Ordering a t-shirt online is easy until it arrives too tight across the chest or long enough to wear as a dress. Size labels are not the same everywhere: a Large from one shop can fit like a Medium from another. The good news is that you only need two numbers and a few minutes to get your size right every time.
In this guide
1. Measure a tee you already love
The most reliable way to find your size is not to measure your body, but to measure a t-shirt that already fits you the way you like.
- Lay the tee flat on a table or bed and smooth out the creases.
- Chest: measure straight across from one side seam to the other, about 2 cm below the armholes. This is the half-chest width.
- Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the bottom hem.
Write both numbers down in centimetres. When you shop, compare them with the seller’s measurements, or send them to the seller and ask which size matches.
2. Know the fit you want
- Fitted: close to the body across the chest and arms. Good under a blazer, but less forgiving in hot weather.
- Relaxed (regular): a little room across the chest and shoulders, hem around the hips. Comfortable for Accra heat and easy to wear every day. Our tees have this relaxed crew-neck fit.
- Oversized: dropped shoulders, wide body and a longer length. Usually achieved by choosing one size up from your relaxed fit.
3. Between two sizes?
If your measurements fall between two sizes, ask yourself how you will wear the tee:
- Tucked into trousers or under a jacket: choose the smaller size.
- Worn loose, on its own, or for a street-style look: choose the larger size.
- If the tee will be washed often and dried in the sun, choose the larger size, because most cotton tees settle slightly after the first few washes.
4. Women wearing unisex tees
Most graphic tees, including ours, are cut as unisex. For women this usually means a straighter body and slightly longer length than a fitted women’s tee. If you want a neater fit, go one size down from your usual top size. If you want a relaxed, borrowed-from-the-boyfriend look, stay with your usual size. Knotting the hem at the side or tucking the front into high-waisted jeans also works well.
5. Bigger frames and plus sizes
If you have broad shoulders, a bigger chest or a fuller stomach, look at the chest width first and the length second. A tee that is wide enough but too short will ride up when you sit or lift your arms. Choose a size that gives you at least a hand’s width of room across the chest when the tee is laid flat against your favourite fit, and a length that covers your waistband comfortably.
Our tees are photographed on real bodies, including bigger frames, so you can see how each design sits before you buy.
6. Our sizes
Every Karis Tresses tee comes in S, M, L, 2XL and 3XL, with a relaxed crew-neck fit. Measure your favourite tee as shown above and send us the two numbers on WhatsApp. We will match you to the right size. You can also read our size guide.
Not quite right when it arrives? Unworn tees can be exchanged within 7 days of delivery; see our returns & exchanges policy.
Questions we are often asked
Do t-shirts shrink after washing?
Most cotton tees settle slightly after the first few washes, especially if they are washed in hot water or dried in strong sun or a hot dryer. Washing in cool water and drying in the shade keeps shrinkage to a minimum. If you are between sizes and plan to wash often, choose the larger size.
Should I measure my body or a t-shirt?
Measuring a t-shirt that already fits you well is more reliable for buying tees online, because it already includes the amount of room you like. Body measurements are useful too, but you then have to guess how much ease to add.
What is the difference between L and 2XL?
Each size step usually adds a few centimetres across the chest and a little extra length. The exact difference depends on the brand, which is why comparing your own tee’s measurements is the safest way to choose.
Can I order different sizes in one order?
Yes. Mix any designs, colours and sizes in one order, and our bundle prices still apply: 5 tees for ₵375 or 10 for ₵650, which makes it easy to order for the whole family or a group.
What if the size is wrong?
Message us on WhatsApp as soon as your order arrives. Unworn, unwashed tees with their tags can be exchanged for another size within 7 days of delivery, subject to stock.
The short version
- Measure the chest (flat, across) and length of a tee that already fits you.
- Decide on the fit you want: fitted, relaxed or oversized.
- Between sizes, size up for a relaxed look and for tees you wash often.
- Women in unisex tees: size down for a neater fit.
- Still unsure? Send us your measurements and we will help.
Ready to choose? Browse men’s tees or women’s tees. Mix any designs and sizes: 5 tees for ₵375 or 10 for ₵650.
