If you have ever ordered a 3XL shirt that fit like a tent from one brand and like a wetsuit from another, you are not imagining it. Big sizes are some of the most confusing labels in clothing, and the X's do not help. This guide explains what XXXL and XXXXL actually mean, the measurements most brands use, and how to pick the right size before you order.
Quick answer
XXXL is the same size as 3XL, and XXXXL is the same as 4XL. The letters are just two ways of writing one size. Each extra X usually adds about 4 inches to the chest measurement the garment is designed for.
For men's tops, most US brands use these ranges:
- 3XL (XXXL): fits a chest of roughly 54 to 56 inches
- 4XL (XXXXL): fits a chest of roughly 58 to 60 inches
- 5XL (XXXXXL): fits a chest of roughly 62 to 64 inches
These are body measurements, not garment measurements, and every brand shifts them a little. More on that below.
Why the labels are so inconsistent
There is no required sizing law behind the letters on a tag. The US has no mandatory clothing size or labeling standard, although voluntary standards have existed since the 1930s. Each brand builds its own size chart, and over time many have quietly made their sizes larger, a practice known as vanity sizing. When an Esquire writer measured dress pants labeled with a 36-inch waist from different US retailers, the real waists ranged from 37 to 41 inches. wikipediaWikipedia
The industry does have reference tables. ASTM International, the group that publishes voluntary apparel sizing standards, maintains separate body measurement tables for mature big men covering sizes 46 to 64, which is roughly the XL-to-5XL range. Brands can use these as a starting point, but they are not obligated to. ASTM International
If you want the longer backstory, Wikipedia's page on US standard clothing sizes is a good read. The takeaway is simple: trust the size chart and your tape measure, not the letters.
XL to 6XL size chart (typical men's body measurements)
| Size | Also written as | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL | XL | 46–48 | 40–42 |
| 2XL | XXL | 50–52 | 44–46 |
| 3XL | XXXL | 54–56 | 48–50 |
| 4XL | XXXXL | 58–60 | 52–54 |
| 5XL | XXXXXL | 62–64 | 56–58 |
| 6XL | XXXXXXL | 66–68 | 60–62 |
Use this table to get into the right neighborhood. Then check the specific product's chart before you buy.
How to measure yourself in two minutes
You only need a soft measuring tape. A piece of string and a ruler also work.
- Chest: Stand relaxed with your arms down. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level and snug, not tight. Don't puff your chest out.
- Waist or belly: Measure around the widest part of your midsection. For a lot of men in 3XL and up, this number matters more than the chest, because a shirt that fits your chest but pulls across your stomach will feel wrong all day.
- Take the larger number. Match whichever measurement is bigger to the chart.
If you land between two sizes, go up. You can always wear a slightly roomy tee, but a tight one rides up, clings and wears out faster at the seams.
Body measurements vs. garment measurements
This is where most sizing mistakes happen. A size chart shows one of two things:
- Body measurements tell you what size person the garment is designed for.
- Garment measurements tell you the size of the shirt or hoodie itself, usually measured flat across the chest from armpit to armpit.
To compare, double the flat width to get the full circumference. Then subtract your chest measurement. The difference is the "ease", meaning the extra room you'll have.
Here is a real example from our Malibu Beach Hoodie. The 3XL measures about 29.9 inches flat across the chest, which is roughly 60 inches all the way around. On someone with a 55-inch chest, that leaves about 5 inches of room, which is a normal relaxed hoodie fit. If you want the oversized, slouchy look, size up one.
A good habit: lay your favorite shirt flat, measure it armpit to armpit, and compare that number to the chart. It is the most reliable way to shop online.
Big vs. tall: 3XL and 3XLT are not the same
If shirts fit your chest but stop short at your waistband, you probably need a tall size, not a bigger one. Tall sizes are labeled with a T (XLT, 2XLT, 3XLT). They keep roughly the same chest width as the regular size but add length to the body and sleeves, usually around two inches.
- Big sizes add width.
- Tall sizes add length.
- Big and tall sizes add both.
Buying a 4XL just to get more length usually means a shirt that's too wide in the shoulders and still not long enough.
A quick note on women's plus sizes
Women's plus sizes often use 1X, 2X and 3X, and these are not the same as unisex XL, 2XL and 3XL. Plus-size cuts are shaped for hips and bust, so the proportions differ. Most tees and hoodies in our shop are unisex, which means they follow men's measurements. Many women go down one size from their usual plus size for a regular fit, or keep their usual size for a relaxed, boyfriend-style fit. Checking the flat chest width is the safest bet.
Fabric changes how a size fits
Two shirts with the same measurements can fit differently depending on the fabric.
- 100% cotton can shrink if it isn't pre-shrunk, especially in a hot dryer. Our graphic tees are printed on Comfort Colors 1717, which is garment-dyed and pre-shrunk, so they stay close to their original size when washed cold.
- Cotton-poly blends, like the 50/50 fabric in our hoodies, hold their shape better and shrink less.
- Heavyweight fabrics hang straighter and feel roomier than thin, stretchy ones.
To keep any shirt at its true size, wash cold, turn it inside out, and tumble dry low or hang it to dry.
What sizes we carry
Right now our tees and hoodies run from S to 3XL. Every product page has a size chart image with flat measurements, so you can compare it with a shirt you already own. If you're unsure between two sizes, send us a message with your chest measurement and we'll tell you which one to pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is XXXL the same as 3XL?
Yes. XXXL and 3XL are two ways of writing the same size. The same goes for XXXXL and 4XL.
What comes after 3XL?
4XL (XXXXL), then 5XL, then 6XL. Some big and tall brands go up to 8XL or higher.
What is XXXXL in inches?
For most US brands, a 4XL top fits a chest of about 58 to 60 inches. The garment itself will measure a few inches bigger to allow room to move.
Is 4XL bigger than XXXL?
Yes. 4XL is one size up from XXXL (3XL), usually about 4 more inches in the chest.
Can I choose a size by weight?
Not reliably. Two people at the same weight can have very different chest, belly and shoulder measurements. A tape measure will always beat the scale for picking a size.
Should I size up for an oversized look?
Yes. Go one size up from your measured size for a relaxed oversized fit, or two sizes for a dramatic streetwear look.
