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How to Get T-Shirt Sizing Right for Your Church or Youth Group
Sizing is the part of custom shirt orders that creates the most headaches.
Too many smalls and you've got a pile to donate. Too few XLs and someone gets left out on the night you hand everything out.
Getting it right doesn't have to be complicated — it just requires a little more intention than most groups give it.
Feb 26, 2026
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Wrong shirt sizes mean wasted money and frustrated students. Here's how to collect and estimate sizes accurately for any group order.
Collect Rather Than Estimate Whenever Possible
For groups under 50, collecting individual sizes is almost always worth the extra step.
A Google Form with a size dropdown takes five minutes to create and eliminates guesswork entirely. Send it with a clear deadline — not a soft request — and follow up once before the window closes.
The Super-Soft Tee fits true to size for most people, though students who prefer an oversized look will often want to size up. Mention that option in your form so people can make an informed choice.
If You Have to Estimate
For large groups where individual collection isn't practical, use past orders as your baseline if you have them.
Starting from scratch? A general youth group starting point:
10% S
25% M
30% L
20% XL
10% 2XL
5% 3XL
Adjust based on what you know about your group. A middle school ministry skews differently than a college group. A congregation with a large adult population needs more XL and 2XL than a typical youth night.
Order a Buffer
Even with careful size collection, things happen.
Someone joins last minute. A shirt gets lost. A volunteer shows up unexpectedly and you want to include them.
Ordering 5–10% above your confirmed count gives you breathing room without over-committing. Extra shirts in medium and large move fastest if you end up with a few left over — they're easy to give away or sell later.
Youth vs. Adult Sizing
If your order includes both children and adults, be explicit about which sizing scale each person is on.
Youth sizes and adult sizes run significantly differently — a youth XL is not the same as an adult small. For mixed groups, include both options clearly on your sizing form rather than leaving it to people to figure out.
This is one area where a little extra clarity upfront prevents a lot of frustration at distribution.
Save Your Size Data
Once you've collected sizes, keep a record.
Your next order starts from a real baseline rather than from zero. It won't be perfectly accurate — groups change year to year — but it's measurably better than guessing from scratch every time.
After two or three orders, you'll have a solid picture of what your group actually needs, which makes the whole process faster and more reliable.
Both tees are great—it just depends on the look you’re going for.
If your vibe is clean and classic, the Signature Super-Soft Tee is your go-to. If you're leaning relaxed, bold, and a little oversized, the Oversize Boxy Tee is calling your name.
Ready to Start Your Next Order?
If you are planning shirts for camp, church, or any summer event, this is a solid place to start.
👉 Ready to Get Started? Start your custom order HERE
Retro-inspired designs are having a moment, and they fit camp perfectly.
Think warm tones, vintage fonts, and throwback layouts that feel fun without trying too hard. These are the kinds of shirts students actually keep wearing.
For many churches, the most meaningful shirts are rooted in Scripture.
Whether it is a full verse or a short phrase, these designs carry the message of camp beyond the week itself. The key is keeping it readable and wearable.
Some of the most worn designs are the simplest ones. Subtle graphics, clean layouts, and intentional spacing often lead to shirts that feel more versatile.
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