Tallit Katan Buying Guide: Fabric, Custom, Strings and Size
A tallit katan is a four-cornered garment with tzitzit, worn every day under or over the shirt to fulfill the mitzvah of tzitzit. To choose one, decide on four things: the fabric, your tying custom (Ashkenazi, Sephardi or Chabad), thin or thick strings, and the right size.
Choosing a tallit katan in 4 steps
- Pick the fabric that suits your climate and how you wear it.
- Choose your tying custom: Ashkenazi, Sephardi or Chabad.
- Decide on the strings: thin machine-made (meyuchad) or thick hand-spun.
- Find your size using the size chart on each product page.
1. Compare the fabrics
| Fabric | Best for | Feel | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Year-round, traditional preference of many authorities | Warm in winter, breathable | Hand wash cool |
| Cotton | Everyday wear, warm climates | Soft and light | Machine wash |
| Mesh | Summer heat, active days | Open and airy | Machine wash |
| Dri-Fit | Sport, school, long days | Moisture-wicking, stretchy | Machine wash |
| Poly-cotton | Low maintenance | Durable, wrinkle-resistant | Machine wash |
Prefer something that looks like a regular undershirt? A tzitzit T-shirt in cotton or Dri-Fit has the tzitzit attached at the corners. If you are unsure which fabric your community prefers, ask your rabbi.
2. Choose your tying custom
The garment can look the same; the difference is how the strings are wound and knotted. Every tallit katan on VeAhavta lets you select Ashkenazi, Sephardi or Chabad (Arizal) tying, so it arrives ready to wear.
3. Thin or thick strings?
Machine-made (meyuchad) strings are thin and uniform, and sit neatly under clothing. Hand-spun strings are thicker, with a traditional look. Some customs prefer one over the other; both are available on most of our garments. For tekhelet, see our Ptil Tekhelet tzitzit.
4. Find the right size
Measure a shirt that fits you well, flat: the chest width from side to side and the length from the top of the shoulder to the hem. Compare with the size chart on the product page. Children's sizes are listed by age.
Is it kosher?
Our tallit katan garments are tied under rabbinic supervision by established makers, and each product page lists the maker. Before adding to cart, check the tying custom, the string type and the size.
How to wash a tallit katan
Tie the tzitzit strings loosely together, or put the garment in a mesh laundry bag so the strings do not tangle. Wash on a gentle cycle and hang to dry. Wash wool by hand in cool water with a mild detergent.
Popular tallit katan styles
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tallit katan and a tallit gadol?
A tallit katan ("small tallit") is worn all day as a garment. A tallit gadol is the larger prayer shawl worn during morning prayers.
At what age do boys start wearing a tallit katan?
Many families start when a boy is old enough to keep the tzitzit clean and respected, often around age three. Customs vary, so ask your rabbi.
Wool or cotton tallit katan?
Many halachic authorities prefer wool, and many people wear wool year-round. Cotton is lighter and popular in warm climates. Follow your family's custom.
Do you ship tallit katan internationally?
Yes. Orders ship the same business day from our US warehouse, with free US shipping over $85 and international shipping with USPS and UPS Express.
Find your tallit katan
Wool, cotton, mesh and Dri-Fit, tied Ashkenazi, Sephardi or Chabad.
Shop tallit katan