Shirt Size Calculator for Ireland
Find Your Perfect Fit
Enter your chest measurement in inches (measured around the fullest part) to get your ideal size for Irish brands.
If you're 5'10" and living in Ireland, finding the right t-shirt size isn't just about numbers on a tag-it’s about fitting into the rhythm of everyday life here. From dodging rain in Galway to grabbing a pint in Temple Bar, your shirt needs to move with you, not fight you. In Ireland, body types vary more than you’d think: you’ve got farmers with broad shoulders from years of hauling hay, city workers with lean frames from walking everywhere, and everyone in between. So what size should you grab when you’re standing in Dunnes Stores, Penneys, or even browsing online from your kitchen in Cork?
Start with your chest measurement, not your height
Height alone doesn’t tell you what shirt size you need. A 5'10" man in Dublin could weigh 65kg or 85kg-and that changes everything. The real key is your chest circumference. Grab a tape measure, wrap it under your armpits, across the fullest part of your chest, and keep it snug but not tight. That number? That’s your starting point.Most Irish brands like Penneys, Dunnes Stores, and local labels such as Irish Linen Company or Claddagh Wear use standard UK sizing. For a 5'10" man, if your chest measures 38-40 inches, go for a Medium. If you’re 41-43 inches, a Large is your sweet spot. Anything over 44 inches? Stick with XL. Don’t assume tall means big-some 5'10" guys have narrow frames and look lost in an XL. Others are stocky and need room to breathe.
Irish brands don’t always follow US or EU sizing
If you’ve ever bought a t-shirt from an American brand like Uniqlo or H&M and found it too tight across the shoulders, you’re not alone. In Ireland, most local retailers stock UK sizes, which run slightly different from US or EU. A US Medium is often a UK Large. That’s why you should always check the size chart on the product page, even if you’ve bought from the same brand before.Take Primark-they’re everywhere in Ireland, from Limerick to Letterkenny. Their t-shirts are cut lean, especially the cotton ones. If you’re 5'10" with a 40-inch chest, you might think Medium is perfect. But in Primark, that same size can feel like a second skin. Go up to Large for comfort, especially if you plan to wear it under a jacket during a chilly Dublin spring.
On the other end, Claddagh Wear makes t-shirts with a slightly looser, heritage cut-perfect for layering under a Donegal tweed jacket or wearing to a céilí in Galway. Their Medium fits like a Medium should: not tight, not baggy. If you like that relaxed, lived-in look that’s common in Irish casual wear, stick with their sizing guide.
Fit matters more than size
There’s a difference between a shirt that fits and one that just fits. In Ireland, where the weather changes by the hour, you need a t-shirt that works whether you’re walking to the bus stop in Belfast or hiking the Wicklow Way. A fitted t-shirt looks sharp, but if it’s too tight, it’ll ride up when you reach for a pint or pull on your waterproof coat. A baggy one might feel comfy, but it’ll look sloppy in a pub or at a festival like Electric Picnic.Look for a t-shirt with a slightly relaxed cut-enough room to move, but not so much that it swallows you. The shoulder seam should sit right where your arm meets your shoulder. If it’s halfway down your bicep, it’s too big. The hem should hit just below your beltline. If it’s riding up when you lift your arms, it’s too short.
Try this simple test: put on the t-shirt, raise your arms overhead, and do a quick squat. If the shirt pulls tight across your chest or rolls up past your belly button, it’s not the right fit. You want freedom of movement without looking like you borrowed it from your brother.
Material makes a difference in Ireland’s climate
Ireland isn’t just rainy-it’s damp. Humidity clings to the air, especially in the west. A cheap 100% cotton t-shirt might feel soft, but once it gets wet from drizzle or sweat, it sticks to your skin and takes forever to dry. That’s why many locals swear by cotton blends.Look for t-shirts with 5-10% elastane or polyester. Brands like John Smedley (made in Derbyshire but sold in every Irish town) and Regatta (popular for outdoor gear) use these blends to keep shape and dry faster. Even Decathlon, which has stores in Swords and Limerick, offers performance t-shirts designed for Irish weather-lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable. These are perfect for weekend walks in the Burren or cycling along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Avoid super-thin, cheap cotton. It’s see-through when wet, wrinkles like crazy, and shrinks in the wash. If you’re buying from a market stall in Kilkenny or an online store, check the fabric content. 95% cotton, 5% elastane is ideal. It keeps the soft feel but adds just enough stretch to move with you.
