A funny cat shirt should make people laugh, not make you spend the day tugging at the hem or wishing you had ordered one size up. This funny cat shirt size guide helps you find the sweet spot between looking put together and having enough room to exist comfortably with a cat on your lap.
Whether you are buying an “If I Fits, I Sits” tee for yourself or gifting “The Boss” to the friend whose tabby clearly runs the household, sizing is part of the fun. The right fit makes a clever design feel like an everyday favorite instead of a closet decoration.
Start With the Fit You Actually Like
Before looking at a size chart, think about how you wear casual shirts on a normal Saturday. Not the version of you who plans to pose in perfect lighting. The real version - coffee in hand, lint roller nearby, cat hair already involved.
Some cat people prefer a closer, classic fit that sits neatly at the shoulders and works under a cardigan or jacket. Others want a relaxed fit with extra breathing room for errands, couch naps, and surprise biscuit-making sessions. Neither choice is better. It depends on your style and how you plan to wear the shirt.
For most printed cat tees, your usual size is a solid starting point if you like a standard fit. Consider sizing up if you prefer an oversized look, have broader shoulders or a fuller chest, or want room to layer. For sweatshirts, the same rule applies, but remember that a relaxed sweatshirt can feel cozy while an overly roomy one may leave the graphic sitting lower than you expected.
A good shirt should feel comfortable across the chest, let you move your arms easily, and fall at a length you enjoy. Your cat may not care about your style. But you should.
How to Read a Funny Cat Shirt Size Guide
Apparel sizes are useful, but measurements tell the real story. A medium is not a universal promise carved into stone tablets by the ancient Council of Cat Ladies. Different garment styles, fabrics, and cuts can fit differently, even when the size label is the same.
The most helpful number on a shirt size chart is usually the chest width. This is commonly measured flat across the shirt from underarm to underarm. Double that number to compare it with the circumference of a shirt you already own and love.
Length matters, too. It is typically measured from the highest point of the shoulder down to the hem. If you are tall, like extra coverage, or plan to tuck your shirt in, compare length before ordering. A shirt can fit beautifully through the chest but still feel too short for your taste.
When a chart shows garment measurements rather than body measurements, do not measure yourself and expect the numbers to match exactly. Instead, measure a favorite clean shirt laid flat on a table. That quick comparison removes much of the guesswork.
The easiest at-home measuring method
Grab a tee or sweatshirt that fits the way you want your new one to fit. Lay it flat without stretching the fabric, then check these measurements:
- Chest width: Measure straight across from one underarm seam to the other.
- Body length: Measure from the top shoulder area down to the bottom hem.
- Sleeve length: Measure from the shoulder seam to the cuff when sleeve coverage matters to you.
- Shoulder width: Measure across the upper back if fitted shoulders tend to be your trouble spot.
Choose Your Fit: Classic, Relaxed, or Oversized
The same funny cat design can look completely different depending on fit. A classic-fit tee keeps the artwork front and center and pairs easily with jeans, shorts, or joggers. It is the dependable choice for people who want a shirt that works on its own or under a layer.
A relaxed fit gives you a little extra room through the body. It is especially nice for lounging, warmer days, or anyone who dislikes fabric clinging around the middle. If your default reaction to a shirt is “Could this be softer and less fussy?” relaxed is probably your lane.
An oversized fit brings the cozy, casual energy. Size up one for a lightly slouchy look, or size up two if you want a truly roomy tee to wear with leggings or bike shorts. Keep proportions in mind: the more you size up, the longer and wider the shirt becomes. Great for comfort, but not always ideal if you prefer a polished fit at the shoulders.
For sweatshirts, an oversized fit is a cold-weather favorite. Just leave enough space for a tee underneath without going so big that the cuffs swallow your hands. Unless that is the exact look you want. We do not judge. Cats have been wearing oversized fur coats for centuries.
Fabric, Shrinkage, and Other Tiny Details That Matter
A shirt’s material affects the way it fits and feels. Cotton-forward tees are breathable and familiar, with that easy everyday softness most people expect from a favorite graphic shirt. They may shrink slightly if washed and dried on high heat, especially if they are not pre-shrunk.
Blended fabrics often hold their shape well and can feel softer or lighter depending on the blend. They are a smart option for frequent wear, though the feel can differ from a heavier all-cotton tee. The product description and size chart should always get the final vote, because fabric weight and cut both change how a garment drapes.
If you are between sizes and concerned about shrinkage, sizing up is often the calmer choice. You can wash a slightly roomy shirt and enjoy the result. You cannot politely negotiate more fabric out of a shirt that has become too snug after laundry day.
To help your cat shirt stay true to size, wash it inside out in cold water and tumble dry low or hang it to dry. This also helps preserve printed artwork and keeps those bold cat sayings looking sharp. Your washer does not need to become the villain in this story.
Buying a Funny Cat Shirt as a Gift
Gift sizing can feel like trying to guess which chair the cat will claim next. You have clues, but certainty is not guaranteed. Start with the recipient’s usual size in casual unisex-style tees or sweatshirts. If they regularly wear a relaxed fit, choose that size. If they love oversized layers, go up one.
When you can discreetly check a shirt from their closet, do it. Measure the chest width and length of something they wear often. It is the most reliable way to buy a gift that feels thoughtful rather than merely funny.
If you cannot check, err toward a comfortable, versatile fit rather than something overly fitted. A slightly relaxed cat shirt is easy to style and easy to love. Furalo also backs its cat-approved apparel with a 30-day happiness guarantee, which takes some pressure off when you are shopping for the person who already owns more cat-themed items than they will admit.
Common Sizing Questions From Cat People
Should I size up for a unisex shirt?
Not automatically. Unisex shirts often have a straight, easy fit, but the right choice depends on the garment measurements and the look you want. Compare a shirt you own before deciding. Size up only if you want more room or an oversized style.
What if I am between sizes?
Think about where you need room most. Choose the larger size if you want extra space in the chest, shoulders, or midsection, or if you plan to layer. Choose the smaller size if you prefer a closer fit and the size chart is only slightly larger than your favorite shirt.
Will the graphic look different in a larger size?
The design is generally placed to look balanced on each garment size, but a larger shirt naturally gives the artwork more surrounding space. That is normal and often looks especially good with bold, simple cat sayings.
Can I use body measurements instead of measuring a shirt?
You can, but garment measurements are usually easier to use for apparel shopping. A favorite shirt already tells you how much ease and length you enjoy. It is a better real-life reference than a number alone.
The best size is the one that lets you wear your cat-person pride without thinking about the shirt all day. Pick the fit that feels like you, add the design that makes you grin, and save your serious decision-making energy for the truly urgent question: why is your cat yelling at the empty hallway again?