"What size should I get?" is the question we answer most at Retrokick. The honest answer: it depends on the era of the shirt, because football fits have changed completely over thirty years. This guide covers how each category fits and how to choose, so the shirt that arrives is the shirt you wanted.
The golden rule: era determines fit
Retro remakes (80s–2000s designs) are cut the way shirts were cut then: boxy, roomy through the chest and body, often slightly longer. If you like the authentic baggy 90s look, order your normal size. If you want it to fit like a modern shirt, consider one size down.
Modern kits (2020s, including the 2026 World Cup shirts) are athletic cuts: trimmer through the body and sleeves. Order your normal size; size up if you're between sizes or layering.
Kids jerseys run true to age-based sizing. When in doubt, size up — kids grow into shirts faster than they wear them out.
Quick decision table
- Want the authentic retro silhouette? Normal size on any retro shirt.
- Want retro design, modern fit? One size down.
- Buying a 2026 World Cup shirt? Normal size; up one if between sizes.
- Gift and unsure? Go bigger. An oversized football shirt looks intentional; a tight one doesn't.
- Buying for a child? Kids sizes, one age bracket up.
Measure a shirt you already own
The most reliable method takes one minute: lay your best-fitting t-shirt flat and measure armpit to armpit (chest width) and shoulder seam to hem (length). Compare against the size chart on each product page. Body measurements mislead; flat shirt measurements don't.
Fabric matters too
Retro remakes use heavier, less stretchy fabrics that hold the classic drape (that's the point). Modern shirts use stretch knits that forgive a closer fit. This is why the same "L" feels different across eras — and why the era rule above beats guessing.
Style notes per era
80s shirts were genuinely fitted small by today's standards, so remakes modernise them slightly. 90s shirts are the baggiest era; embrace it, that's the look — see our 90s classics guide. 2000s shirts began the slim transition: the United 07/08 or Milan 06/07 fit closer to modern than to 90s.
If it still isn't right
Exchanges are straightforward — reach us via the contact page and we'll sort the size swap. Better to wear the shirt than to fold it away.
FAQ
Do retro football shirts run big or small?
Retro remakes run roomy by design, matching the original era's cut. Modern shirts run slim. Order normal size for the authentic look, one down for a fitted look.
Should I size up for a World Cup 2026 shirt?
Only if you're between sizes or plan to layer. The 2026 tournament shirts are athletic but not skin-tight fan cuts.
What size football shirt should I buy as a gift?
The recipient's usual t-shirt size, or one up if unsure. Oversized reads as styled; undersized gets returned.