You just snagged the newest Silo t-shirt from the store. You tear open the package, slip it on, and it's either swimming on you or squeezing your shoulders. That's the last thing you want after waiting for delivery. In this Silo t-shirt sizing guide 2026, I'll walk you through how to get the right fit every time.
Why Silo T-Shirt Sizing Matters
Silo uses a proprietary blend of 100% ring-spun cotton that feels soft but behaves differently after washing. The fabric has minimal shrinkage (around 2-3% in length) if you follow care instructions, but that small change can shift a perfect fit to borderline. Getting the size right upfront saves you from returns or that "this is okay" feeling.
Another reason sizing matters: Silo offers two distinct fits - classic and relaxed. Most sizing issues I hear about in the community come from people ignoring that distinction. A relaxed Medium has a 42-inch chest, while a classic Medium measures 40 inches. That's the difference between a streamlined look and a casual drape.
I've sold and worn Silo shirts for over three years, and I've seen fans order their usual size only to be disappointed. The guide below will help you measure accurately and choose based on your preferred look.
Measuring Yourself for a Silo T-Shirt
You need a soft measuring tape (tailor's tape) and a shirt that fits you well right now. Follow these steps to get your numbers.
Step 1: Chest Measurement
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest - just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape snug but not tight; you should be able to slide a finger underneath. Write down the measurement in inches. Round to the nearest half-inch.Step 2: Waist Measurement
Measure around your natural waistline - the narrowest part, usually an inch above your belly button. Again, one finger of slack. This helps if you want a tapered fit rather than a boxy one.Step 3: Length Measurement
The t-shirt length on Silo's chart is from the highest point of the shoulder (where the neck seam meets) to the bottom hem. To check your desired length, measure a shirt you already own from the same point. Lay it flat on a table, smooth out wrinkles, and measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the hem.Step 4: Shoulder Width
This is often the trickiest. Measure across your back from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other. If you can't find the bone, wear a well-fitting shirt and measure from seam to seam across the back.> Common mistake: Measuring over bulky clothing or a thick sweater. Strip down to a thin tee or bare skin for accuracy.
Silo T-Shirt Size Chart Breakdown
Here's the official size chart for Silo t-shirts in 2026. Note that these are garment measurements, not body measurements.
| Size | Chest (in) | Length (in) | Shoulder (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34-36 | 27 | 16.5 |
| S | 36-38 | 28 | 17.5 |
| M | 39-41 | 29 | 18.5 |
| L | 42-44 | 30 | 19.5 |
| XL | 45-47 | 31 | 20.5 |
| 2XL | 48-50 | 32 | 21.5 |
| 3XL | 51-53 | 33 | 22.5 |
How to Use This Chart
Match your chest measurement to the chest range. If you're right at the edge of a size (e.g. 38 inch chest), I'd recommend sizing up to Medium if you prefer a relaxed fit or staying with Small if you like a trim look. Length and shoulder should also feel comfortable - if you have a longer torso, consider going up one size for extra length.Women's Sizing
Silo shirts are unisex, but many women sized down for a more fitted look. For example, a woman with a 35 inch chest typically chooses XS for a snug tee or S for a standard fit. The shoulders may be a bit wide, but that's part of the casual aesthetic.Choosing Between Fitted and Relaxed Styles
Silo's core tees come in two cuts: Classic and Relaxed. The Classic Fit has a slimmer chest and narrower shoulders, designed to hug your frame. The Relaxed Fit adds 2 inches to the chest and an inch to the shoulders - basically one size up in those areas but with the same length.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Classic Fit: Great for layering under a denim jacket or for a polished casual look. If you want your tee to tuck neatly, go classic. It's also better if you're between sizes and want a cleaner silhouette.
- Relaxed Fit: Perfect for hot days or if you prefer airflow. I wear relaxed Mediums because I hate feeling restricted. The extra room doesn't look sloppy if you size correctly - it just drapes differently.
I've seen buyers order a Relaxed Large thinking it's the same as Classic Large, then wonder why the fit is baggy. Double check the product page - each listing specifies which cut it uses.
Tips for International Buyers
Silo ships worldwide, and sizing can trip up international customers because of metric differences. Here's what to watch for.
Convert to Centimeters
1 inch = 2.54 cm. For example, a Medium chest of 40 inches is about 101.5 cm. If you normally buy European sizes (like 48-50), you'll likely land on Size Large or XL. Always measure in inches first, then convert.Know Your Regional Sizing
Asian sizing tends to run one to two sizes smaller than US sizing. If you're in Japan or South Korea, order at least one size up compared to your local brand. European sizing is closer but still has variations - German brands often have longer sleeves and narrower shoulders, while Silo's shoulder width is more generous.Check the Length for Tall Buyers
Silo does not offer tall sizes. If you're over 6 feet tall (183 cm), the length on size Large is 30 inches, which might be short. I've seen tall fans size up to XL just to get 31 inches of length, accepting a wider chest. If you're between sizes for length, prioritize length over chest - a slightly baggy tee looks intentional, a too-short tee does not.Customs and Duties
This isn't sizing, but it affects your order. Import fees vary by country. Check your local duty rates before ordering to avoid surprises.Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Silo t-shirt shrink after washing?
About 2-3% in length on the first wash. Wash cold and tumble dry low to minimize shrinkage. If you're between sizes, choose the larger one to account for this.Are Silo t-shirts preshrunk?
Not completely. The cotton is ring-spun and combed, but it hasn't been through a full preshrinking process. Expect the initial shrinkage I mentioned.What if I'm between chest measurements?
If your chest falls between two sizes (e.g., 38.5 inches), go with the larger size for a relaxed fit or the smaller for a fitted look. Also consider your shoulder width.Do Silo t-shirts fit true to size compared to other brands?
They run slightly smaller than typical US brands like Gildan or Hanes, but they're consistent with other premium ring-spun cotton tees. Always check the chart rather than assuming your usual size.Can I exchange if the size doesn't work?
Yes. Visit the Contact page for assistance with exchanges. Make sure to reference your order number and desired size. - -Key Takeaways:
- Measure your chest, waist, length, and shoulder width accurately using a tailor's tape.
- Match your chest measurement to the chart; account for fit preference (Classic vs Relaxed).
- International buyers should convert to inches and consider regional sizing differences.
- Expect about 2-3% shrinkage on length after the first wash.
- If between sizes, think about whether you prioritize a snug or airy feel.
Now you can order your next Silo tee with confidence. No more guessing, no more returns.
