Have you ever ordered the perfect outfit online, only to try it on and realize it doesn’t fit quite right? You’re not alone.
Around 70% of online shoppers return clothes because of poor fit or style. Sadly, every return leads to lost sales, extra shipping costs, and unhappy customers.
Thankfully, there’s a solution: a size chart for Shopify. This size chart helps customers choose the right size of clothing and accessories easily. Having a Shopify size chart means fewer returns and a better shopping experience for everyone.
In this article, I will explain how a size chart for Shopify can help you reduce return rates in your online business.
Let’s begin!
What is a Shopify Size Chart?
A size chart for Shopify is a guide that helps your customers choose the right size for clothing, accessories, and shoes while shopping online. This chart provides measurements for different sizes so shoppers can make an accurate choice when shopping from your online store.
Internal vs. External Size Charts: Which Fits Your Shopify Store Best?
There are two types of Shopify size charts: internal and external. Each has its own benefits, depending on your business needs. Here’s a brief overview of each chart.
An Internal size chart is unique to your store. It helps you develop clothes and maintain consistent sizing across different styles within your store. This chart also contains detailed measurements like hip, bust, shoulder, neck, arm length, inseam, waist, and thigh.
You can use an internal size chart for your store if:
- You create custom-designed apparel with specific sizes
- You offer products to customers with different body types
- The fabrics used might stretch or drape differently
An external size chart is specially designed to help your customers select the right size for their body type. It has four main measurements: hip, bust, height, and waist.
Your store can use an external size chart if:
- You’re selling clothes from multiple brands
- You source products from different regions (e.g., US, UK, EU, or Asian sizes)
- You’re selling to international customers
The ROI of Accurate Sizing: Why Size Charts Slash Shopify Apparel Return Rates
Customers shopping online don’t have the privilege of trying on clothing before purchasing them. That’s why having the right size chart is so important. Here’s how a size chart for Shopify helps your business:
1- Eliminate Sizing Guesswork
Shopping for clothes online can be frustrating because sizes vary between brands. If your brand has a sizing chart, your customers won’t have to guess which cloth size suits their body. Instead of wondering if a medium will fit like a large, they can check the chart and pick the right size with confidence.
2- Protect Your Profit Margins
For every time a customer returns a product, your business incurs shipping costs, restocking fees, and sometimes loses the chance to resell the item. Having a clear size chart helps your customers make a more informed decision. This size chart saves your business from unnecessary expenses.
3- Foster Loyalty and Repeat Business
A study from ResearchGate shows that customers are likely to patronize a brand again after a great online experience. When your customers can trust your store’s sizing, they feel more confident placing an order and recommending your business because no one wants to deal with the hassle of second-guessing their size every time they shop.
4- Save Time and Resources on Processing Returns
When a customer returns an item, you have to process refunds, update inventory, and respond to their complaints. All of these tasks can slow down your business. But, if a customer gets the right size the first time, you spend less time fixing mistakes and more time focusing on growing your store.
Crafting the Perfect Fit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Shopify Size Chart Creation
Now that you’re aware of how a size chart for Shopify can help reduce returns, it’s time to create one that works for your store. Follow the steps below to craft the perfect size chart for your store:
1- Establish a Standardized Process
Before creating a size chart for your Shopify store, you need to decide on how you’ll measure your products. Will your sizes be based on US, UK, or European standards, or will you use custom sizing?
2- Choose the Right Measurement Units
Use inches, centimeters, or both—whichever makes the most sense for your audience. If you sell internationally, offer multiple unit options.
3- Use Shopify’s Metafields or Size Chart Apps
Shopify allows you to add custom size charts using Metafields or third-party apps like Clean Size Chart & Recommender. These tools simplify the process of creating a size chart for your store.
4- Design User-Friendly Charts
A good size chart helps your customers pick the right fit without guessing. Keep your size chart simple by using a clear table with labels that are easy to understand. Each column should show measurements like chest, waist, hips, or length.
Best Practices for Creating a Shopify Size Chart
- Use Images and Diagrams: Provide a visual guide that helps customers understand where to measure themselves. You can add illustrations showing how to measure the chest, waist, hips, and inseam.
- Offer Personalized Sizing Guidance: You can add a fit recommender tool that suggests the best size for a customer based on their input, such as their weight, height, and body shape.
- Create Mobile-Friendly Size Charts: Most shoppers make use of their mobile phones for shopping. Ensure that your size chart has a good interface and can load quickly. By doing this, your customers will have a good mobile shopping experience.
- Make Size Charts Easily Accessible: When adding your size chart, place it where customers can easily access it. You can add it in the product description or in a dedicated tab.
- Use International Size Conversions: If you sell to customers worldwide, add US, UK, EU, and Asian size equivalents to your chart to prevent confusion.
Invest in Size Charts for Long-Term Shopify Growth
Adding a good size chart is a must if you want to offer your customers an amazing shopping experience. When customers can easily find the right fit, they feel more confident placing an order.
- When customers know exactly what size to pick, they’re less likely to send items back, saving you time and money.
- Internal charts work best for custom apparel, while external charts help customers choose the right size across multiple brands.
- When shoppers consistently get the right fit, they’re more likely to buy from you again and recommend your store.
Final Words
Now it’s your turn! If you don’t have a size chart yet for your online apparel store, it’s time to create one. And if you already have one, take a moment to update and improve it. Your customers will thank you.
