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  • Writer's pictureAmy Cone

T-Shirt Size Breakdown: ORDERING THE RIGHT QUANTITY

How to Order the Right Sizes for Group T-Shirts


One of the biggest challenges for businesses ordering customized t-shirts is knowing what sizes to purchase for your employees or t-shirt recipients. There are many reasons you might want to place a bulk order from our company, including a giveaway, event, or company uniform. However, not everyone requires the same size, which can be a challenge when you are ordering these t-shirts without consulting anyone first. Today we’re going to share our guide to average t-shirt sizes and the best way to calculate your t-shirt order in the future.


Don’t Just Guess Your T-Shirt Order

A common mistake we see companies make is guessing their t-shirt order. You might think that 50 t-shirts of each size will do, but this thinking usually results in disaster. You’ll find that you end up with plenty of one size left, but you’ll quickly run out of other more popular sizes. This wastes precious money for your company and leaves you with dozens of t-shirts to find storage space for. For that reason, we recommend following our guide below, which shares the recommended distribution for t-shirt orders. This will help to avoid wastage and offer everyone the right fit for them when placing a bulk order.


The Best T-Shirt Distribution for Large Orders

When finding the right distribution for your large t-shirt order, you’ll work with a percentage of the order you are placing. You’ll find that most orders will have slightly higher numbers of large t-shirts, based on the average sizes of individuals here in the US. Of course, if you are ordering t-shirts for a female audience or a health-conscious event, you might want to reconsider this split slightly. However, for the average order, you’ll find this breakdown will be a good place to start:

· Extra-small = 1%

· Small = 10%

· Medium = 23%

· Large = 31%

· Extra-large = 23%

· 2XL = 9%

· 3XL = 3%


If you are wondering how we came to the figures we’ve shared above, this is based on many years of sales data. You’ll find that this is a great way to split larger orders, particularly those of 25 t-shirts or more. Smaller orders generally involve you finding out the t-shirt size of the recipient ahead of time, which makes ordering far easier. The common mistakes we see people make are ordering too many small t-shirts and too few large and XL t-shirts. Of course, the number of t-shirts you order will also make a difference when it comes to accuracy. This is a good starting point though when putting together an order and will help to reduce wastage for your business.


To calculate your order simply multiply the number of t-shirts you need to purchase by the percentages shared above. From there, you’ll be ready to get in touch with our team and place your order today.


T-shirt Size Breakdown Calculator


Fast Facts About T-shirt Sizes

When it comes to ordering t-shirts in bulk, we encourage you to look at the data in regards to t-shirt orders. The majority of t-shirts purchased in the world today are medium and large, which together account for 77% of the t-shirt purchases. Extra-large comes in next at 18%, and small and XXL follow up after that. In the US, the population is generally a little larger, which is why 3XL is added on many orders. Here, XL and medium are about as popular as each other, so keep this in mind when making your next order.


Things to Keep in Mind With T-Shirt Sizes

There are a few things to keep in mind as well when ordering t-shirts. Think about the material you are using and whether it will shrink. You might want to size up if that’s the case and warn everyone when you give out the shirts. On top of that, consider the t-shirt fit. A fitted t-shirt may also require you to size up, which you should keep in mind when placing your order.

When putting together a bulk t-shirt order for your company, there’s a lot to keep in mind regarding sizing. By following the suggestions we shared above, you can be sure you’ll place an order that won’t end up in a storage cupboard for many years to come. If you are placing an order with our team, we’ll be happy to guide you through this process to ensure you select the right sizes. Contact us today for more information or to discuss any questions you have about placing an order with us!


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