Knowing how to make a measurement chart for your clothing store reduces returns and improves customer satisfaction. Learn how with this guide.
Returns are a part of doing business, but excessive returns can severely eat into your bottom line. The average retailer loses an estimated $166 million for every $1 billion in sales due to merchandise returns. Poor fit is the most common reason customers return clothing. Learning how to make a measurement chart for your clothing store can significantly reduce the number of returns you receive.
How To Make a Measurement Chart Yourself in 7 Steps
Size charts contain a list of measurements that correspond to a specific clothing size. The two main types are internal and external.
Internal size charts are for clothing makers and contain detailed information about the fit of garments, based on 20 to 60 or more points of measurement. External charts are for customers and usually only use the most critical body measurements for the garment type and style. Making a measurement chart involves several steps.
1. Gather Your Internal Data
Creating an accurate size chart starts with gathering detailed internal measurements. If you design your own clothing line, develop a comprehensive internal size chart for each garment. This may include points like sleeve length, shoulder width, torso length, waist rise, thigh circumference, and overall garment length.
If you sell other brands, request their internal charts or measure sample items yourself. Using a fit model or mannequin can help verify the measurements and ensure that the chart reflects how the garment fits in real life. This step is crucial because inaccurate measurements can lead to returns and customer frustration.
2. Identify Key Measurements
Once you have your internal data, determine the measurements that matter most to customers. While internal charts may contain dozens of points, the public-facing chart should focus on the critical measurements that impact fit.
For tops, this usually includes bust or chest, waist, hips, arm length, shoulder width, and neck circumference for more fitted garments. For pants, key points are waist, hips, inseam, and rise. Dresses and skirts often require bust, waist, hips, and hemline measurements. Specialty items, like undergarments, may require additional points. Additionally, consider the garment’s style and ease—how snug or relaxed it is—since this affects how customers should interpret the measurements.
3. Determine Your Size Range
The next step to create your measurement chart is to identify the range of sizes you carry and include only those in your chart. Listing sizes that aren’t available can confuse customers and lead to abandoned carts. Check clothing labels, internal charts, or fit models to determine the full size range for each line. For stores selling multiple brands, be aware that sizing may differ between brands or regions, so separate charts may be necessary to maintain accuracy. Including international size conversions (US, UK, EU, Asia) can help international customers find the right fit.
4. Compare Measurements Between Sizes
To ensure your chart is accurate, assess how measurements differ from one size to the next. Measure garments or fit models to determine size increments. For example, if a medium top has a 36-inch bust and a large has a 39-inch bust, the difference is three inches.
Understanding these differences helps customers make confident choices. Keep in mind that some garments, like oversized or form-fitting styles, may not align exactly with body measurements, so adding notes about the fit style can reduce confusion.
5. Create the Chart
Once your data is ready, compile it into a size chart using a spreadsheet, template, or sizing tool. Include rows for each size and columns for the key measurements you’ve identified. For maximum clarity, consider providing both body measurements (how the garment fits the body) and garment measurements (actual dimensions of the clothing). If possible, enhance usability with visual guides, diagrams, or fit notes—such as “relaxed fit through hips” or “snug at bust”—so customers know what to expect.
6. Add Instructions for Customers
Help your customers use your chart effectively by including clear instructions for measuring themselves. Provide unit conversions (inches ↔ centimeters) and a printable measuring tape if possible.
Explain common measurement mistakes, such as measuring over clothes or pulling the tape too tight, to improve accuracy. If you sell internationally, including a conversion table for global sizes ensures shoppers can quickly identify the right size for their region.
7. Keep Your Charts Updated
Finally, regularly review and update your size charts. Clothing lines and sizing standards may change over time, and customer feedback can reveal inconsistencies or areas of confusion.
Track returns and sizing complaints to identify potential issues—for example, if a certain top is returned frequently for being too small at the bust, consider updating the chart or adding a fit note. Periodic updates ensure your charts remain accurate, reduce returns, and maintain customer trust.
Common Challenges With Making a Measurement Chart
Size charts can be challenging to make for several reasons.
Customers Don’t Understand Them
Many customers find size charts confusing, particularly when stores only provide garment measurements, instead of body measurements. If the customer has never purchased that clothing item before, they may not have a reference.
Additionally, some garment measurements don’t match up with body measurements. For example, garments that are form-fitting or oversized may be significantly smaller or larger than the body parts they cover.
Providing body measurements makes it easier for customers to understand your chart. However, providing only body measurements can also create problems.
Some customers may want to know the specific measurements of a clothing item. Providing both types of measurements covers all your bases.
Sizes Aren’t Consistent
If you sell a lot of different brands, you may need to provide a unique size chart for each one because sizing is inconsistent across brands. Additionally, sizes in Asia and Europe are often different than sizes in North America.
Vendors Don’t Always Make Accurate Measurement Charts
The size charts from manufacturers aren’t always accurate, so you may want to check them on a fit model or mannequin before you publish your chart. The extra time you take may save you lost time and money on returns.
How To Make a Measurement Chart With a Dedicated App or Program
Creating a size chart doesn’t have to be complicated—tools like Kiwi Sizing can simplify the process and make it more accurate. Instead of manually measuring each garment and calculating differences between sizes, these tools allow you to upload your clothing data or integrate your existing internal charts. The system then generates a customer-friendly size chart, often with interactive fit recommendations. The general steps include:
- Upload your garment data or internal measurements.
- Select key measurements relevant to your clothing type.
- Generate the size chart automatically, including body and garment measurements.
- Add any instructions or notes for customers, such as fit style or international conversions.
- Publish and update easily as new items are added or sizing adjustments are made.
Using a specialized tool reduces errors, saves time, and helps your customers confidently choose the right size, ultimately reducing returns and improving satisfaction.
An Easier Way To Make Measurement Charts
No matter how much you know about how to make a measurement chart, you will probably still have customers who don’t understand or want to use it. Kiwi Sizing’s user-friendly size charts and fit recommenders can take the hassle out of dealing with size charts. Try the app today and discover how you can improve sales and reduce returns by using our tools.
