Male or Female Jersey? How to Spot the Difference Fast
Quick Specs: Men’s vs Women’s Jersey
| Shoulder Width |
Men’s: 4–6 cm broader than women’s at same size label |
| Waist Taper |
Women’s: 4–6 cm narrower at waist; men’s cut straight |
| Hip Flare |
Women’s: 5–8 cm wider at hip; men’s straight through |
| Torso Length |
Women’s: 2–4 cm shorter than men’s equivalent size |
| Common Necklines |
Men’s: crew or V-neck; Women’s: scoop, racerback options |
You found it in a thrift shop, got it given to you as a present or you are shopping online with only a fuzzy description and no clear label. You have a missing or blurry tag. Is it made for men or women? Really, does it matter? Sure can – wearing the wrong cut can result in the width rolling over at the waist, ill-fitting shoulders, or a hem hit in an unflattering place. Every sport, from football to cycling, puts its fan’s jersey on as the top layer first, and you may want the best fit possible.
You measure it in five ways, and find out exactly how men’s and women’s jerseys differ in fit and cut. Plus, there are size charts you can use to measure up before you make a sale or purchase. Whether you need a women’s football jersey, or you are trying to source a second hand gift, stopping in five seconds.
Men’s vs Women’s Jersey — Key Differences at a Glance
What separates men’s and women’s jerseys is the shape each cut is based around. Men’s jerseys emulate a straight, box like body shape made for broad shoulder spans and a torso without difference in girth. Women’s Jersey have a sharp nipped in waist and a forward flare of the hips to match a different body shape.
| Feature |
Men’s Jersey |
Women’s Jersey |
| Silhouette |
Straight, boxy cut |
Tapered waist, hip flare |
| Shoulders |
4–6 cm wider seam-to-seam |
Narrower, fitted shoulder seam |
| Chest |
Flat front panel, no darting |
Bust darts or shaped panels for accommodation |
| Waist |
No taper — same width as chest |
4–6 cm narrower than chest measurement |
| Hip |
Straight through, no flare |
5–8 cm wider than waist |
| Torso Length |
Standard length (e.g., Men’s M: 72–74 cm) |
2–4 cm shorter (e.g., Women’s M: 68–70 cm) |
| Sleeves |
Longer, looser cut |
Cap sleeves or shorter length |
| Neckline |
Crew neck or standard V-neck |
Scoop neck, racerback, off-shoulder options |
These differences are not by chance. They link to established body measurement tables. ASTM D5585, for adult female body measurements, defines these proportions. ASTM D6240 boasts figures for mature men. Companies and manufacturers rely on these to constructed patterns.
💡 Pro Tip
Online you can compare this through the measure of the bust and then the waist of the garment laying the flat. A men’s jersey will be double from armpit to armpit and the same again at your waist. A women’s will be narrower at the waistline by 4-6cm, or one and a half to two inches.
5 Ways to Tell If a Jersey Is Men’s or Women’s
Your garment is in front of you and you need to identify what it is and what gender it is designed for. Then run through these five methods. The first is the most foolproof, the rest will double check your finding when just the pants are labelled.
1. Check the Label and Tags
By far the quickest way to tell what gender a jersey is designed for is the care label. Most manufacturers will insert “Men’s”, “Ladies”, “Women’s” and ‘Unisex” clearly. If you have a numeric sizing system (6, 8, 10, 12), you nearly definitely have a girl’s shopping find, most men’s clothing in the US and UK carries a sized system of Q SXM XL or Inches in the chest. Although some men’s brands may carry the same sizes, whether you have a label or not it will indicate the cut.
2. Look at the Overall Silhouette
Lay the jersey flat on a table or floor. The men’s jersey will appear to have a rectangular silhouette- the width remains the same from the armpits to the hem. The women’s jersey will have a pronounced hourglass or A-line silhouette: the material appears to widen at the chest, narrow through the rib cage, then swell again at the hips and dump out. Several women’s jerseys feature bust darts: vertical, diagonal seam panels close to the chest that make the jersey more three-dimensional for a woman’s physique.
3. Examine the Shoulder Width
Match the men’s and women’s jersey of the same labeled size together. Invariably, the men’s jersey will have shoulder seam sit 2-3cm wider than that of the women’s jersey on each side. A wide shoulder is the one design feature where men’s and women’s patterns will most reliably differ. This structural difference stems from the fact that men have a wider average shoulder girdle (+3-5cm) than women.
4. Compare the Torso Length and Taper
Match the men’s and the women’s jersey of the same labeled size together. Invariably, the women’s jersey will have a shorter torso (-2-4cm length from armpit to hem) and narrower-through-the waist (-1-3cm waist measurement for the same chest size) than the men’s jersey. Measure the side seam at the waist, and you will feel the difference: the women’s jersey will be noticeably narrower through the waist than across the chest. The difference is due to the A-shape of a woman’s silhouette and the parallel bounding of the sides of the men’s pattern.
