Short answer: size labels are not a standard. A “15/16”, a “28”, a “52” and an “L” can all mean different things depending on the brand. The reliable way to convert is to measure: use the wearer’s height for youth sizes, and the chest and length of a jersey that already fits for adults, then compare with the measurements in a size chart. Eliian jerseys follow standard European grading, which runs about one size smaller than US domestic brands.
What the numbers on jersey labels usually mean
| Label style | Example | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Age range | 9/10, 13/14, 15/16 | The child’s age in years. Children of the same age vary a lot in height, so check height as well. |
| Height code | 120, 140, 160 (sometimes 140/68) | Common on Chinese-made kits: the first number is the wearer’s height in cm; a second number, if shown, is chest girth in cm. |
| US youth letters | YS, YM, YL, YXL | Youth sizes by age and height (see the table below). |
| European adult numbers | 46, 48, 50, 52 | In many European brands the number is roughly half the body chest girth in cm, so a 52 suits a chest of about 104 cm. Brands differ, so compare measurements. |
| Letter sizes | S, M, L, XL | Letters vary most between brands and regions. Always check the garment measurements. |
Youth sizes by age and height
For children, order by height rather than age. These are the ranges we use for Eliian youth kits:
| Eliian size | Typical age | Height (cm) | Height (in) | Jersey chest, around (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YS | 6–7 | 115–127 | 45–50 | 74 |
| YM | 8–9 | 128–140 | 51–55 | 78 |
| YL | 10–11 | 141–150 | 56–59 | 83 |
| YXL | 12–13 | 151–160 | 60–63 | 89 |
| YXXL | 14–15 | 161–168 | 64–66 | 95 |
Players taller than about 168 cm usually move into adult sizes. Full youth measurements, including shorts, are in our youth soccer uniform size chart.
Adult sizes by height
| Eliian size | Wearer height (cm) | Jersey chest, around (cm / in) | Jersey length (cm / in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 170–175 | 102 / 40.2 | 68 / 26.8 |
| S | 175–180 | 106 / 41.7 | 70 / 27.6 |
| M | 180–185 | 110 / 43.3 | 72 / 28.3 |
| L | 185–190 | 114 / 44.9 | 74 / 29.1 |
| XL | 190–195 | 118 / 46.5 | 76 / 29.9 |
| 2XL | 195–200 | 122 / 48.0 | 78 / 30.7 |
| 3XL | 200–205 | 126 / 49.6 | 80 / 31.5 |
| 4XL | 205–210 | 130 / 51.2 | 82 / 32.3 |
| 5XL | 210–215 | 134 / 52.8 | 84 / 33.1 |
| 6XL | 215–220 | 138 / 54.3 | 86 / 33.9 |
Height ranges are a starting point. Players with a broader build often go one size up. Basketball, baseball and jacket sizes have their own charts: see the full size chart.
How to convert any label: measure a jersey that fits
- Take a jersey the player already likes the fit of and lay it flat.
- Measure straight across the chest from armpit to armpit (“pit to pit”) and double it. That is the chest “around” measurement.
- Measure the length from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, down to the hem.
- Pick the size in our chart with the closest chest and length. If the player is between sizes, choose the larger one for a relaxed fit.
This works whatever the original label says, so it is the safest way to size a whole squad. For collecting sizes from many players at once, see team uniform sizing and quality control.
European children’s height sizes and Eliian youth sizes
Many European kits label children’s sizes by height in cm, in steps such as 116, 128, 140, 152 and 164. Because our youth sizes are also defined by height, the conversion is direct:
| European height size | Height (cm) | Eliian youth size |
|---|---|---|
| 116 / 122 | Up to about 127 | YS (115–127 cm) |
| 128 / 134 / 140 | 128–140 | YM (128–140 cm) |
| 146 | 141–150 | YL (141–150 cm) |
| 152 / 158 | 151–160 | YXL (151–160 cm) |
| 164 | 161–168 | YXXL (161–168 cm) |
| 176 | Above about 168 | Adult XS (170–175 cm) |
Shorts sizes
Shorts are sized by waist and hip rather than chest. Most teams order shorts in the same letter size as the jersey, which works for most players. For players with a different build, measure the waist of a pair of shorts that fits, flat and doubled, and compare with the shorts columns in our youth size chart or shorts size chart.
Converting sizes for a whole squad
- Collect each player’s height, and for adults the chest of a jersey that fits.
- Convert youth players by height using the tables above; convert adults by chest and length.
- Flag players between two sizes and choose the larger if the kit must last more than one season.
- Mix youth and adult sizes freely within the 10-piece minimum per design.
- Send the list with names and numbers; we check the breakdown before production.
Frequently asked questions
I am 12 years old and 155 cm tall. Which size should I order?
In Eliian sizing, 155 cm falls in YXL (151–160 cm). If you are close to the top of the range or still growing quickly, YXXL gives more room.
A boy is 172 cm. Youth XL or adult small?
At 172 cm he is taller than our largest youth size (YXXL, up to 168 cm), so start with adult XS (170–175 cm). A slim player who prefers a closer fit can stay in YXXL; check the chest measurements of both.
Why does my usual US size feel small in a European jersey?
Many US domestic brands cut generously, while European grading is closer to the body. Our jerseys run about one size smaller than US domestic brands, so a player who wears an L in a US brand often fits our XL. Compare chest measurements to be sure.
Can you make jerseys to our own size chart?
Yes. We can grade to your own size chart or tech pack at no extra charge, and youth and adult sizes can be mixed within the 10-piece minimum per design.
Not sure about sizing for your squad? Send us your players’ heights and we will suggest a size breakdown.
What is size 140 in US youth sizes?
A European height size 140 is for a child about 140 cm tall. In Eliian youth sizing that is YM (128–140 cm), or YL if the child is close to 140 cm and still growing.
Do women’s jerseys use the same size chart?
No. Women’s jerseys are cut slimmer and shorter, so compare chest and length with a women’s chart or a jersey that already fits.