Size Guide

Welcome to The House That Chicago Built Size Guide! To ensure you get the perfect fit for your Chicago House Music tee, please read the information below. We want you to feel as good as you look while celebrating the rhythm and legacy of Chicago's beat.

Our t-shirt fit

Our tees are designed to be a perfect blend of comfort and style. They typically follow a modern Retail Fit and are considered True to Size.

Fit: True to Size / Modern Retail Fit. They are cut to sit comfortably on the body without being too tight or too boxy.

Feel: Soft, lightweight, and durable, offering relaxed movement perfect for dancing or casual wear.

Sizing Advice: Order your usual size for a standard, great-looking fit. If you prefer a more oversized or relaxed look, we recommend sizing up once.

Official size guide: chicago house tees

To ensure the best fit, please compare these garment measurements to a favorite T-shirt you already own.

Please Note: Verify these numbers against the official size chart provided by your specific blank T-shirt supplier to ensure 100% accuracy.

How to measure your tee at home

Lay a T-Shirt Flat: Take a tee that fits you well and lay it flat on a table.

Chest (A): Measure straight across the chest from one armpit seam to the other.

Length (B): Measure from the highest point of the shoulder (near the neck) straight down to the bottom hem.

Common sizing questions

Different t-shirt styles and sizing considerations

Yes, absolutely. Different T-shirt styles, even within the same brand, can have different fits and require different sizing considerations based primarily on the fabric composition and the specific cut (or pattern) used.

Here are the key factors that affect sizing and fit for different T-shirt styles:

  1. Fabric Composition (Feel and Draping)

    The material affects how the shirt drapes and feels on the body, which influences perceived size:

    • 100% Cotton (Standard/Heavyweight): Tends to offer a more structured, classic, or slightly boxier fit. It has less stretch and may feel stiffer, making the fit around the shoulders and waist more critical.
    • Cotton/Polyester Blends (Tri-Blends, CVC): These fabrics are lighter, softer, and have more natural drape (they hang closer to the body). They usually have a softer, more athletic, or flowy fit. While they are often pre-shrunk, they stretch slightly, giving them a less rigid feel than 100% cotton.
    • Ring-Spun vs. Carded Cotton: Ring-spun cotton (the premium choice) is softer and smoother, often leading to a more modern, retail fit compared to the coarser, boxier fit of standard carded cotton.
  2. Specific Cut or Pattern

    Even a size Large can vary greatly based on the intended style:

    • Standard Unisex / Retail Fit: Length: Designed to be longer than women's cuts; generally true to size. Balanced—comfortable without being baggy.
    • Slim Fit / Fashion Fit: Chest & Shoulders: Will be noticeably tighter. Customers often size up once for comfort. Close to the body; tailored look.
    • Soft/Premium Unisex Cut: Drape: Typically uses lighter fabrics (like tri-blends) that hug the contours. Soft, lightweight, and modern.
    • Vintage/Boxy Cut: Width & Sleeve Length: Wider shoulders and body, and sometimes longer sleeves. Relaxed, loose, and less tailored.