length"), so check how a chart measures before comparing brands.

Which blank to choose

• Long arms, regular build: a tall tee in your usual chest size.
• Long arms, wants a casual look: a 3/4 sleeve raglan.
• Wants sleeves to the wrist: the long sleeve version of the style.
• Only slightly short: one size up in a regular tee, accepting a wider fit.

The blank apparel sizing comparison and the Gildan size chart guide cover regular sizing by brand.

Frequently asked questions

What t-shirts have longer sleeves?

Tall tees such as Gildan 2000T and Port & Company PC61T and PC54T, which add about 2 inches of sleeve over the regular style at the same chest, and 3/4 sleeve raglans such as Next Level 6051 and District DM136.

How long is a t-shirt sleeve?

On the Gildan 5000 the sleeve measures 15 5/8 inches in S, 18 1/2 in L and 20 in XL, measured from the centre back of the neck.

Do tall t-shirts have longer sleeves?

Yes. Gildan's 2000T XLT sleeve is 22 inches against 20 inches on the 5000 XL, with the same 24 inch chest.

Can you print DTF on tall tees?

Yes. Tall tees are usually 100% cotton, which takes DTF at standard cotton settings. Allow for the longer body when placing a design.