When you’re standing in front of a rack of t-shirts in a Dublin boutique like Clare’s or browsing online from a Galway-based brand like Wild Atlantic Wear, the question isn’t just about comfort-it’s about fitting into Irish life. In Ireland, where the weather swings from drizzle to sunshine in an hour and layering is a daily ritual, getting your t-shirt size right matters more than you think. Too tight, and you’ll feel restricted under a wool cardigan in Galway. Too loose, and it’ll hang awkwardly over your jeans after a pint in Cork. So, are you size M or L? Let’s break it down for the Irish context.
Irish Body Types and Fit Expectations
Ireland’s population is surprisingly diverse in build, but there are trends shaped by climate, diet, and lifestyle. According to data from the Irish National Health Survey (2024), the average male height is 178 cm (5’10”) with a chest measurement around 98 cm (38.5 inches). For women, the average height is 164 cm (5’5”) with a bust of 92 cm (36 inches). These numbers aren’t outliers-they’re the baseline for what brands design for.
Most Irish t-shirt brands-whether it’s St. Patrick’s Tees from Limerick or Donegal Wool Co.’s cotton blends-cut their sizes with a relaxed but not oversized fit. That means an M typically fits someone with a chest between 92-98 cm, while an L starts around 100-106 cm. If you’re between measurements, go L. Why? Because Irish weather doesn’t wait. You’ll want room for a thermal base layer in January or a light fleece under your t-shirt in October. A snug fit might look good in a Dublin gym, but it’ll feel like a straitjacket when you’re walking from the bus stop to the pub in rain-soaked Belfast.
How Irish Brands Measure Their Sizes
Not all t-shirts are made the same. If you’ve ever bought a t-shirt online from a UK retailer and been shocked by how short it was, you’re not alone. Many UK brands use a “slim fit” standard, which translates to a shorter body length and narrower shoulders. But Irish brands? They’ve learned from experience.
Brands like Wicklow Threads and Clonakilty Clothing Co. design for layering. Their M size usually has a body length of 71 cm (front) and a chest width of 53 cm (flat lay). The L? That jumps to 75 cm in length and 57 cm in width. That extra 4 cm in length? It’s the difference between your shirt riding up when you reach for the kettle or staying put as you carry groceries home from the local Co-Op.
Check the product page before you buy. Reputable Irish online stores like IrishMade or The Irish Shop include flat lay measurements-not just “M” or “L.” Look for these numbers: chest width (armpit to armpit), body length (shoulder seam to hem), and sleeve length. If they don’t show them, skip it. You’re better off walking into a local store like Penneys (Primark) or Debenhams Ireland and trying it on.
What Your Size Says About Your Lifestyle
In Ireland, your t-shirt size isn’t just about numbers-it’s about how you live. If you’re a farmer in Tipperary, you’ll likely need an L or even XL. You’re moving, lifting, bending. You need fabric that breathes but doesn’t cling. If you’re a student in Dublin’s Trinity College, you might lean toward an M. You’re not hauling hay bales-you’re hauling books, and you want something that fits under a blazer for lectures.
And then there’s the weekend warrior. The person who hikes the Wicklow Way, cycles along the Wild Atlantic Way, or hikes Slieve League. These folks don’t wear tight tees. They wear Ls. Why? Because sweat happens. And when it does, you need room for movement, airflow, and a bit of extra fabric to absorb the damp without clinging to your skin.
Even the way Irish people wash their t-shirts affects fit. Most don’t tumble dry. They air-dry on a line in the backyard-something you’ll see in every Cork suburb or Donegal village. That means shrinkage is real. A cotton M might shrink 3-5% after a few washes. So if you’re borderline between sizes, go L. You’ll thank yourself after the first wash.
Where to Try On T-Shirts in Ireland
Online shopping is convenient, but in Ireland, trying on is still king. Here’s where to go:
- Penneys (Primark) - Their t-shirts are affordable and sized consistently. Grab an M and an L, try them side by side. You’ll see the difference in shoulder width and length immediately.
- Debenhams Ireland - Carries both Irish and international brands. Look for Jack Wills or John Lewis t-shirts-they often have more detailed size charts.