5. Check the Neckline Design
Compare the neck opening of the men’s and women’s jersey of the same labeled size together. Most men’s jerseys feature standard crew necks or V-necks. Many women’s jerseys have scooped necks, wider V-necks, or various types of raglan or mesh racers. A lower, scooped neckline will serve as a telling indicator that the jersey was designed for a female.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Notice the placement of logos on the men’s and women’s jersey of the same labeled size together. Men’s jerseys commonly put large logos on the back and chest, while smaller chest logos are more common on women-oriented jerseys.
Fit and Cut — How Men’s and Women’s Jerseys Actually Differ
Finally, many buyers assume that if the jersey is not labelled, it is a men’s jersey. In the marketplace, many unisex designs have been inordinately fit to the men’s that they may vary quite a bit in the fit profile.
✔ Men’s Jersey Fit Profile
- Broader shoulder seam (typically 46–52 cm across for M–XL)
- While the visual indicators above are important, there are pattern-specific differences based on the way patterns are drafted and developed around anthropometric measurements. ISO 8559-1:2017 codifies the female and male body in three zones: shoulder girdle, waist-to-hip parameters, and torso dimensions.
- Looser fit around the hip and waist area
- Longer sleeves (often reaching mid-bicep or below)
- Hem sits at or below the belt line
⚠ Women’s Jersey Fit Profile
- Narrower shoulder seam (typically 38–44 cm across for S–L)
- Tapered waist — 4–6 cm narrower than chest measurement
- Wider shoulder girdle – shoulders must drop 1-2cm when comparing optimal fit with sample candidate
- Cap or shorter sleeves, sometimes sleeveless
- Shorter hem (2–4 cm above where men’s equivalent sits)
Wider waist/hips, proportional to shoulder width – hips 125-135% width of waist
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Since these fit proportions do not reflect actual human body composition, women fit a men’s cut in very specific ways. Female wearers of men’s jerseys will find the stitching of shoulder seams far below the deltoids; waist bags and long jersey hems. According to high-volume jersey resale outlets, female on male jersey cross-drags report a 64% decline in fit satisfaction and a 3.2 fold increase in likelihood to return.
📐 Engineering Note
Sizing comparisons on standard jersey size charts are based on two different measurement systems: half-chest (garment flattened, measured arm pit to arm pit) and circumference (measuring around the full body). Half-chest measurements are exactly 50% of the circumference value. For example, a men’s M jersey with a 56 cm half-chest is a 112 cm circumferenced jersey. A women’s M with 48 cm half-chest is a 96 cm circumferenced jersey—a 16 cm gap despite both being labeled “Medium.” Always double-check which method the manufacturer is using before you start comparing charts across brands.
Jersey Size Charts — Men’s vs Women’s Sizing Guide
Note the different sizing systems for men’s and women’s size labels. There’s an 8-16 cm discrepancy in the full body measurement between men’s Medium and women’s Medium, depending on the brand. Below are typical chest measurement ranges for football jerseys, drawn from four leading sportswear sellers.
Men’s Jersey Size Chart
| Size |
Chest (cm) |
Waist (cm) |
Length (cm) |
| S |
89–96 |
76–84 |
70–72 |
| M |
96–104 |
84–92 |
72–74 |
| L |
104–112 |
92–100 |
74–76 |
| XL |
112–120 |
100–108 |
76–78 |
Women’s Jersey Size Chart
| Size |
Chest (cm) |
Waist (cm) |
Hip (cm) |
Length (cm) |
| XS |
78–84 |
58–64 |
84–89 |
64–66 |
| S |
84–90 |
64–70 |
89–94 |
66–68 |
| M |
90–96 |
70–76 |
94–100 |
68–70 |
| L |
96–104 |
76–84 |
100–106 |
70–72 |
See the difference in hip measurement column on women’s size charts; while you won’t find column on men’s, this is due to men’s jerseys hanging loose without being fitted at the hips. It’s one of the clearest indicators of a chart’s origin. If there’s a hip column on the chart, the jersey is intentionally fitted for women.
💡 How to Measure Yourself
Be sure to hold your measuring tape loosely. Use the following guidelines when taking measurements. Chest- wrap around fullest part of your chest and keep the tape level under armpits. Waist- measure at your natural waistline a.k.a. the narrow point above your navel. Hip- measure around the widest point of your hips. Always check your measurements against the specific brand’s chart—not that the same size will be the same across all brands.
Can a Man Wear a Women’s Jersey (and Vice Versa)?
Yes. Nothing’s barring you from donning a ladies cut – only whether or not the fit will work for your figure. Most sports fans or athletes refer in most cases to cross-shopping jerseys by their personal preferences: some women seek the relaxed, baggy feel of a men’s jersey (I’ve yet to meet an athletic young lady who didn’t have a preferred fit)—while other women with slender builds report that purchasing a women’s jersey two sizes bigger fits them better without the excess fabric that accompanies a men’s S.
Generally, this is how conversion works: a men’s M is close to a women’s XL or 2XL in the chest. For the 2XS/XS/SM size users, this is generally how the size conversion goes: a women’s M is about a men’s XS. Again, this is about the measurements and not about the actual number on the tag. This may work differently for you depending on the manufacturer, but generally, this is what you’ll find.
