If you're 5'10" and living in Ireland, you’ve probably stood in front of a rack of t-shirts at Primark, Penneys, or even a local Galway boutique and wondered: what size t-shirt should I wear? It’s not just about height-it’s about build, fabric, and how Irish brands cut their clothes for our body types. Unlike American brands that often run oversized, Irish retailers tend to follow European sizing, which means a medium might fit tighter than you expect.
Understanding Irish T-Shirt Sizing
In Ireland, most high-street brands like Penneys, Next, and Marks & Spencer use EU sizing standards. A man who’s 5'10" with an average build (chest around 38-40") will usually fit into a Medium. But here’s the catch: if you’ve got broader shoulders from weekend rugby at Lansdowne Road or carry a bit more weight from a few too many pints at The Brazen Head, you might need a Large. Don’t assume your US size translates directly. A US Medium is often an EU Large.
Check the label. Irish brands like Scout (Dublin-based) or Irish Design Store list measurements in centimetres. Look for the chest width-not the garment’s total width. A Medium will typically measure 50-52cm across the chest (flat, from armpit to armpit). If your actual chest is 40 inches (102cm), you want at least 52cm of fabric to allow room to breathe. Anything under 50cm will feel tight, especially when you’re reaching for a pint or pulling on a waterproof jacket in Galway rain.
Body Type Matters More Than Height
Height is just one part of the puzzle. In Ireland, you’ll meet plenty of 5'10" men who are lean from hiking the Wicklow Way, and others who’ve built muscle from lifting kegs at Dublin pub trivia nights. If you’re slim-think Dublin cyclist or Cork university student-a Medium will give you a clean, modern fit. If you’re stocky-like a Kerry farmer or a Limerick rugby player-you’ll want a Large. Some brands even offer “Relaxed Fit” or “Athletic Cut” options. Look for those.
Brands like Barbour and Columbia (sold widely in Irish outdoor stores like Mountain Equipment in Belfast or Decathlon in Dundalk) design their t-shirts with movement in mind. These are great if you’re active. They’re cut slightly longer in the torso, so they don’t ride up when you’re cycling along the Wild Atlantic Way or walking the Cliffs of Moher.
Fabric and Fit: Why Irish Weather Changes Everything
Irish weather doesn’t care about your fashion choices. One minute you’re in a light tee at a festival in Wexford, the next you’re shivering under a downpour in Sligo. That’s why fabric matters more than you think. Cotton blends are common, but 100% cotton shrinks after a wash-especially in Irish washing machines, which often run at 30°C and tumble-dry on high. Always check the care label.
Look for pre-shrunk cotton or cotton-polyester blends (60/40 or 50/50). These hold their shape better and dry faster. Brands like Uniqlo (available in Dundrum Town Centre and intu Charlestown) use HeatTech and Airism fabrics that are popular here for layering. Even in summer, you’ll want a t-shirt that doesn’t cling when damp.
And don’t forget sleeve length. If you’re 5'10" with long arms (common among Irish men), a short-sleeve tee that ends mid-bicep will look awkward. Aim for sleeves that hit just above the elbow. Most EU-sized tees get this right, but cheap fast-fashion ones from online sellers often don’t.
Where to Buy T-Shirts in Ireland That Actually Fit
Not all Irish stores are created equal. Here’s where to go based on your needs:
- For budget-friendly, reliable sizing: Penneys (Primark) - their men’s tees are consistently sized across stores. A Medium here is a safe bet for 5'10" with average build.
- For premium fit and Irish design: Scout (Dublin), Irish Design Store (online), or Galway Bay - these brands offer true-to-size fits with better fabric and cut.
- For athletic builds: Decathlon or Finish Line in Cork - their performance tees are cut longer and looser in the torso.
- For online shopping: Check ASOS or Boots’s Irish site. They let you filter by chest measurement and show real customer photos with body types.
Pro tip: Always check return policies. Many Irish online retailers like Boots and ASOS Ireland offer free returns within 28 days. Buy two sizes if you’re unsure-return the one that doesn’t fit. It’s cheaper than wearing a shirt that feels like a straitjacket at a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Real-Life Fit Examples from Around Ireland
Let’s make this practical. Here’s what works for real people in Ireland:
- Conor, 5'10", 78kg, slim build, Cork: Wears a Medium in Penneys and Scout. The shirt hits mid-hip, sleeves end just above elbow. Perfect for layering under a Donegal tweed jacket.
