Use this chart for

  • Youth center chest and full-front placement checks
  • Toddler shirt decal sizing before cutting HTV or vinyl
  • Small-batch custom shirts where repeatable order notes matter

Quick placement table

Area Starting size Starting placement Check before pressing
Toddler center chest 4.5-6 in wide About 1.5-2 in below collar Keep artwork simple because small shirts lose readable detail quickly
Youth center chest 6.5-8.5 in wide About 2-2.5 in below collar Compare against shirt width, not age label alone
Youth full front 7.5-9.5 in wide About 2.5-3 in below collar Avoid dropping the print too low on short torso blanks
Youth left chest 2.25-3 in wide About 2.25-3 in below collar Use a simpler logo than adult staff shirts

Assumptions and notes

  • Youth sizing varies heavily between brands, so measure the blank before pressing.
  • Small designs often need thicker strokes than adult artwork.
  • Use test paper or a scrap transfer for names, school logos, and detailed graphics.

Common mistakes

  • Using adult left-chest sizing on youth shirts.
  • Letting a tall design run too close to the waist fold.
  • Forgetting that toddler shirts have much less vertical print space.

Download / print actions

FAQ

Should I size by age or by shirt width?

Use the shirt width. Age labels are less reliable than measuring the actual blank flat.

Can I use adult templates for youth shirts?

Use the same alignment idea, but reduce design width and collar drop for youth and toddler blanks.