What Size Is a Youth XL? Size Chart & Print Area

A youth XL is the largest standard children's size, labeled 18 to 20, and it fits a body chest of about 32 to 35 inches and a height of about 62 to 67 inches. The shirt itself measures about 19 to 20 inches across the chest and 25 to 27 inches long, depending on the brand. That is close to an adult small in width but shorter in the body. This page gives the measurements, the age and height range and the print size that works on a youth XL.

What size is a youth XL?

A youth XL is size 18 to 20 in the standard children's range of XS (4 to 5), S (6 to 8), M (10 to 12), L (14 to 16) and XL (18 to 20). It fits a body chest of about 32 to 35 inches and a height of about 62 to 67 inches. Brand charts put the age at about 14 and up, but fit follows chest and height, not age, so measure the child. Our youth t-shirt size chart shows every size side by side.

Youth XL shirt measurements

These are flat shirt measurements in inches from manufacturer spec sheets, measured across the chest and down the back.

Across these six styles the average youth XL is about 19.25 inches wide and 26 inches long. The widest is the Gildan 5000B at 20 inches. The slimmest is the Bella+Canvas 3001Y at 18.25 inches.

Youth XL vs adult small

A youth XL is the size that overlaps with adult. An adult small in the Gildan 5000 is 18 inches wide and 28 inches long (see the Gildan size chart), so a youth XL is about as wide but around two inches shorter in the body. Adult sizes are also cut with longer sleeves and more room in the shoulders. Many teens who outgrow a youth XL move to an adult small, and a few go straight to a medium in a fitted brand. When in doubt, compare the child's best-fitting shirt, laid flat, against the chart.

How to measure for a youth XL

1. Measure the child's chest at the fullest point, under the arms, with the tape level.
2. Measure height without shoes.
3. Check both against the brand chart. If the chest says XL but the height says L, pick by chest for a snug fit and the larger size for a relaxed one.

Best print size for a youth XL

Youth shirts call for smaller designs. On a youth XL, a full front print is about 9 inches wide by 10 inches tall, a left chest print is about 3.5 by 3.5 inches and a full back print is about 10 by 12 inches. Do not press an adult-size design on a youth shirt: it overflows the chest. Our design size master chart lists every placement. Press as for any cotton blank: 300 to 325 degrees F for 10 to 15 seconds with medium-firm pressure, cold peel. Print a gang sheet by size run so the artwork scales per size.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a youth XL?

A youth XL is size 18 to 20, for a body chest of about 32 to 35 inches and a height of about 62 to 67 inches. The shirt is about 19 to 20 inches wide and 25 to 27 inches long.

What age is a youth XL?

A youth XL generally fits ages 14 and up, but brands vary. Children grow at different rates, so choose by chest and height rather than age.

Is a youth XL the same as an adult small?

Not exactly. A youth XL is a similar width to an adult small but shorter in the body, with shorter sleeves. Many teens wear an adult small once they pass youth XL.

What are the youth sizes in order?

The standard order is XS (4 to 5), S (6 to 8), M (10 to 12), L (14 to 16) and XL (18 to 20). Some brands also sell youth XXL and numeric sizes.

How big should a design be on a youth XL?

A full front design should be about 9 by 10 inches, and a left chest design about 3.5 by 3.5 inches. Always test on one shirt before you press the order.

The size below is covered in what size is a 10/12 in youth.