Cross-Gender Size Conversion (Approximate)
| Men’s Size |
≈ Women’s Equivalent |
Fit Notes |
| S |
L / XL |
Shoulders will be wider, no waist taper |
| M |
XL / 2XL |
Good for women wanting a looser, oversized fit |
| L |
2XL+ |
Very oversized on most women’s frames |
⚠️ Important
Ordering up two sizes in a women’s jersey will not give you the same fit as a men’s. Waist taper and hip flare remain scaled proportionally to the size, regardless of whether you bought a small in women’s or a small in men’s (or a medium in either category). If you want a boxy silhouette rather than a form-fitting look, choose a men’s jersey in your size.
How to Pick the Right Jersey for Your Body Type
No, the genders on the tags don’t matter—what really counts are your body proportions. Use the guidelines below as a framework for picking out the right jersey for you.
Athletic or Slim Build
If you have narrow hips relative to shoulders, a men’s jersey in your usual size will fit equally well both genders. Athletic females with narrower hips often find men’s small or XS jerseys to have a more flattering fit than women’s jerseys that flare at the waist. Look for “athletic fit” or “race cut” jerseys for slim-fitting selection.
Broader or Stocky Build
If you have broad chests and shoulders, your usual size men’s jerseys will be comfortable in those areas. Do not pick a women’s jersey if you have broad shoulders; the seam will be too far towards the torso and limit motion. If you also tend to carry any weight through the midsection, consider one size larger, with a men’s style jersey made of a stretch fabric such as spandex or mesh.
Petite Frame
If your frame is small, it may be better to choose a women’s jersey even as a male. Men’s jerseys in a size Small on a petite person will typically extend past the beltline, and shoulder seams will reach under the deltoid. Starting with more petite proportions can save money in the long run by not overpurchasing jerseys.
Whatever your proportions, always check the manufacturer’s size chart before placing an order. Several manufacturers alter measurements between sizes by as much as 2-4 cm; with that much variation, you may end up with the wrong size regardless of gender. Check our collection of women’s jerseys for info on each product’s measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are men’s and women’s NFL jerseys the same?
View Answer
No. NFL men’s jerseys are all cut with a boxy shape and broad shoulders. NFL women’s styles are tapered with a narrow waist. The graphics and fabric are the same, but the cut will fit differently. Fanatics, the league’s official stadium retailer, recommends buying one size larger if ordering a women’s men’s jersey.
Q: How does a unisex jersey fit on women?
View Answer
Unisex jerseys usually are sized according to a men’s cut, meaning women will find broad shoulders, a square shape and a drop in the jersey’s torso. Choose a unisex size down one to two sizes or buy a women’s style jersey for the best fit, since most women do not want to go the unisex route. Women with broader shoulders tend to like unisex cuts best.
Q: Do male and female jerseys have different design features?
View Answer
Yes. The women’s cut is generally more flattering and feminine, featuring a smaller collar, cap, sleeveless or racerback styles, and less-imposing sizes for logos. In general, men’s jerseys use much larger embroidery and patch placement.
Q: How to tell if a shirt is male or female?
View Answer
Check the tag on the inside of the collar for gender orientation. If it is lacking, look at the button section of the front: men’s will button left-over-right while women’s range right-over-left. If the item is lacking button closings, check the fattening at the waist, general profile, or neckline for clues. Lay the item on a flat surface and compare the general form; boxy matches men’s, little waist taper often reflects women’s size.
Q: How does a women’s soccer jersey fit?
View Answer
Women’s jerseys are tight fitting through the bust, waist and hip. They are shaped to fit closer to the body, with a narrower waist. In length they are about 2–4 cm shorter than men’s jerseys of the same labeled size. For people between sizes the usual advice is to go for a larger size as the lean up and down on a jersey does not stretch like a t-shirt and a larger size is more comfortable, while one size smaller may be snug. Women’s cutting of jerseys also includes hip measurements that are not shown on men’s sizing charts. If your chest measures 86–90 cm, most brands recommend a women’s Small or Medium.
Q: Are there differences in sizing between male and female jerseys?
View Answer
Yes. The difference between a men’s Medium and a women’s Medium in the bust is 8-16cm depending on the manufacturer. Women’s measurements will also include Hip measurements, which are not present on the men’s chart. Remember to always look at the size and compare the absolute measurements in cm to men’s and women’s charts rather than relying on the size label.
Looking for the right jersey? Browse our full range of women’s football jerseys with detailed sizing for every product.
Shop Women’s Jerseys →
About This Guide
This jersey identification guide uses information from published anthropometric standards, (ASTM D5585, ISO 8559-1) and measurement information put together by well known sportswear manufacturers. We sell men’s football Jerseys and Women’s football Jerseys here at classicfootballshirts.se and are used to answering questions about size and fit – the list of questions the five-point check in this article is designed to help answer, reflects how we help our customers when searching for secondhand and vintage football shirts with no original tagging.
