When you walk down Grafton Street in Dublin, hop on a bus in Cork, or stroll through Galway’s Eyre Square, you’ll see men in all shapes and sizes. But if you’ve ever bought a t-shirt in Ireland and ended up with one that’s too tight across the shoulders or too short in the sleeves, you’re not alone. So what shirt size do most guys wear in Ireland? The answer isn’t just ‘medium’-it’s shaped by our climate, our food, our lifestyle, and yes, even our genetics.
Ireland’s Body Type Is Different Than You Think
A lot of online guides say ‘most men wear medium’-but that’s based on U.S. or global averages. In Ireland, the average male height is around 5’10” (178 cm), and the average weight hovers near 14 stone (89 kg). That’s not bulky, but it’s not slim either. Most Irish men have a solid, athletic build-not skinny, not heavy, but broad in the shoulders and a bit more midsection than you’d see in Southern Europe.That’s why a U.S. Medium (which often fits a 36-38” chest) can feel tight here. An Irish Medium, especially from brands like Penneys, Primark, or McDermott’s, usually fits a 38-40” chest. And if you’re 5’11” or taller? You’ll want a Long or Tall fit. Most Irish men don’t realize their t-shirts are too short because they’ve been wearing them that way for years. But when you try one from a brand like Superdry or Uniqlo (which are popular here), you’ll notice the difference immediately.
What Size Do Irish Men Actually Buy?
Based on sales data from Irish retailers like JD Sports, Boots, and Next Ireland, the most common t-shirt size sold is Large. Not Medium. Not Extra Large. Large.Why? Because Irish men tend to layer. We wear hoodies under jackets in October. We wear thermal tees under wool sweaters in winter. We need room for movement when we’re hiking the Wicklow Mountains or cycling the Great Western Greenway. A Large gives that breathing room without looking baggy. And if you’re over 6 feet tall? You’ll find yourself reaching for XL more often than you think.
Look at the t-shirts sold at local events like the Galway International Oyster Festival or St. Patrick’s Day parades in Limerick. The merch is almost always Large or XL. That’s not a coincidence-it’s practical. These aren’t fashion statements; they’re functional wear for a population that values comfort over tight fits.
How to Measure Yourself the Irish Way
Don’t guess. Don’t rely on what worked in Spain or Australia. Here’s how to measure properly if you’re in Ireland:- Stand relaxed, arms at your sides.
- Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Make sure it’s snug but not tight.
- Write that number down.
- Now measure from the top of your shoulder to your waistband-this tells you if you need a Long or Regular length.
If your chest is 38-40”, go Large. 40-42”? XL. If you’re over 6’1”, even a 42” chest might need a Tall version. Brands like Barbour and Regatta (popular for outdoor wear in Ireland) offer Tall fits for a reason. The rain doesn’t wait for you to adjust your shirt.
Why Irish Brands Get It Right
Irish-made or Irish-focused brands know their customers. McDermott’s in Galway stocks t-shirts with a 40” chest as standard Large. Penneys has started labeling their men’s tees with chest measurements in inches-not just S/M/L-because customers kept returning them. Even Primark, known for cheap fashion, now offers ‘Irish Fit’ t-shirts in their Dublin flagship store that are cut wider through the shoulders and longer in the torso.Compare that to a U.S. brand like H&M, which still uses American sizing. Many Irish men end up buying two sizes up, just to feel comfortable. That’s why local online stores like IrishTees.ie and DonegalCrafted.com are growing-they tailor their cuts to the Irish frame.
What to Avoid When Buying T-Shirts in Ireland
Don’t buy based on what your mate wears. He might be 6’3” and 18 stone, and you’re 5’9” and 13 stone. Don’t assume ‘one size fits all’ just because it worked in a club in Belfast. And don’t trust online size charts that don’t list actual measurements.Also, avoid super-slim fits unless you’re a runner or a model. The Irish climate doesn’t reward tight clothing. Wind whips off the Atlantic, rain soaks through thin cotton, and if you’re sitting on a bench in Phoenix Park waiting for the bus, you want fabric that doesn’t cling.
Where to Shop for the Right Fit in Ireland
Here’s where to find t-shirts that actually fit Irish men:- Penneys - Look for ‘Fit for Ireland’ labels. Their Large is truly a Large.
- McDermott’s (Galway, Cork, Limerick) - Local tailor-made cuts, great for wider shoulders.
- JD Sports - Carries Nike, Adidas, and Puma with European sizing. Check the chest measurement on the tag.
- IrishTees.ie - Custom-fit tees made for Irish body types. Free returns if it doesn’t fit.
- Uniqlo - Their ‘Regular’ fit is closer to an Irish Large than most brands.
And if you’re shopping online? Always check the product page for actual chest measurements in inches. If they don’t list it, don’t buy it.
Final Tip: It’s Not About Size-It’s About Fit
The biggest mistake Irish men make is thinking size is everything. It’s not. A Medium that’s cut for a Mediterranean frame will feel tight. A Large made for a North American frame might hang like a sack. The right fit sits just right on your shoulders, doesn’t ride up when you lift your arms, and lets you breathe when you’re walking the Cliffs of Moher in a breeze.Next time you’re in a store, try on three sizes. Walk around. Bend over. Pretend you’re reaching for a pint at the pub. If you feel any pulling at the seams? Too small. If you look like you’re wearing a tent? Too big. The sweet spot? Comfortable, not tight. Roomy, not sloppy.
In Ireland, we don’t wear t-shirts to show off. We wear them to get through the day-rain or shine, pub crawl or mountain hike. The right size isn’t about fashion. It’s about function. And for most Irish men? That’s a Large.
What t-shirt size should a 5’10” Irish man wear?
A 5’10” Irish man with an average build (14-15 stone) should wear a Large. Most Irish men this height have a chest measurement between 38” and 40”, which matches the Large size from Irish retailers like Penneys and McDermott’s. Avoid U.S. Mediums-they’ll feel too tight across the shoulders.
Are Irish t-shirt sizes different from U.S. sizes?
Yes. An Irish Large typically fits a 38-40” chest, while a U.S. Large often fits a 40-42” chest. But the cut is different too. U.S. tees are often longer in the torso and narrower in the shoulders. Irish brands cut wider in the shoulders and slightly shorter in length to match our body proportions.
Why do Irish men often buy XL t-shirts?
Many Irish men buy XL for layering. In winter, we wear thermal tees under hoodies and jackets. Also, taller men (over 6’) need extra length. Even if their chest is 38”, the sleeve or body length on a regular Large might end mid-torso. XL gives them the coverage they need without looking oversized.
Should I buy t-shirts with a Tall fit in Ireland?
If you’re 6’1” or taller, yes. Standard t-shirts are designed for the average height of 5’10”. Anything taller will have sleeves that end before your wrist and a hem that rides up when you sit or bend. Brands like Regatta, Barbour, and IrishTees.ie offer Tall fits specifically for Irish men over 6’.
Is it better to buy t-shirts online or in-store in Ireland?
Try in-store first if you can. Stores like Penneys and McDermott’s let you feel the fabric and test the fit. But if you’re outside a major city, online retailers like IrishTees.ie offer free returns and detailed size charts with chest measurements in inches-something most international sites don’t provide.
