Finding the right size in American flag shorts requires checking the specific brand on the tag, since each manufacturer uses its own chart based on waist and inseam measurements.
There is no universal sizing for American flag shorts. The shorts are made by several different companies, from official league suppliers to custom uniform makers, and each one cuts its sizes a little differently. Buying without checking the brand’s own chart is the fastest way to end up with shorts that are too snug or too baggy.
Why Brand Matters for American Flag Shorts
The phrase “American flag shorts” covers a broad range of products. Some come from NFL FLAG, the official youth football league. Others come from sports apparel brands like Next Level Sports or Rhino Sports. Each brand publishes its own size chart, and a size large from one company can differ by several inches at the waist from a large at another company.
Before you consult any chart, look at the tag inside the shorts for a brand or product-line name. That name tells you which chart to use. Guessing or using a generic “men’s size” chart will almost always produce the wrong result.
How to Measure Yourself for Athletic Shorts
To match any brand’s chart, you need three measurements taken in inches. Use a soft measuring tape and measure against bare skin or thin clothing.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline or where you want the shorts to sit — typically 1–2 inches below the belly button for athletic shorts.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape level.
- Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam straight down to where you want the hem to land.
Write these numbers down. They are the key to every brand’s chart. If you land between two sizes, manufacturers recommend sizing up for comfort and mobility during flag football or casual wear.
American Flag Shorts Sizing by Brand
Each major brand provides its own sizing. The tables below show the most common manufacturers for American flag shorts and their measurements. Always confirm on the brand’s official site before ordering, because charts update.
NFL FLAG Sizing
NFL FLAG’s official size chart covers Core Shorts and Flex Reversible Shorts. The inseam is consistent at 7 inches for adults and 5.5–6 inches for youth sizes.
- Adult Small: Waist 23″–24″, Hip 38″, Inseam 7″.
- Adult Medium: Waist 24″, Hip 40″, Inseam 7″.
- Adult Large: Waist 28″, Hip 46″–48″, Inseam 7″.
- Adult XL: Waist 31″, Hip 50″, Inseam 7″.
- Adult 2XL: Waist 33″–34″, Hip 52″, Inseam 7″.
- Youth Large: Waist 24″, Hip 36″, Inseam 6″.
Next Level Sports Sizing
Next Level Sports makes unisex basketball and flag football shorts with a 9-inch inseam for adults and 6-inch inseam for youth. Their support page lists exact waist measurements.
- Adult Small: Waist 28.5″, Inseam 9″.
- Adult Medium: Waist 30.5″, Inseam 9″.
- Adult Large: Waist 32.5″, Inseam 9″.
- Adult XL: Waist 34.5″, Inseam 9″.
- Youth Small: Waist 21″, Inseam 6″.
- Youth Medium: Waist 23″, Inseam 6″.
- Youth Large: Waist 25″, Inseam 6″.
- Youth XL: Waist 27″, Inseam 6″.
Rhino Sports Uniform Sets
Rhino Sports sells American flag football uniforms, often as sets. Their published chart is for shirt sizes (chest, body, shoulder lengths), not directly for shorts. Flag size charts from US Patriot Colors confirm that standard flag dimensions (like 3×5 or 4×6) refer to pole flags, not apparel — a common mix-up. If you are buying a Rhino set and the shorts size correlates to the shirt size, you will need additional confirmation from the seller before you order.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing flag sizes with apparel sizes. A 3′x5′ flag measurement has nothing to do with shorts waist or inseam. These are separate product categories sold by different retailers.
Using a shirt chart for shorts. Rhino Sports provides chest and shoulder measurements for jerseys. Applying those numbers to shorts will give you the wrong waist fit. Match the chart to the garment type.
Assuming youth and adult sizes line up. A youth large in NFL FLAG has a 24″ waist. An adult small starts at 23″–24″. The overlap is narrow, and a youth large meant for a child will be shorter in the rise and inseam.
If you are ready to buy and want to compare top-rated options from these brands, the best American flag shorts roundup shows the most popular picks with verified sizing notes.
FAQs
How do I find the brand of my American flag shorts?
Check the fabric tag sewn into the waistband or side seam. It usually lists the brand name, style number, and fiber content. That brand name is what you need to look up the correct size chart.
Do American flag shorts run small or large?
It depends on the manufacturer. NFL FLAG adult shorts fit close to listed waist measurements. Next Level Sports shorts tend to run true to size with a longer 9-inch inseam. Always measure yourself and compare to the specific brand’s chart rather than guessing.
Can I use a flag size chart to find short sizes?
No. Flag size charts (3′x5′, 4′x6′) describe the dimensions of fabric flags for poles. They have no relationship to apparel sizing and will give you completely wrong measurements if applied to shorts.
References & Sources
- NFL FLAG Fan Shop. “Size Chart.” Official sizing for Core Shorts and Flex Reversible Shorts.
- Next Level Sports Support. “Unisex Basketball & Flag Football Shorts Sizing.” Waist and inseam measurements for youth and adult sizes.
- US Patriot Colors. “Flag Sizes Chart.” Clarifies standard flag dimensions for poles versus apparel sizing.