You know the feeling. The kit arrives, you pull it on, and something’s off. The shirt rides up every time you sprint. The shorts pinch when you open your hips. Or it looks boxy off the pitch when you wanted that clean, street-ready silhouette. Size isn’t just a number - it’s how you move, how you feel, and how confidently you show up.
If you’re asking, “what size football kit should i get”, don’t guess. Choose with intent. Below is the fit-first way to get it right, whether you’re buying for match day, training, or everyday wear.
Start with how you want the kit to fit
Two players can be the same height and weight and still need different sizes, because fit is a choice. Before you touch a tape measure, decide what you’re building.A performance fit is closer to the body. Less loose fabric to grab, less flapping when you change direction, and it tends to feel sharper under pressure. The trade-off is you’ll notice tight spots immediately - chest, shoulders, thighs - especially if you’ve got a more athletic build.
A relaxed fit gives you airflow and comfort. It’s forgiving if you’re between sizes or you prefer movement without anything clinging. The trade-off is the kit can feel heavier when it’s soaked and can look less structured if you wear it casually.
A lifestyle fit sits in the middle but prioritises shape and style. You want the shirt to sit clean on the shoulders, the hem to land well, and the shorts to look intentional rather than “borrowed from training”. The trade-off is you may size up or down depending on the look you’re chasing.
Make that decision first. It turns sizing from anxiety into a plan.
Measure the parts that actually matter
Football kits fail in predictable places. So measure what moves.Chest measurement (shirt)
This is the big one. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level. Don’t puff out - stand normally. If your chest is on the upper end of a size range, go up if you want comfort, or stay true if you want a close performance fit.If you lift or you’ve got broader shoulders, don’t rely on height alone. Shoulder width can force you into the next size even when your waist is slim.
Waist and hips (shorts)
Shorts sizing gets ignored until it hurts. Measure your natural waist (where you’d wear the waistband), then measure around your hips if you’ve got stronger glutes or thighs. If the waistband fits but the hips are tight, you’ll feel it when you drop your centre of gravity, shield the ball, or lunge.Thigh room (shorts)
You don’t need a tape for this if you know your body. If you’ve got powerful quads, shorts can feel restrictive even when the waist is fine. In that case, sizing up can be the difference between freedom and distraction.Height helps, but it’s not the decider
Height mostly affects length - shirt hem and short inseam. But brands cut differently. Two “mediums” can sit completely differently through the torso. Use height as a supporting clue, not the final call.Use a kit you already own as your reference
This is the simplest method when you don’t want to overthink it. Grab a kit you genuinely like wearing - not one you tolerate.Lay the shirt flat and measure:
- Pit to pit (chest width)
- Shoulder seam to shoulder seam
- Top of shoulder to hem (length)
- Waistband width (flat, then double it)
- Outer leg length
- Width across the thigh area
The moments that reveal the wrong size
Try this mental checklist. If any of these are true in a changing room, they’ll be worse after 60 minutes of work.If the shirt pulls across the chest when you raise your arms, it’s too small for performance. If the collar feels like it’s choking you when you breathe hard, it’s too small full stop.
If the shirt balloons at the waist and spins on your torso when you twist, it’s too big for a clean fit. That might be fine for casual wear, but it’s annoying when you’re checking your shoulder or accelerating.
If the shorts ride up into your groin when you take a long stride, they’re either too small or the cut doesn’t suit your build. If the waistband folds over when you move, they’re too big.
Between sizes? Choose based on your priorities
Being between sizes is normal. The smart move is to pick your compromise.If you play regularly and sweat hard, prioritise freedom of movement and airflow. That often means choosing the larger size if you’re on the edge, especially for shorts.
If you want a sharper, more tailored look for streetwear, you can often stay with the smaller size, as long as you’re not feeling tight across chest and shoulders.
If you’re still unsure, go up for the shirt if you hate restriction, and stay true for shorts if the waistband already feels secure. Shorts that are too loose become a constant adjustment job.
Fabric and cut change everything
Not all kits behave the same once you move.Some fabrics have a bit more give, some hold their shape. Some cuts are more athletic - narrower through the torso, slightly shaped shoulders - while others are boxier. If a brand positions a kit as performance-led, expect a closer cut. If it leans lifestyle, expect a bit more room.
Also remember this: heat, sweat, and washing can change feel over time. A kit that’s perfect dry can feel tighter when it’s damp. If you’re choosing a very close performance fit, make sure it still feels right when you’re working.
Buying for growth, layering, or different seasons
If you’re a teen player or buying for one, growth is the wild card. Sizing up can make sense, but only if it doesn’t ruin movement now. A shirt that’s slightly long is manageable. Shorts that are too big can trip you up, literally.If you wear base layers in winter, factor that in. A tight shirt with a long-sleeve base under it can restrict shoulders and trap heat. If you know you layer often, consider going one size up in the shirt while keeping shorts true.
In summer, airflow matters. If you hate that sticky, clingy feel, don’t chase the smallest possible size just for the look.
Common sizing mistakes that cost you confidence
The biggest mistake is choosing your size based on what you “want to be” rather than what fits right now. This is performance gear. You’re not trying to squeeze into motivation.The second mistake is treating shirt and shorts as a single decision. Your top half and bottom half aren’t built the same. Plenty of players are a medium shirt and a large short. There’s no rule saying they must match.
The third mistake is ignoring shoulders. Players with broader frames often size up for shoulder comfort, then drown in the torso. If that’s you, look for a cut that suits athletic shapes rather than just jumping sizes.
So, what size football kit should i get for real?
Here’s the honest answer: the right size is the one you forget about once the whistle goes.If you want the kit mainly for playing, choose the size that gives you full range of movement through shoulders and hips, with no pulling when you sprint or strike. Slightly looser is better than slightly tight when you’re working at speed.
If you want it mainly for lifestyle wear, choose the size that sits clean on the shoulders and doesn’t swallow your frame. That usually means true to size, unless you’re intentionally going oversized.
If you want it for both, aim for a balanced fit: comfortable in motion, sharp in silhouette. That’s the sweet spot.
And if you’re investing in a premium kit, treat sizing like part of the purchase, not an afterthought. Take five minutes, measure, and choose with purpose.
If you’re looking for performance-first kits that still hold their own off the pitch, have a look at https://jmtfootballltd.com when you’re ready.
Choose the fit that supports your game - then step out like you belong there, because you do.