Do Soccer Jerseys Run Small? A Size-by-Size Answer
It depends on the cut. Player Edition shirts, the slim, match-style version, run small: in our size charts a Player Edition is 4cm narrower across the chest than a Fan Version with the same letter on the label. Fan Version (standard fit) shirts have a roomier, relaxed cut, so most people can order their usual size.
So if a friend told you to size up, they were probably talking about a Player Edition. Below are the actual numbers from our jersey pages, by chest, height and weight, with two worked examples and a quick way to check your size before you order.
The quick answer by shirt type
- Player Edition: runs slim. If you're between sizes, or you want room to layer, size up.
- Fan Version and standard jerseys: a relaxed fit. Start with your usual T-shirt size.
- Retro shirts: check the chart on each product page, as cuts from different eras vary.
- Kids kits: sized by number and age, not adult letters. See our kids size guide.
Height and weight, by version
These ranges come straight from the size guide on our jersey pages.
| Size | Player Edition height | Player Edition weight | Fan Version height | Fan Version weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 160–170cm | 50–60kg | 162–170cm | 50–62kg |
| M | 170–175cm | 60–65kg | 170–175cm | 62–78kg |
| L | 175–180cm | 65–70kg | 175–182cm | 78–83kg |
| XL | 180–185cm | 70–80kg | 182–190cm | 83–90kg |
| XXL | 185–190cm | 80–90kg | 190–195cm | 90–97kg |
| 3XL | 190–200cm | 90–100kg | 192–197cm | 97–105kg |
The weight columns show the difference most clearly. Someone who is 175cm (about 5 ft 9 in) and 75kg (about 165 lb) is a medium on the Fan Version chart, but their weight falls in the XL range on the Player Edition chart. Same person, two sizes apart.
Why the Player Edition runs small
It's cut to the shape worn on the pitch: close to the body, narrower through the chest and 2cm shorter in each size. Our product pages describe it as a slimmer, athletic cut, and our Player Edition pages note that these shirts are primarily designed for display or framing rather than everyday wear. The small fit isn't a mistake in the sizing; it's the point of the cut.
How to check your size in two minutes
- Take a T-shirt or sports top that fits the way you like.
- Lay it flat and measure straight across the chest, just below the armpits.
- Compare that number with the chest measurement for the version you want: Player Edition runs from 46cm (S) to 56cm (3XL), Fan Version from 50cm (S) to 60cm (3XL).
- If you land between two sizes, go up in a Player Edition, and choose by preference in a Fan Version.
Use height and weight as a cross-check rather than the only guide: two people of the same weight can have very different chest measurements. Measurements can also vary by 1–2cm between batches.
Sizing for how you'll wear it
- Everyday and matchdays: Fan Version in your usual size.
- Over a base layer or a hoodie: one size up.
- A relaxed, oversized look: one or two sizes up in a Fan Version, checking the length.
- Framing: a Player Edition in XL or XXL fills a frame well.
Returns if the size is wrong
Unused, unworn shirts in their original condition and packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery under our Refund Policy. Personalised shirts, with a name or number added, can't be returned, so settle the size before you add printing.
Compare the two cuts
These include the same Manchester United home shirt in both versions, so you can open the two size charts side by side:
Player EditionManchester United 2026/27 Home Jersey – Player EditionView productJerseyManchester United 2026/27 Home JerseyView product
JerseyBarcelona 2026/27 Home JerseyView product
Player EditionReal Madrid 2026/27 Home Jersey – Player EditionView product
Frequently asked questions
Should I size up in a soccer jersey?
In a Player Edition, yes if you're between sizes or want to layer. In a Fan Version, your usual size is the place to start.
What size jersey for 5 ft 10 in and 170 lb?
That's roughly 178cm and 77kg. On our Fan Version chart the height points to L and the weight to M, so M for a closer fit or L for more room. On the Player Edition chart the weight points to XL.
Do jerseys from different makers fit differently?
They can. Sizing varies between manufacturers and seasons, which is why we list measurements on every product page rather than relying on the letter alone.
Will a jersey stretch if it's a little tight?
Slightly, with wear, but not by a whole size. Polyester doesn't stretch or shrink much, so order the size you want to wear.