- Local independent boutiques - In places like Kilkenny, Galway, or Derry, small shops like Clare’s or Wanderlust in Limerick often stock Irish-made tees with relaxed fits. Staff usually know the sizing inside out.
- Supermarkets with clothing sections - SuperValu and Tesco Ireland now carry basic cotton tees. They’re not fashion-forward, but they’re reliable for everyday wear. Check the tag: “Size M” here usually means true to size, not slim.
How to Measure Yourself (Irish-Style)
You don’t need a tailor. Just a tape measure and 30 seconds.
- Chest: Wrap the tape under your armpits, across the fullest part of your chest. Breathe normally. If it reads 95 cm, you’re in M/L territory.
- Length: Measure from the top of your shoulder (where the seam meets your neck) down to where you want the hem to sit. Most Irish people prefer it to hit just below the hip bone-about 70-75 cm.
- Shoulder width: Measure from one shoulder seam to the other. If it’s over 48 cm, go L. This matters because Irish coats and jackets often have broad shoulders.
If you’re unsure, take a t-shirt you already own that fits well. Lay it flat. Measure it. Compare it to the new one. Simple. No guesswork.
What to Avoid
Don’t assume that because you wore an M in Spain or an L in Australia, it’ll fit the same here. Irish sizing is built for a different body profile. Also, avoid “oversized” trends unless you’re going for a specific look. In Ireland, oversized doesn’t mean cool-it means you’re drowning in fabric when it’s windy on the coast.
And don’t buy based on color alone. A black t-shirt might look slimming, but if it’s cut for a UK market, it’ll be too short. Stick to Irish brands or check the measurements.
Final Verdict: M or L?
If your chest is under 98 cm and you’re average height (170-178 cm for men, 160-165 cm for women), go M. If you’re taller, broader, or plan to layer, go L. And if you’re still unsure? Buy two. Try them. Wear them for a day. Wash them. See which one still feels like you after the first wash.
In Ireland, clothing isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about feeling comfortable in the rain, the wind, the pub, the hike, the commute. The right size t-shirt doesn’t make a statement-it lets you move through life without thinking about it. And that’s worth more than a trend.
Is Irish t-shirt sizing different from UK sizing?
Yes. UK brands often use a ‘slim fit’ cut that’s shorter in the body and narrower in the shoulders. Irish brands design for layering and weather, so their M and L sizes are generally roomier, especially in the torso and sleeve length. If you’ve had issues with UK t-shirts being too short, Irish-made ones will feel more comfortable.
Should I size up if I’m buying a cotton t-shirt in Ireland?
Yes, especially if you plan to wash it. Most Irish cotton tees are 100% cotton and shrink slightly after the first wash-around 3-5%. If you’re between sizes, go L. You’ll thank yourself later when your shirt doesn’t ride up in the rain.
Do Irish brands offer plus-size t-shirts?
Many do. Brands like IrishMade, Donegal Wool Co., and even Penneys now carry extended sizes up to 3XL. Look for brands that list flat lay measurements-this is the clearest way to know if it’ll fit. Avoid relying on labels like ‘XL’ alone.
Why do some Irish t-shirts have longer sleeves?
Because Irish people wear layers. A longer sleeve (65-70 cm) lets you wear a thermal or light sweater underneath without the t-shirt riding up. It’s practical, not fashion. Brands like Wicklow Threads and Clonakilty Clothing Co. design this way on purpose.
Can I trust online Irish stores for sizing?
Yes-if they provide measurements. Reputable Irish sites like The Irish Shop or IrishMade list chest width, body length, and sleeve length in centimeters. If they don’t, skip it. You’re better off trying on in person at Penneys or a local boutique.
Next Steps
Don’t overthink it. Grab two t-shirts next time you’re in a store-one M, one L. Wear them for a full day. Walk to the shops. Sit down. Bend over. Wash them. See which one still feels like yours. That’s the one to buy. In Ireland, the best fit isn’t the trendiest-it’s the one that lets you live your life without pulling, tugging, or overheating.