- Dara, 5'10", 90kg, muscular, Dublin: Needs a Large in most brands. Even then, he avoids slim-fit tees. Prefers brands like Carhartt WIP (sold in Dublin’s Temple Bar) for extra room in the chest and shoulders.
- Padraig, 5'10", 68kg, tall and lean, Galway: A Medium is fine, but he looks for longer hemlines. He hates when shirts ride up on the bike ride home from Salthill.
Notice how none of them just went by height? They looked at chest, activity, and local climate. That’s the Irish way.
How to Measure Yourself (No Tape? No Problem)
You don’t need a tailor’s tape. Here’s how to estimate your size with what you’ve got:
- Stand straight. Wrap a belt or string around the fullest part of your chest-just under your armpits.
- Mark where it overlaps. Lay it flat and measure with a ruler or a standard A4 sheet (29.7cm long).
- Double the measurement. That’s your chest size in centimetres.
Example: If your chest measures 51cm flat, you’re a Medium. If it’s 56cm, go Large. Add 2-4cm for comfort if you plan to layer.
And here’s a quick cheat sheet for 5'10" Irish men:
| Chest Size (cm) | EU Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 46-49 | Small | Very slim builds, teens, or those wanting a tight fit |
| 50-53 | Medium | Average build, most 5'10" men in Ireland |
| 54-58 | Large | Broad shoulders, muscular, or prefer relaxed fit |
| 59+ | X-Large | Large frame, heavyset, or layering under coats |
Common Mistakes Irish Men Make
Don’t fall into these traps:
- Buying based on US sizes: A US Medium is not an EU Medium. Always convert.
- Ignoring sleeve length: Short sleeves that end at the bicep look childish. Aim for mid-forearm.
- Choosing graphic tees that are too short: If the hem hits your belly button, it looks sloppy. The ideal length is just below the hip bone.
- Wearing the same size for every brand: Penneys, ASOS, and Scout all cut differently. Always check measurements.
Final Tip: Try Before You Buy (Even Online)
Irish shoppers are smart. They know online shopping saves time, but fit is everything. Use virtual try-on tools on ASOS or Zalando Ireland. Upload your height and chest size. See how the shirt drapes. Read reviews from other Irish buyers-many mention “fits true to size” or “runs small.”
And if you’re in Dublin, Belfast, or Limerick, visit a store. Try on three sizes. Walk around. Sit down. Reach up. If you can do all that without pulling or pinching, you’ve found your fit.
At 5'10" in Ireland, you’re not tall, but you’re not short either. You’re the average. And that means you’ve got the best chance of finding a t-shirt that fits just right-if you know what to look for.
Is a Medium t-shirt the right size for a 5'10" man in Ireland?
For most men who are 5'10" with an average build (chest 38-40 inches), a Medium in Irish brands like Penneys, Next, or Scout is the right size. If you’re slim, it’ll give you a clean fit. If you’re broader or muscular, go for a Large. Always check the chest measurement in centimetres on the label-this is more reliable than size labels alone.
Do Irish t-shirts run small compared to American ones?
Yes, they do. American sizing tends to be looser. A US Medium is often equivalent to an EU Large. If you normally wear a US Medium, try an EU Large in Irish stores. Brands like Penneys, ASOS Ireland, and Boots follow European standards, which are more fitted.
Should I size up if I plan to layer my t-shirt under a jacket?
Yes, especially in Ireland’s unpredictable weather. If you’re wearing a wool sweater or waterproof jacket over your tee, size up to a Large. This gives you room for movement and prevents the shirt from bunching or pulling tight when you’re cycling, walking the coast, or just stepping out into a Dublin drizzle.
What’s the best fabric for t-shirts in Ireland’s climate?
Look for cotton-polyester blends (50/50 or 60/40). Pure cotton shrinks and stays damp in Ireland’s humidity. Blends dry faster, hold their shape after washing, and are more comfortable under waterproof layers. Brands like Uniqlo and Decathlon offer these in Irish stores.
Where can I find t-shirts made for Irish body types?
Irish-designed brands like Scout (Dublin), Irish Design Store, and Galway Bay make tees with proportions suited to local builds. They avoid overly long torsos or narrow shoulders. For athletic fits, try Decathlon or Finish Line. Online, ASOS Ireland lets you filter by chest size and includes photos from Irish customers with real body types.