Gildan Polo Shirt Size Chart: A Complete Guide to Getting the Fit Right

The single most common support question on a custom apparel shop is some version of "what size should I order." A clear size chart, checked before the order goes in, prevents almost all of it. Here is how to read a Gildan polo size chart, where to find it, and how to set up your shop so buyers check sizing before checkout instead of after the shirt arrives.

How Gildan Polo Sizes Are Actually Measured

Gildan polo shirts are sized primarily by chest width, measured flat across the garment one inch below the armhole and doubled. A letter size like Medium or Large corresponds to a specific chest-width range, but that range can shift slightly between styles and between the men's and women's cut. This is why a size chart matters more than the letter label alone.

Size	Typical men's chest range	Typical women's chest range
S	34-36 in	32-34 in
M	38-40 in	35-37 in
L	42-44 in	38-40 in
XL	46-48 in	41-43 in
2XL	50-52 in	44-46 in

These ranges are typical for Gildan pique polo styles; always confirm against the exact chart on the product page in your shop before a bulk order, since specific measurements can vary slightly by style number.

Where to Find the Exact Size Chart

Each Gildan polo listing in a Pro Shop links to the exact size chart for that specific style and cut. Because the men's and women's versions use different blocks, always pull the chart for the specific cut a buyer intends to order rather than assuming the two match.

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Sizing for Bulk Staff and Team Orders

1. Send the size chart before collecting orders. Ask each person to measure their chest, not guess their normal size in a different brand.
2. Order one sample first for a fit check if the group is large enough (10+) to justify it.
3. Build in a short exchange window for the rare miss, and note it clearly when the order goes out.
4. Keep a running size log if you reorder the same staff polo yearly, so new hires can be sized against known past orders.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a t-shirt size carries over to a polo. Pique fabric fits differently than a jersey tee even at the same labeled size.
• Assuming men's and women's sizes are directly interchangeable. A women's medium and a men's medium are cut from different blocks.
• Skipping the chart because "everyone knows their size." Most sizing complaints come from buyers who assumed instead of checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gildan polo sizes true to standard S-XL labels?

Roughly, but the exact chest measurement behind each letter size can vary by style and cut. Always check the specific chart on the product page.

Do men's and women's Gildan polos use the same size chart?

No. The women's cut is fitted differently and uses its own chart. Always pull the chart specific to the cut being ordered.

What sizes are available for the Gildan polo through Pro Shops?

The full standard adult size range is available on both the men's and women's cut; exact ranges are shown on each product page.

How do I avoid exchanges on a bulk staff polo order?

Send the size chart to each person before collecting orders and have them measure rather than guess, especially for anyone new to the brand.