Men's vs Women's Polo Sizing: How to Choose the Right Fit

Ordering polos for a team that includes men and women raises the same question every time: "Should I get the men's or women's cut, and what size am I in each?" The two cuts are built differently, so the size you wear in one is not automatically the size you wear in the other. This guide explains the difference, shows you how to measure, and walks through real numbers from our size charts so every teammate gets a shirt that fits.

Men's vs women's polo: what is actually different?

Both cuts share the same design, collar and placket, but the pattern pieces are shaped for different bodies.

Men's polo

• Straight through the body. The chest, waist and hem are roughly the same width.
• Longer length. The hem sits lower so it stays tucked or covers the waistband.
• Broader shoulders. Shoulder seams sit wider to match a typical men's frame.
• Sized by chest. The main measurement to check is chest width.

Women's polo

• Shaped through the waist. The side seams curve in at the waist and out again at the hip.
• Shorter length. The hem sits higher to look tidy untucked.
• Narrower shoulders and a placket that sits proportionally.
• Sized by bust, waist and hip. All three matter for a good fit.

Neither cut is "better." Many women love the shaped fit of a women's polo; others prefer the relaxed look of a men's cut, especially for sports with a big arm swing like bowling. The key is to choose on purpose and size accordingly.

How to measure for a polo (2 minutes, one tape measure)

The most reliable method is to measure a shirt that already fits you well, rather than your body.

1. Lay the shirt flat on a table, buttoned up and smoothed out.
2. Chest / bust: measure straight across from armpit to armpit, then double the number.
3. Length: measure from the highest point of the shoulder (next to the collar) down to the bottom hem.
4. Shoulder: measure across the back from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
5. Compare your numbers with the chart for the exact style you want on our size guide.

Measurements are garment measurements taken flat, so allow a tolerance of about 1 inch. If you land between two sizes, choose the larger one.

Reading the numbers: a real example

Here is how our men's and women's polo charts compare in the middle of the range (garment measurements in inches):

Size	Men's polo chest	Men's polo length	Women's polo bust	Women's polo waist	Women's polo length
S	36	28	39	34	25.5
M	40	29	42	37	26.5
L	44	30	46	40	27.5
XL	48	31	50	43	28.5
2XL	52	32	54	47	29.5

Two things stand out. First, the women's polo is about 2.5 inches shorter at every size. Second, the women's cut has a separate waist measurement, which is where the shaping comes from. Both charts continue up to 5XL; see the full tables on the size guide.

Example: a woman choosing between cuts

Say her favorite shirt measures 42 inches around the bust and 37 at the waist. In the women's cut she is a clean medium. If she prefers the relaxed men's cut, she would compare 42 inches to the men's chest column and land between M (40) and L (44), so she would choose L and expect a longer, straighter shirt.

Example: a man with a broader build

If his favorite polo measures 50 inches across the chest, he falls between XL (48) and 2XL (52). Following the "size up" rule, 2XL gives him room for a full arm swing.

Which cut should each sport choose?

Bowling

Bowlers need room in the shoulders and underarms for a full swing and follow-through. Many prefer a slightly relaxed fit. Browse our bowling shirts.

Golf

A tidier fit looks better on the course, and the shorter women's length looks neat untucked. See our golf polos.

Pickleball

Quick lateral movement and warm courts make sleeveless and lightweight styles popular. Check our pickleball shirts, which include women's sleeveless polos with their own size chart.

Sizing tips for team orders

• Let each person choose their cut. The same design is available in men's, women's and kids' sizing, so the team still matches.
• Collect measurements, not just sizes. "I'm a medium" means different things in different brands. A chest number is universal.
• Check the style-specific chart. Quarter-zips, Hawaiian shirts, long-sleeve polos and sleeveless polos each have their own chart. For example, our Hawaiian shirt is cut roomier than the polo at the same size.
• Kids are sized separately. Use the kids' polo chart, not adult XS.
• Write it down. Put each name, cut, style and size in one shared sheet before anyone orders.

Common polo sizing mistakes

• Going by your size in another brand. Sizes vary a lot between brands. A medium elsewhere may be a large here, or the reverse. Always compare measurements.
• Measuring your body and comparing to a garment chart. Our charts show the shirt's measurements. If you measure your body instead, add a little ease so the shirt is not skin-tight.
• Forgetting about layering. If you will wear a long-sleeve base layer underneath during winter leagues, consider sizing up.
• Ignoring length. Taller players often need the extra length of a larger size or the men's cut, even if the chest fits in a smaller size.
• Guessing for teammates. If you are the captain, ask each person for their own measurement instead of estimating.

Fit for different body types

A chart gives numbers, but real bodies vary. If you have a broad chest and narrow waist, the men's cut may fit your shoulders while the women's cut fits your waist; choose the one that fits the widest part of you and accept a little extra room elsewhere. If you carry weight around the middle, compare your waist measurement with the women's waist column or choose a men's size by your stomach measurement, since the straight men's cut does not taper. Long-armed players can look at the long-sleeve and quarter-zip charts too.

What if it still doesn't fit?

Every Shopwada item can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of delivery, including for change of mind, and if anything arrives damaged, misprinted or not as described we will replace it or refund you. Because shirts are printed to order, an exchange means a new shirt is made, so measuring first saves you time. More answers are on our FAQ page.

FAQ: polo shirt sizing

Are men's and women's polo shirts the same?

No. Men's polos are cut straight and longer; women's polos are shaped through the waist and hip, slightly shorter, with narrower shoulders.

What size should a woman get in a men's polo?

Compare her bust measurement with the men's chest column. Many women end up one size different from their women's size, but measuring is the only reliable way to know.

How do I tell if a polo is men's or women's?

Look at the side seams: a women's polo curves in at the waist. Women's polos are also shorter and usually have a smaller collar.

Should a polo be tight or loose?

For sports, choose a fit that lets you lift your arms and swing freely without the hem riding up. If you are between sizes, size up.

Do your shirts shrink?

Our charts are garment measurements with about 1 inch tolerance. Follow the care label to keep the fit and print looking their best.

Where can I find the size chart for my style?

All charts are on our size guide, and each product page shows the chart for the style you select.

Measured and ready? Pick your design from our jersey polos and get a fit that lets you play your best. Wear Your Game.