Youth vs adult uniform sizing: how to get every size right

Typical youth and adult sizes

Every garment has its own chart, so always check the chart on the product page before ordering. As a general guide:

Age is only a starting point: two 11-year-olds can be two sizes apart. Chest measurement is more reliable.

How to measure a player

1. Chest: measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms, with the tape level.
2. Waist: measure around the natural waist for shorts and pants.
3. Height: helps with long-sleeve jerseys, hockey jerseys and pants length.

The fastest method for a team is a sizing kit or try-on session: have players try a sample size at practice and record the result.

When to size up

• The player is between two sizes.
• Youth players who will wear the uniform for more than one season.
• Hockey jerseys, which go over shoulder pads: size up one so the jersey fits over shoulder pads and elbow pads.
• Football jerseys worn over pads.
• Basketball players who prefer a loose fit.

Do not size up compression or 7v7 tops; they are designed to fit close.

Use one roster sheet for the whole team

Collect everything in one table with these columns: player name, name on jersey, number, jersey size, shorts or pants size, and youth or adult. Share it with parents, set a deadline, and send it with your mockup approval. This avoids the most common delay in any uniform order (see how long custom uniforms take).

Mixing youth and adult sizes

Clubs often order several age groups at once. At Gallian, youth and adult sizes can be mixed in one order and still count toward the same quantity tier, so a club ordering 50 uniforms across three teams gets 15% off every piece.

Sizing tips by sport

Shorts and pants

Shorts and pants are sized by waist, and some by inseam. Players who are tall for their age may need adult shorts with a youth jersey, or the other way around, so collect jersey and bottom sizes separately on your roster. For baseball and softball pants, note whether players prefer full-length or knicker style.

Sizing for women's and girls' teams

Many team uniforms are cut unisex. If your team prefers a fitted women's cut, mention it when you request your mockup, and use the women's measurements on the product size chart. Use the same rule as for any team: measure, compare with the chart, and size up between sizes.

Common sizing mistakes

• Choosing sizes by age alone instead of measuring.
• Parents sizing up two sizes "to grow into", which makes jerseys hang too long.
• Mixing up youth and adult letters, for example writing "M" without saying youth or adult.
• Forgetting that hockey and football jerseys are worn over pads.
• Sending sizes after the design is approved, which delays the order.

What if a size is wrong?

Because uniforms are made to order, sizes cannot be exchanged after delivery. That is why the roster check before approval matters. If a player has grown or a size was entered wrongly, you can reorder that piece from the same artwork. Production defects reported within 14 days are settled, once verified with photo or video evidence, with a credit note against a future order or a return.

Ready to order? Read how to order custom team uniforms or request a free mockup.

Frequently asked questions