To prevent ordering errors, some online clothing retailers describe their products as “true to size.” What does true to size mean, and should you use it for your e-commerce clothing store?
Learn the truth about true-to-size clothing charts and the best way to help customers order the right item.
What Does True to Size Mean, and Where Did It Come From?
True to size means that the listed sizing for an article of clothing is accurate according to the industry standard. The garment should fit as you expect it to based on your measurements. In other words, a company’s size 10 is what everyone agrees a size 10 really is.
The term seems to have originated in the footwear industry where the Brannock device became the commonly accepted way to measure feet in the U.S. (Europeans favor either the English scale or the Paris Point system.) Consequently, shoe companies can genuinely refer to footwear as being true to size, meaning the size follows those commonly accepted conventions.
What’s the Problem With Advertising Clothing as True to Size?
The problem with the expression “true to size” is that the fashion industry as a whole doesn’t use standardized sizing, and brands can size garments however they wish. Therefore, some companies use “true to size” on their product descriptions to mean that the sizing is accurate according to their preferred sizing chart. Customers tend to consider something as true to size when it fits the same as their favorite brand of apparel.
This issue is most noticeable in women’s and youth clothing sizes. A woman’s size 10 actually means something different to each company. This trend is less of a concern in men’s clothing because pants, dress shirts, and suits use actual measurements for the chest, waist, and inseam. However, some brands have been known to fudge the numbers here and there.
Other brands use the term “true to size” as meaning “regular fit.” They do this to contrast the garment’s cut with a petite, slim, trim, relaxed, or oversized fit.
Should You Use True-to-Size Clothing Charts?
Advertising your clothing as true to size can create problems, especially for online retailers. If your idea of true to size doesn’t mean the same as your customers’, you’re going to get a lot of returns and complaints. This challenge can occur even when using the OS label to accommodate various body types and sizes.
The term can be helpful in those few markets where the industry has clearly defined sizing. These may include hats, shoes, and men’s clothing that uses actual measurements in inches or centimeters, but there are always outliers.
The only way to get a truly true-to-size clothing chart is by giving your shoppers a simple system for measuring themselves and comparing those figures with your store’s sizing chart. A user-friendly sizing app is the best way to provide accurate, product-specific sizing recommendations.
Eliminate Customer Complaints and Concerns About True-to-Size Clothing
In reality, the expression “true to size” is often a marketing gimmick that may not help your customers. Your best option is to assist customers in finding the correct size with their accurate measurements.
Instead of confusing customers about what true to size means, help them size their garments correctly with the Kiwi Sizing app. This foolproof method helps you reduce returns and complaints. Feel free to contact our team to learn more.