What to do if you’re between sizes
You’re 5'10" with a 40-inch chest. The Medium feels snug. The Large feels loose. What now?Go with the Large-but only if it’s a slightly tailored cut. Many Irish brands now offer ‘slim fit’ or ‘regular fit’ options. A regular fit Large will give you breathing room without looking like you’re wearing a tent. If you’re shopping online and can’t try it on, read the reviews. Look for comments like “true to size” or “runs small.”
Also, consider the wash. T-shirts shrink. Especially if you wash them at 40°C or tumble dry them. Most Irish households do. So if you’re buying a 100% cotton tee, buy one size up and expect it to shrink by 1-2 inches after the first wash. Brands like Johnstons of Elgin and Carlow Woolen Mills even warn you about this on their tags.
Where to shop in Ireland for the best fit
You don’t need to order from abroad. Ireland has plenty of places to find a t-shirt that fits your frame and your lifestyle.- Dunnes Stores - Reliable sizing, good quality cotton blends. Great for everyday wear.
- Penneys (Primark) - Budget-friendly, but run small. Always size up.
- Claddagh Wear - Irish-made, relaxed fit, perfect for casual or cultural events.
- Decathlon - Performance tees for active days. Ideal for hikers and cyclists.
- Local craft markets - In Galway, Doolin, or Ennis, you’ll find handmade tees with Irish designs. These often have unique cuts-try them on before buying.
Don’t ignore second-hand shops like Oxfam or St. Vincent de Paul. You’ll find branded tees from Topman, H&M, or even American Apparel-often unworn-with clear size labels. Many of these were bought by expats who left Ireland and never wore them.
Final checklist: Your 5'10" t-shirt fit guide
Before you click ‘buy’ or hand over your cash, ask yourself:- Is my chest measurement between 38-43 inches? Then Medium to Large is safe.
- Does the shoulder seam sit at the edge of my shoulder? If not, it’s too big.
- Is the hem hitting just below my belt? If it’s riding up, it’s too short.
- Is the fabric a cotton blend? Avoid 100% cotton if you’re often out in the rain.
- Have I checked the brand’s size chart? Don’t assume UK = US.
- Will I be layering this under a jacket? If yes, size up for comfort.
Remember: there’s no magic size for 5'10" in Ireland. It’s about your body, your lifestyle, and the weather. The right t-shirt doesn’t just fit-it fits into your life here. Whether you’re heading to a rugby match in Croke Park or walking the cliffs of Moher, your shirt should feel like part of the scenery-not a distraction.
Should I buy a larger size if I plan to layer my t-shirt under a jacket in Ireland?
Yes, especially if you’re wearing a wool sweater, tweed jacket, or waterproof shell. Layering adds bulk, so go one size up from your usual fit. A Medium that fits snug on its own will feel tight under a jacket. A Large gives you room to move without looking baggy.
Do Irish t-shirts shrink more than those from other countries?
Not necessarily-but Irish washing habits make shrinkage more likely. Most households wash at 40°C and tumble dry, which causes cotton to shrink 1-2 inches. Always check the care label. Brands like Dunnes and Claddagh Wear often pre-shrink their fabric, but cheaper brands don’t. If you’re unsure, wash it cold and air dry the first time.
Is a slim fit t-shirt a good choice for a 5'10" Irish man?
It depends. If you’re lean and active-like a cyclist in Dublin or a runner on the Phoenix Park-a slim fit works. But if you’re average or stocky, slim fit can feel restrictive. Most Irish men prefer a regular or relaxed fit because it’s more comfortable for sitting in pubs, walking the dog, or carrying groceries. Slim fit looks sharp, but regular fit lasts longer in daily life.
What’s the best material for t-shirts in Ireland’s damp climate?
A cotton blend with 5-10% elastane or polyester is ideal. It holds its shape, dries faster than pure cotton, and resists wrinkling. Pure cotton is soft but becomes heavy and clingy when damp. Brands like Decathlon and Regatta make t-shirts designed for Irish weather-lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Avoid thin, cheap cotton-it’s see-through and shrinks badly.
Where can I find t-shirts made in Ireland?
Look for brands like Claddagh Wear, Carlow Woolen Mills, and Irish Linen Company. These are made locally or designed with Irish fits in mind. You’ll also find handmade tees at craft markets in Galway, Kilkenny, and Ennis. They often use organic cotton and traditional dyeing methods. While they’re pricier, they’re built to last and reflect local culture.