Buying clothes should be as easy as pie, but often it isn't.
This becomes even more challenging after you have to deal with XL, XXL sizes. A brand may claim that XL fits great, while at another brand, you would feel as if you have purchased clothes for a different species entirely. These are the common issues that people face when they try to get comfortable clothes: the chest area is too tight, the sleeve length is too long, or even worse, clothes may seem perfect on paper but are strange when worn.
Most commonly, this is the point when individuals start googling "xxl xxl xl xxl size in cm" and expect to get a straightforward answer. They want a straightforward one without any marketing talk; just real measurements, in centimeters, things which can be easily measured at home using a tape.
This guide is for that time when you have a tape in your hand and can't decide whether to go for the XL or the XXL. Or if "XXL" even stands for the same thing everywhere. It actually doesn't.
How about we just take it slowly and dissect this step by step?
Why Do Clothing Sizes Get So Difficult After Large Sizes
Small and medium sizes rarely cause confusion. Large sizes sometimes do. But once you start looking at XL size in cm or XXL size in cm, the differences become obvious — especially when you compare size charts.
Brands size their clothes differently. Some remain slim even when they go bigger. Others associate bigger with taller. Some don't alter the shoulders at all. And the vast majority of size labels don't provide any explanation.
That's the reason why centimeters mean a lot. They don't care about branding. They don't make guesses. They simply tell the truth.
XL and XXL Size in CM (The Real Meaning)
There is just one thing that we need to make clear first.
XL and XXL are not universal sizes. They serve as mere labels.
The actual body fitting is based on the measurements in cm that go along with those labels.
People sometimes inquire about the XL or XXL clothing size in centimeters, but what they basically want to find out is:
- Will the garment fit my chest?
- Is there going to be tension at the shoulders?
- Will it fit me perfectly or, on the contrary, will I look like the fabric has been stretched out?
The figures are the location of those answers.
Men XL Size Chart CM (General Reference)
Below is a generalized men's XL size chart cm. It is not specific to any brand. Consider it as a baseline.
| Measurement Area | XL Size in CM |
|---|---|
| Chest | 106–111 cm |
| Shoulder Width | 46–48 cm |
| Shirt Length | 72–74 cm |
| Sleeve Length | 63–65 cm |
If your body measurements fall within the area marked here, an XL would generally be appropriate for you. However, if you are on the upper limit, you will be pushing the size and things will become tight quite fast.
Men XXL Size Chart CM (General Reference)
Next we have the men XXL size chart cm. This is a place where a lot of mix-ups begin.
| Measurement Area | XXL Size in CM |
|---|---|
| Chest | 112–118 cm |
| Shoulder Width | 48–50 cm |
| Shirt Length | 74–76 cm |
| Sleeve Length | 65–67 cm |
Look, the jumps between sizes are not significant. Really. XXL doesn't mean a giant among the rest of the sizes. Sometimes just a couple of centimeters are the difference that allows for breathing.
XL vs XXL Size in CM: Where the Difference Actually Is
Most of the time, people expect a big difference. It usually isn’t, especially when browsing collections.
The main difference between XL and XXL in cm normally comes down to three factors:
- Chest space
- Shoulder width
- General hang of the garment
| Area | XL (cm) | XXL (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | 106–111 | 112–118 |
| Shoulders | 46–48 | 48–50 |
| Length | 72–74 | 74–76 |
The additional 4-7 cm in the chest are the factors that can determine whether you are going to constantly feel pulling or comfortable.
XXL Chest Size in CM and XL Chest Size in CM
The fashion industry doesn't always admit that the chest size is more important than they think.
- XL chest size in cm is typically capped at about 111 cm
- XXL chest size in cm ranges from 112 cm and up
If your chest measurement happens to be between 110 and 111 cm, you will be right at the borderline. Where you decide to throw your lot depends on your preference. Thin look or comfort.
Always take the measurement when you are relaxed. No puffing up. No sucking in.
Shoulder Width: The Silent Fit Killer
People seldom take measurements of their shoulders. When they do, they wonder why shirts always feel uncomfortable.
