Plus size and big and tall
Big and Tall Patriotic Shirts That Fit: Sizes, Charts and Tips
How big and tall sizes differ, what 3XL, 3XT and 3XB mean on real brand charts, and how to find American flag shirts that fit your chest and height.
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Big and tall patriotic shirts come in two separate fits. Big sizes add chest and waist room, while tall sizes add sleeve and body length at about the same width. Measure your chest, know whether length or width is your problem, and check each brand’s chart, because size labels are not standard between makers.
What is the difference between big and tall sizes?
“Big and tall” is one aisle but two different problems. Big sizes solve width. Tall sizes solve length. Many shoppers need one; some need both.
Westport Big & Tall publishes both fits side by side, which makes the difference easy to see:
| Westport size | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Neck (in) | Sleeve (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2XB (big) | 50 to 52 | 46 to 48 | 18 to 18.5 | 33/34 |
| 2XT (tall) | 50 to 52 | 44 to 46 | 18 to 18.5 | 37/38 |
| 3XB (big) | 54 to 56 | 50 to 52 | 19 | 34/35 |
| 3XT (tall) | 54 to 56 | 48 to 50 | 19 | 38/39 |
| 4XB (big) | 58 to 60 | 54 to 56 | 20 | 34/35 |
| 4XT (tall) | 58 to 60 | 52 to 54 | 20 | 38/39 |
At the same chest, the tall shirt runs about 4 inches longer in the sleeve, and the big shirt allows about 2 more inches at the waist. Westport also notes that its “Long” pants follow the tall chart and its “Regular” pants follow the big chart.
What do XLT, 3XT and 3XB mean?
The letters after the size tell you the fit:
- XL, 2XL, 3XL and up: the letter size, usually cut as big (wider) at the upper end.
- T or LT, XLT, 2XLT, 3XT: tall versions with added length.
- B, as in 1XB to 6XB: a label some specialists use to mark big fits clearly.
Westport’s range runs from 1XB to 6XB in big and LT to 5XT in tall. American Tall’s men’s tops run from small tall to 3XL tall, with an extra tall option that adds more body and sleeve length. Its chart lists body lengths of 30 to 32 inches for standard tall and 32.5 to 34 inches for extra tall.
How to measure for a big and tall shirt
A soft tape and two minutes save most returns. Measure over a thin T-shirt, not a hoodie.
- Chest: around the fullest part, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep the tape level.
- Waist: around your natural waist or where your pants sit, depending on the brand’s instructions.
- Sleeve (for button-downs and flannels): from the center back of your neck, over the shoulder, to the wrist bone.
- Length check: lay a shirt that fits you well flat and measure from the top of the shoulder to the hem. Compare that number with listing measurements.
If your chest falls between two sizes, choose by the fit you want. If only length is wrong, stay in your chest size and switch to tall.
What to look for in a patriotic shirt when you wear big or tall sizes
Flag graphics add a few details beyond plain sizing.
Graphic placement. A chest print that sits well on a medium can land higher or lower on a 4XL. Look at photos of the actual size you are buying when a listing shows them.
Printed, embroidered or woven. A screen-printed flag is lighter and more flexible. An embroidered flag on a polo or cap reads as more understated, which suits office days and events. Our guide to classy patriotic outfits covers low-key ways to wear red, white and blue.
Fabric for summer. Many patriotic shirts get worn at outdoor cookouts and fireworks in July heat, so warm-weather fabrics matter. Lightweight cotton, cotton blends and moisture-wicking polyester are all common.
Length you can tuck or leave out. Tall tees are meant to stay tucked or cover the waistband when you raise your arms. If a regular 3XL rides up, a 3XT fixes that without adding width.
Made in USA claims. If where it was made matters to you, check the label and our guide to Made in USA patriotic clothing before trusting a flag on the tag.
Big and tall American flag shirts on eBay
Shop the range
Browse current big and tall patriotic shirts on eBay, new condition only.
Shop big and tall patriotic shirtsOpens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns on the listing.
Which patriotic styles come in big and tall sizes?
Tees are the easiest to find in 3XL and up, and they are also the most common in tall sizes. Beyond tees, look for:
- Polos with a small flag on the chest or sleeve, for golf, work events and cookouts.
- Hoodies and sweatshirts for evening fireworks and fall games. Tall hoodies fix short sleeves as well as short bodies.
- Flannel and button-down shirts in red, white and navy plaids. These are sold by neck and sleeve on some big and tall charts, like Westport’s.
- Caps and hats, which avoid sizing issues entirely. Our men’s patriotic clothing guide covers hats and other pieces.
How to buy big and tall patriotic clothing on eBay safely
Marketplace sizing varies more than store sizing, especially for printed tees from small sellers.
- Ask for flat measurements. Chest width (armpit to armpit) and length from shoulder to hem tell you more than a size letter. Double the chest width to compare with your chest measurement, and allow a few inches of ease.
- Check the size label format. “3X”, “3XL” and “XXXL” usually mean the same size, but “3XT” and “3XLT” are tall.
- Read the return policy before buying new-with-tags items you have not tried.
- Check seller feedback for comments about sizing and print quality.
Is it okay to wear a flag shirt?
The U.S. Flag Code says the flag “should never be used as wearing apparel.” The American Legion reads that as applying to clothing made from an actual flag and says printed flag designs are acceptable. The Code has no penalties. Our full guide, is it okay to wear American flag clothing, explains the details.
Related guides
- All extended sizes, including women’s 1X to 6X: plus-size and big and tall patriotic clothing
- For women shopping extended sizes: plus-size 4th of July outfits
- What the popular designs mean: 1776 and Betsy Ross flag shirts
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 3XL and 3XLT?
A 3XL (big) shirt adds chest and waist room with regular-length sleeves. A 3XLT (tall) keeps a similar chest but adds sleeve and body length. On Westport's chart, 3XB and 3XT share a 54 to 56 inch chest, but the tall sleeve is about 4 inches longer.
How tall do you need to be for tall sizes?
There is no single rule. American Tall designs its men's range for 6 feet to 7 feet 1 inch. If regular shirts ride up at the hem or stop short of your wrist, try a tall size in your usual chest size.
Should I size up in a patriotic tee?
Only if your chest measurement sits at the top of a size range or you want a looser fit. Sizing up to get more length usually adds unwanted width; a tall size solves length without the extra room.
Is it disrespectful to wear an American flag shirt?
The American Legion says printed flag designs on clothing are acceptable. The Flag Code's apparel guidance concerns clothing made from an actual flag, and the Code sets no penalties.
What does 3XB mean on a size tag?
Some big and tall specialists add B for big and T for tall to the letter size. Westport, for example, lists big sizes 1XB to 6XB and tall sizes LT to 5XT.
Sources
- Size & Fit ChartWestport Big & Tall
- Tall Men's & Women's Clothing Size ChartAmerican Tall
- Frequently Asked Questions (U.S. flag myths and terminology)The American Legion
- 4 U.S. Code § 8: Respect for flagLegal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
Part of our guide to Plus-Size and Big and Tall Patriotic Clothing: Sizes and Fit.
