Buying a soccer jersey online is easy right up until the size buttons. S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, and no fitting room. Get it wrong and you end up with a kit that's tight across the chest or hangs off you like a bedsheet.
This guide walks you through how a retro soccer jersey should fit, how to pick between two sizes, and how to measure a jersey you already own so you can order with confidence. All the numbers below are for our Retro Kits collection, which comes in S to XXXL.
The quick answer: go by height and weight
For most people, height and weight get you to the right size first time. Find the row that matches you:
| Size | Height | Weight | Jersey chest, flat |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 165 cm (5'5") | 50–65 kg (110–143 lb) | 49 cm (19.3") |
| M | 170 cm (5'7") | 65–70 kg (143–154 lb) | 51 cm (20.1") |
| L | 175 cm (5'9") | 70–85 kg (154–187 lb) | 53 cm (20.9") |
| XL | 180 cm (5'11") | 85–95 kg (187–209 lb) | 55 cm (21.7") |
| XXL | 185 cm (6'1") | 95–105 kg (209–231 lb) | 57 cm (22.4") |
| XXXL | 190 cm (6'3") | 105–110 kg (231–243 lb) | 59 cm (23.2") |
Jersey length, shoulder and sleeve measurements for every size are on our full Retro Kits size guide.
What if your height and weight point to different sizes?
This happens a lot. Say you're 175 cm (a Large by height) but 92 kg (an XL by weight). In that case, weight usually wins. Jerseys are cut straight through the body, so the chest and stomach are where a size that's too small shows up first. Being a little taller than the chart suggests mostly just means the jersey sits a touch shorter at the hem.
Between two sizes? Decide how you want it to look
There's no single correct fit. It depends how you plan to wear it:
- Size down for a match-day fit. Closer through the chest and shoulders, sleeves sit neatly on the arm. This is how the kits look on the pitch and works best if you'll actually play in it.
- Size up for a relaxed streetwear fit. A little room through the body with dropped shoulders. This is the look you see with baggy jeans or cargos, and it's the safer choice if you like layering a long-sleeve tee underneath.
If you're right on the line and not sure, size up. A slightly roomy jersey still looks intentional. A tight one never does.
How to measure a jersey you already own
The most accurate way to choose is to compare against a jersey or t-shirt that already fits you the way you like:
- Lay it flat on a table or bed and smooth out the wrinkles.
- Chest: measure straight across from armpit seam to armpit seam. This is the "chest, flat" number in the table above.
- Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the hem.
- Match your numbers to the closest size in our full size guide. Measurements can vary by 1 to 2 cm depending on how they're taken.
Tip: don't double the flat chest number and compare it to your body. A jersey should always measure bigger than your body. That extra room is what makes it comfortable.
How should a soccer jersey fit? The checklist
- Shoulders: the shoulder seam sits on or just past the edge of your shoulder. Far down the arm means it's too big.
- Chest: you can pinch a few centimetres of fabric on each side. If the crest or sponsor logo stretches, go up a size.
- Length: the hem lands around your hip or the middle of your zip. Untucked, it shouldn't cover your pockets completely.
- Sleeves: short sleeves end around mid-bicep. Long-sleeve kits should reach your wrist bone.
- Collar: retro polo and V-neck collars should lie flat without pulling at the back of your neck.
Retro vs modern cuts
Original 80s and 90s kits were cut baggier than today's slim match shirts, while newer designs follow a closer, athletic cut. Our Retro Kits collection includes both classic reissues and current-season designs, but every jersey uses the same S to XXXL size chart, so you can pick your size once and shop the whole collection. If you want that true oversized 90s look on a modern design, just go one size up.
Still unsure? Swapping is easy
If a size doesn't work out, Retro Kits can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of delivery as long as the jersey is unworn, unwashed and still has its tags. Your first size exchange is on us, you only cover the return shipping. Just contact us with your order number and we'll sort it out.
Found your size? Shop Retro Kits in S to XXXL, with free shipping on orders over $75 CAD.