Measure your chest at the armpit and order the size that range lands in. True to size gives you the fit the shirt was cut for. Go one down if you want more compression, one up if you want more comfort. That's the whole decision.
| Chest (in) | Size |
|---|---|
| 32.5-34.5 | XS |
| 34.5-37 | S |
| 37-40 | M |
| 40-43 | L |
| 43-45.5 | XL |
| 45.5-47 | 2XL |
| 47-49 | 3XL |
Full chart: compression shirt size chart.
Down, true, or up
Size down — maximum compression. Locked in, nothing moves, best as a base layer under a pump cover.
True to size — the fit we cut it for. Snug across the chest, free at the shoulders.
Size up — compression you forget about. Still supportive, more air.
None of these are wrong. Pick the one that matches how you want to feel in the last set, not the first.
“I wear a medium”
Then you might be a medium. Check anyway. Chest sizing across brands is a coin flip, and 30 seconds with a soft tape at the armpit beats guessing. Tape flat, arms down, breathe normally. Between two ranges? Down for compression, up for comfort — same rule.
How tight is too tight
Two tests. Take a deep breath: if your chest can't fill, it's too small. Reach straight overhead: if the hem climbs off your waist and stays there, it's too small. Snug is the point. Restricted isn't.
If it rides up
Usually the shirt is short for your torso, not tight for your chest — size up in length before you size up everywhere. Our compression shirts are a polyester/elastane knit cut form-fitting with raglan sleeves, so the sleeve moves with your shoulder instead of dragging the body of the shirt with it.
Layering
A compression top is a base layer first. Under a pump cover, size down and let the outer layer do the volume. On its own, true to size. Same shirt, two jobs — see the rest of the compression tops, including the GOKU Compression Shirt in XS-3XL.
Get the size right once and you never think about it again. That's the point of the shirt.
FAQ
What size compression shirt should I get?
Measure your chest at the armpit and order that range - 37-40 in is a medium. Size down for more compression, up for more comfort.
What size should I get if I wear a medium?
Measure first. A VHI medium is a 37-40 in chest. If you're at 40 in and want it locked in, stay at medium; if you want room, take the large.
Are compression shirts supposed to be tight?
Snug, not restrictive. You should be able to take a full breath and press overhead without the shirt fighting you.
How should a compression shirt fit?
Flat across the chest, no bunching, hem stays put when you reach up, sleeves move with the shoulder.
Should I size down for a compression shirt?
Only if you want more compression than the cut gives - usually when you're wearing it as a base layer.
Why does my compression shirt keep riding up?
Almost always length, not width. Size up or pick a longer cut rather than going wider.
How long should you wear a compression shirt?
For a session. Change out of it after - sweat-soaked fabric against skin all day is just uncomfortable.
