What Does XLT Mean? Big vs Tall Shirt Sizes Explained

XLT means extra large tall: roughly an XL chest with extra length in the body and sleeves. LT is large tall, and 3XLT or 3XT is a 3XL width with tall length. A B, as in 3XB, marks a big size that adds width without the length. Choose tall if shirts fit your chest but end too short.

Big and tall labels confuse people because one letter changes the whole fit. Here is what each one means, with charts from two makers that publish theirs in inches. For the broader picture, see the sizing hub.

What do the letters mean?

Kiwi Sizing sums up the system: XL, 2XL and 3XL add width through the body; LT and XLT add length without much extra width; 2XLT, 3XLT and 4XLT add both.

How much longer is a tall size?

Look at Westport’s 3XB and 3XT. Same 54 to 56 inch chest, same 19 inch neck, but the tall shirt’s sleeve is 38/39 inches and the big shirt’s is 34/35. That is four inches of arm. Body length grows too, though Westport’s shirt chart lists sleeves rather than body length.

American Tall, which sizes for men from 6 feet to 7 feet 1 inch, lists body length and sleeve on its tall hoodies and sweaters:

Note that American Tall’s chart gives its XLT hoodie a 50 inch chest, while Westport lists XLT for a 46 to 48 inch chest. Same label, different numbers, which is why the chart beats the tag.

American flag tees in tall and big sizes

Shop big and tall American flag tees→

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

• 3XLBrowse →
• 4XL to 5XLBrowse →
• 6XL and upBrowse →
• TallBrowse →

Is tall the same as big and tall?

No. American Tall puts it directly: being tall is not the same as being big and tall. Its tall clothing adds length to the arms and legs and also a longer torso and rise, so pockets and seams land where they should on a taller body. Big and tall combines plus sizing with tall length for men who need both.

How do you measure for tall sizes?

Measure your chest around the fullest part, under the arms. Then lay a shirt that fits your chest flat and measure from the top of the shoulder to the hem; if it is too short, note how many inches you would add. For sleeves, Westport measures from the center back of the neck, across the shoulder and elbow, to the wrist. Compare those numbers with the chart on the listing.

Where next?

The big and tall 4th of July shirts page puts these sizes to work on flag tees and swim trunks, and the polos and Hawaiian shirts page covers collared shirts in tall lengths. Sizing a woman’s top instead? See what size 1X is.