The T-Shirts

• All are 100 % cotton, unless it is a “Heather” color.  Heathers are a cotton blend.  The exact fabric make-up can be found in the “More Details” section of each shirt. 

• The unisex lightweight shirt and the women’s shirt are made by the same company, Bella & Canvas and have similar shoulder structure and lightweight fabric.  They both have side seams and are more fitted, especially in the shoulders and arms. 

• The unisex heavyweight shirts (made by Comfort Colors) are designed with a looser fit, especially in the shoulders and arms (see photos below), have no side seams, and are made from a heavier fabric.

The sizing charts for all three T-shirts are similar.  In constructing this graphic I realized I took measurements differently than what is showed in the charts.  I measured the sleeve length from the neck edge rather than the center of the neck, so my numbers are shorter than the sleeve lengths given.

• Unisex lightweight and women’s t-shirts are more fitted, especially in the shoulder area and sleeves. My measurements were slightly smaller than the measurements the chart states, so I wonder if they give piece size before sewing.  They both have side seams.

• The Unisex heavyweight t-shirt has no side seams and is a more generous cut in the shoulders and sleeve.

• The women’s T-shirt is much shorter than the unisex shirts.

• The Unisex t-shirts have a straight cut all the way down the body, where the women’s loses an inch at the waist and flares a bit at the hips.

Digging a Bit Deeper Into the Details

• The lightweight and women’s 2x size t-shirts measured 25.5” across the chest where the measurement chart says it’s 26”.  The heavyweight t-shirt measures 26”. 
• The body of both the unisex t-shirts were a consistent measurement all the way down to the hem, whereas the women’s started at 25.5”, reduced to 24.5” at the waist and was 26.5” at the hem.

• The Bella+Canvas shirts showed a different shoulder construction than the Comfort Color shirt.  This chart shows the shoulder and sleeve measurements. 

• Note that the women’s and the lightweight shoulder seam measures 6” whereas the heavyweight shirt has a longer, drop over the shoulder seam of 9”. 

• The total length from the neckline to sleeve hem was quite variable, ranging from 15.25” in the women’s to 18.25” in the heavyweight t-shirt. 

• The sleeve circumference was 2” larger in the heavyweight shirt also.

The Women’s  t-shirt is light weight, fitted and shorter in length than the Unisex Lightweight shirt.  It is a perfect summer weight shirt that can be worn alone or layered.  I feel these shirts run small so you may want to order a size larger unless you like a body-hugging fit. If you are looking for a looser fit you may want to move up even two sizes larger.  I love my t-shirts baggy so I always order up. The women’s shirt sizes run from Small to 3XL.

The Unisex Lightweight t-shirt is a great summer weight t-shirt with a more fitted cut than  the unisex heavyweight shirt. It is still considered a relaxed fit, just not quite as relaxed as the heavyweight shirt. It’s perfect for layering.  Tall women may appreciate the extra length of this shirt with shoulders fitting similar to the women’s cut.  Lot’s of size choices here.   Extra Small to 5XL.

The Unisex Heavyweight t-shirt is a great year-round shirt.  If you like a more casual, loose fit, and even oversized fit by ordering up, this is the one you want. Its heavier weight has a nice drape.  Its name Comfort Colors says it all – it’s just comfy.