We often get inquiries asking how to choose the right size wool tallit katan. If you already have one take a look just above the hem in front. If there are a series of pinstripes, count them. Some manufacturers make a Size 5 with five pinstripes, a Size 6 with six, etc. But if that's not the case, you might need some help figuring out the right size. Here's an inquiry we received this week:

Want to buy a striped tallit katan, don't understand the sizing chart. Need an XL. Which one do I choose? Thanks,  Marc B.

Wool tallitot katanim are always quite wide, in fact sometimes too wide for people. (The reason has to do with the halachic requirements regarding the size and cut.) So really you just need to make sure the tallit katan is going to be the right length (i.e. height).

The easiest way to ascertain the right length is to measure yourself from your shoulders down to the bottom of your belt. If you measure 26 inches, get a size 7. It's always better to go up a size than down a size; if it's an inch too long you tuck a bit more into your pants, but if it's an inch too short it may feel a bit awkward.