Size Run Planner
Enter your total units and target market — get an instant size distribution recommendation with risk alerts.
Step 1: Your Order Details
Enter your custom percentage per size (must total 100%)
Your Size Run
| Size | % of Run | Units | Distribution | Risk |
|---|
What Is a Size Run?
Size run definition
A size run is the assortment of sizes you order for a single style — for example, 50 units in S, 100 in M, 100 in L, and 50 in XL. Getting the ratio right is one of the most common challenges for new clothing brands. Order too many XLs and they sit in your warehouse; order too few mediums and you leave money on the table.
What's the standard size run for North America?
For most tops in North America, a common starting ratio is: XS 5% / S 20% / M 30% / L 25% / XL 15% / XXL 5%. M and L together typically account for more than half your run. That said, this shifts significantly by garment type, price point, and audience demographics — a plus-size brand will have a very different curve than a unisex streetwear brand.
Why does market matter?
Body size distributions vary by region. Asian markets generally skew smaller (XS–M heavy), while North American and Australian markets skew medium-to-large. European sizing falls in between. If you're selling internationally, consider ordering two separate size runs rather than one blended ratio.
What's the biggest mistake brands make with size runs?
Over-ordering extreme sizes (XXS and XXL) because MOQ minimums are per style, not per size. Factories often require a minimum per size — say 30 units — which forces brands to order 30 XS and 30 XXL even if they'll only sell 5 of each. Know your factory's size-level MOQ before planning your run.
How do I validate my size run before I order?
If you have any prior sales data, use it. Even 20–30 orders from a Kickstarter or pre-order campaign will tell you more than any benchmark. If you're starting from zero, consider a pre-order model: take orders by size before committing to production quantities.
Need help planning your first production run?
Topology works with emerging brands on sampling, production, and quality control. No minimums on consultation.
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