A Guide to Sizing: Find Your Perfect Fit from S to 5XL

Finding Your Fit Should Not Be a Struggle

When you are getting ready for a pride event, a family dinner, or just a random Tuesday, the last thing you want to stress about is whether your shirt is going to fit right. Finding a great plus size pride shirt should not feel like an impossible scavenger hunt. We started Pride Shirt Co because pride should not be seasonal, and it definitely should not stop at a size large. Every June, the rainbow merch floods in from brands that do not think about us the other eleven months out of the year.

Worse than that, those same brands often forget that queer bodies come in every shape, size, and proportion. You deserve a shirt that says what you are thinking, just louder, without making you feel constricted or uncomfortable. Your pride, your rules. We just make the shirt. This guide is here to help you navigate our sizing so you can find the exact fit that makes you feel confident.

Whether you are looking for something subtle to wear to the office or a loud and proud plus size pride shirt for the parade route, the fit is everything. Clothes should fit your body, not the other way around. Let us walk through how to measure yourself, how our different styles drape, and how to keep your gear looking fresh wash after wash.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Sizing

The queer community has a unique relationship with clothing. For many of us, getting dressed is an act of self-expression, identity validation, and sometimes even armor. That is why inclusive sizing lgbtq apparel is a core part of what we do. We know what it is like to finally find a design that feels like "you," only to realize it stops at a 2XL. We want everyone to have access to clothing that makes them feel seen and comfortable.

Our core catalog runs from size Small all the way up to a 5XL. If you are hunting for a 5xl pride shirt that actually looks good and feels soft, you are in the right place. We intentionally select blank garments that offer consistent, reliable sizing across the board. We do not want you guessing whether you need to size up three times just to get a shirt over your shoulders.

Inclusivity also means recognizing that bodies change. Whether you are transitioning, growing, or just preferring a looser fit these days, your clothing should adapt to your needs. A comfortable fit allows you to focus on living your life and celebrating your identity, rather than tugging at a hemline all day long.

How to Measure Yourself for the Best Fit

Figuring out how to measure for a t-shirt does not have to involve complex math or a tailor. The absolute easiest way to find your perfect size is not actually to measure your body. Instead, you should measure your favorite shirt. Go into your closet and grab that one shirt you reach for every single week. You know the one. It is the shirt that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and totally yourself.

Lay that favorite shirt completely flat on a table or your bed. Make sure there are no wrinkles or folds. Grab a measuring tape and follow these two simple steps:

• Chest Width: Measure straight across the chest, exactly one inch below the armpit seam. Write that number down.
• Body Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder seam straight down to the bottom hem of the shirt.

Once you have those two numbers, you can compare them to the size charts listed on our product pages. If your measurements fall between two sizes, we generally recommend sizing up for a more relaxed, comfortable fit. A little extra breathing room is always better than feeling restricted, especially if you plan on layering your shirt or wearing it to a crowded outdoor festival.

A Breakdown of Our Different Fits

Not all shirts are created equal, and different occasions call for different styles. We offer a variety of product types so you can choose the exact vibe you want. Here is a quick rundown of how our different garments fit and feel.

The Everyday T-Shirt

This is the everyday staple. It goes perfectly with jeans, shorts, layered under a flannel, or worn entirely on its own at the parade. It features a classic unisex fit, meaning it is cut relatively straight down the sides. It is not overly boxy, but it does not cling tightly to the body either. This is the shirt that starts conversations at coffee shops and makes strangers smile.

The Premium T-Shirt

If you want the exact same pride but with a softer fabric, this is your upgrade. The premium tee is for people who care about how a shirt feels just as much as what it says. It has a slightly more relaxed fit that drapes beautifully over the body instead of clinging to it. If you want to dive deeper into the materials we use, check out Our Shirt Fabrics Explained: Soft, Softer, and Softest for a full breakdown.

Comfort Colors

This shirt gives you that broken-in vintage feel from day one. It is garment-dyed, which means the colors are slightly muted and the fabric is cloud-soft. The fit is incredibly relaxed and roomy, making it ideal for the pride that whispers instead of shouts. Curious about why this specific brand is so popular? Read The 'Comfort Colors' Vibe: Why This Vintage-Wash Tee Is a Fave.

Hoodies and Sweatshirts

Consider the hoodie your pride cocoon. Layer it, zip it, or throw the hood up on chilly evenings out. Our hoodies and sweatshirts feature a generous, cozy fit. They are the go-to for pride events when the sun goes down and the party keeps going. The crewneck sweatshirt offers that same cozy feeling without the hood, pairing easily with everything from sweatpants to chinos for couch days and coffee runs.

Tank Tops

Our tanks are parade-ready, festival-ready, and gun-show-ready. Pride tanks are for the days when you want maximum visibility of your arms and your identity. The unisex tank has a standard armhole drop, while our ladies tank features a racerback style that moves with you from the parade route to the dance floor.

Styling Tips for Every Body

Knowing your measurements is only half the battle. How you style your plus size pride shirt can completely change the look and feel of the outfit. There is no right or wrong way to wear your pride, but a few styling tricks can help you customize the fit to your exact preferences.

If you prefer a cropped look but do not want to commit to taking scissors to your new shirt, try the classic front tuck. Tucking just the front hem into your jeans or shorts creates a defined waistline while letting the back drape loosely. This works exceptionally well with our relaxed premium tees and Comfort Colors shirts.

For those who wear binders, you might prefer a shirt with a slightly higher neckline and a thicker fabric to smooth out any visible lines. Our standard everyday t-shirts and long sleeve shirts are excellent options for this. The slightly heavier cotton provides great coverage while remaining breathable enough for year-round wear.

Layering is another fantastic way to play with fit. An oversized 5xl pride shirt worn open over a fitted tank top creates a great dimensional look. You can also throw a denim jacket or an unbuttoned flannel over a subtle pride design for a look that works perfectly in the office or out to brunch.

Answering Common Questions About Shrinkage and Care

You finally found the perfect fitting shirt, so you want to make sure it stays that way. Proper care is essential for maintaining both the size of the garment and the vibrancy of the printed design. Nobody wants their favorite shirt to shrink down to a crop top after one trip through the laundry.

Always wash your pride apparel in cold water. Hot water is the enemy of both cotton fibers and printed graphics. Turn the shirt inside out before tossing it in the washing machine. This simple step protects the design from rubbing against zippers, buttons, or rough fabrics during the wash cycle.

When it comes to drying, air drying is always your best bet. Hanging your shirt over a drying rack preserves the exact fit and keeps the fabric looking brand new. If you absolutely must use a dryer, keep it on the lowest heat setting possible. High heat will cause 100% cotton shirts to shrink, sometimes by a full half size.

Do not iron directly over the printed designs. If your shirt gets a little wrinkled, either use a garment steamer or iron it inside out on a low heat setting. Taking a few extra minutes on laundry day ensures your shirt will be ready for Trans Day of Visibility, Coming Out Day, and every random Tuesday in between.

Wear It Your Way

At the end of the day, the best fit is the one that makes you feel like your most authentic self. We provide the measurements and the styles, but you bring the energy. Whether you like your shirts form-fitting, oversized, cropped, or tucked, we are just happy to be part of your wardrobe.

Take a few minutes to measure your favorite shirt, compare it to our size charts, and find the piece that speaks to you. Your pride, your rules. We just make the shirt. Now get out there and wear it with confidence.