- XL shoulder width in cm: approximately 46-48 cm
- XXL shoulder width in cm: approximately 48-50 cm
It may be that your shoulders are broader than normal and an XL will fit your chest well but will be uncomfortably tight across the back. It is in such cases that the XXL is the right choice even though your chest measurement might be that of an XL.
XXL Shirt Size in CM vs XXL T-Shirt Size in CM
Both shirts and t-shirts have different characteristics.
A XXL shirt size in cm generally features:
- More structure
- Less stretch
- Tighter shoulders
On the other hand, a XXL t-shirt size in cm may allow:
- Stretch fabric
- Slight forgiveness of the chest
- More relaxed drape
One and the same size label. Different feeling. This is the reason why people come to believe that sizing is a joke.
The same goes for XL shirt size in cm versus XL t-shirt size in cm. T-shirts usually hide sizing errors better, especially when made from the right fabrics.
Pakistan Men Size Chart CM (What Changes Locally)
Pakistan's sizing has its unique characteristics.
According to most Pakistan men size chart cm standards, the length is a bit shorter but the chest is wider, especially with the local brands.
Typical Pakistan-Based Reference
| Size | Chest (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| XL | 108–112 | 71–73 |
| XXL | 114–120 | 73–75 |
That is the reason why at times, you feel the imported brands to be long. On the other hand, the local ones are boxy.
Therefore, when you are shopping locally, always check if the XL size chart in cm Pakistan or the XXL size chart in cm Pakistan is available.
How to Measure XXL Size in CM (At Home)
This section is usually hurried through. Don't hurry.
The things you will need are:
- Soft measuring tape
- Mirror
- 5 quiet minutes
Chest
Place the tape measure under your arms and wrap it around the fullest part of your chest. Breathe normally. Don't make the tape tighter.
Shoulders
Grab your tape measure and place it from the edge of one shoulder, across your back, to the other shoulder edge.
Length
Start with your shoulder and measure down to the point where you want your shirt to end.
That is all there is to it. That's how you really measure XXL size in cm.
How to Check XL Size in CM Before Buying Online
Before hitting the "buy" button, consider checking the following three things:
- Size chart in centimeters
- Height of the model and size of the clothing he/she is wearing
- The kind of fabric (stretch vs rigid)
Don't rely on the label. Let the numbers be your guide. This is the way to reduce returns to a minimum.
Clothing Size Conversion Chart CM (Quick Reference)
| Label | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|
| L | 100–105 |
| XL | 106–111 |
| XXL | 112–118 |
| XXXL | 119–125 |
This clothing size conversion chart cm is an imperfect one but it does not raise expectations too high.
Body Measurements for XL Size vs XXL Size
Our bodies don’t switch size so clearly, which is why fit matters more than labels.
- Body measurements for XL size often overlap with small XXL
- Body measurements for XXL size vary wildly depending on build
An individual with a broad chest and a short torso will require a different fitting method than a tall person with a belly. Size charts don’t tell this. Experience does.
Accurate XXL Size in CM Depends on Fabric Too
Stretch material allows for errors while stiff cotton doesn’t.
That is why sometimes the accurate XXL size in cm written on paper may not be right. Fabric yield does a silent job in changing everything.
Final Thoughts
The fault doesn’t lie with the sizing. The problem is with expectations.
You wouldn’t feel lost in the room if you started to rely on centimeters instead of labels. It’s not an ideal situation. It’s just one of the easier ones. XL and XXL would then be more of a deliberate choice rather than a mere guess.
And sure, there are still times when you get it wrong with the order. It is normal. Even after you have measured twice.
Such is the nature of clothes.
FAQs
1. What chest size does XXL correspond to in cm?
The range is usually anywhere between 112-118 cm depending on the brand and the region.
2. Is XXL always a longer size than XL?
No, not necessarily. Some brands extend only the width, not the length.
3. Which is better, XL or XXL?
It is a matter of chest and shoulders measurements, along with your preference for the fit.
4. Are Pakistan sizes smaller than international sizes?
They are often a bit shorter in length, and sometimes wider in the chest area.
5. Should I size up if I’m between XL and XXL?
If you value comfort more than a slim look, then definitely, yes.