Athletic Fit

Athletic fit widens the chest and shoulder measurement relative to the waist, tapering the side seam in below the ribcage — the opposite direction of a slim fit, which trims the chest along with the waist. Fabric is frequently moisture-wicking polyester or a poly-blend rather than cotton, and set-in or raglan sleeves are standard on performance-oriented styles built this way.

Sport-Tek's ST350, Augusta Sportswear performance tees, and similar team-apparel lines are built on this block for gym wear and league merch. We size up team rosters with athletic-fit blanks almost every order — the chest measurement on a spec sheet undersells how snug the shoulders actually sit on anyone with an average or narrower build.

For team and league orders, measure shoulders as well as chest before assigning sizes, and order one sample size before committing a whole roster — athletic fit runs unpredictable on builds that don't match the intended V-taper. Pair it with a moisture-wicking poly blend for anything worn during actual activity rather than just watched from the sideline.

Buyers commonly assume athletic fit means roomy and built for an active lifestyle, similar to classic fit. It's the reverse — it runs tighter through the shoulders and arms than a standard tee, tailored specifically for a broader chest and narrower waist, and it can feel restrictive on anyone built differently.