Children grow, and jersey sizing ages badly. This guide covers how to choose a size for a gift when you cannot measure the child.
Ask for height first
Height and usual shirt size are enough to place a child on almost any youth chart. Age alone is unreliable: a tall eight-year-old often needs the size labelled for ten or eleven.
Length is the deciding measurement
Youth jerseys are cut short. A jersey that fits the chest but ends above the waistband will not get worn. Compare body length to a shirt the child already wears.
When to buy adult small
If the child is near the top of the youth range, an adult small is usually the better gift: longer, roomier, and wearable for more than one season.
Custom names complicate returns
Customised youth jerseys are typically final sale. If you are unsure about size, buy blank and let the family add a name later.
Team choice for children
Children usually follow a player before a team. Confirm the player is still on the roster, or choose a retired legend whose jersey will not date.
Safe add-ons
An adjustable cap or a pair of team socks makes a lower-risk add-on if the jersey size is uncertain.
Youth charts vary by brand and season. Confirm the size band on the product page. Paid links on this site may earn us a commission.