The Size Chart Struggle Is Real: Why It's So Hard to Get It Right—and How to Fix It
Creating a size chart sounds easy... until you're actually doing it. If you're launching a fashion brand, developing tech packs, or preparing your first factory-ready collection, you've probably found yourself asking:
"What measurements should I even include?"
"How do I know how much to add or subtract between sizes?"
"What if my size chart is totally off and all my clothes get returned?"
You're not alone. The size chart is one of the most frustrating and confusing parts of the fashion development process—especially for early-stage brands. But here's the good news: we built a tool to make it simple.
Skip the Confusion — Auto-Generate Your Size Chart
Instead of building your chart from scratch, try our Size Table Builder Tool. Just select a product category (like men's hoodie or women's dress), and our presets will automatically fill in the body parts, base measurements, and logical grading steps. One click = full spec table + PDF download. Done.
Why Creating a Size Chart Feels So Hard
There’s a reason why this task overwhelms so many:
- There's no universal standard. Brands use different sizing logic depending on their fit philosophy, target market, and product category.
- Too much math. How much do you add between XS to S? Should it be +4cm on chest and +2cm on length? What if you're wrong?
- Factories need precision. "M" is not a size—it’s a collection of exact numbers, and if you're even slightly off, your garments may come back completely misfit.
- Body vs garment confusion. Are you measuring the human body or the finished garment? Both matter, and many brands confuse the two.
That’s why tools like ours aren't just "nice to have"—they’re the bridge between design vision and production reality.
Why You Need a Size Chart in the First Place
Even if you only plan to sell S/M/L, you still need a detailed chart. Here’s why:
- Consistency. Each new design should follow the same grading logic, or else your customers will notice inconsistencies.
- Factory communication. Your manufacturer won't guess your intentions. They need exact measurements in a PDF or tech pack.
- Customer trust. A clear size chart on your website reduces uncertainty, increases confidence, and lowers return rates.
Think of your size chart as the skeleton of your product—it gives structure to your collection.
How to Actually Create a Size Chart (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your base size — usually M or your expected best-seller.
- Decide on key body parts — e.g., Chest, Shoulder, Sleeve.
- Fill in base measurements — in cm or inches, based on your fit sample.
- Apply grading logic — determine how much to add/subtract between each size.
- Double check real-world reference charts — COS, Uniqlo, Zara are great guides.
- Export and share with your team/factory.
Or just use our Size Table Builder Tool and let us handle it.
Grading Logic for Different Product Types
Every product has its own rhythm of size jumps. Here's a snapshot of our presets:
👕 Men's T-Shirt
- Base: Chest 100cm, Shoulder 42cm, Length 70cm
- Grading: -8, -4, 0, +4, +6
👖 Men's Pants
- Base: Waist 82cm, Hip 100cm, Outseam 102cm
- Grading: -6, -3, 0, +3, +5
👗 Women's Dress
- Base: Bust 88cm, Waist 70cm, Hip 90cm, Length 90cm
- Grading: -6, -3, 0, +3, +6
Each product has a different fit logic—outerwear is roomier, skirts sit higher, and t-shirts are relaxed.
Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone, and You Don't Need to Guess
We get it—sizing is intimidating. But you don’t need a technical design degree to get it right. With logic, real-world references, and the right tools, you can build a chart that feels professional, fits well, and makes manufacturing smoother.
Try the free Size Table Builder today and get back to focusing on what really matters: designing clothing people love to wear.
Looking for a more technical breakdown? Read our full grading logic guide here.