For apparel, footwear, rings, pet accessories and many other products, size is the biggest reason customers return items. A clear, accurate size chart answers the question "Will this fit?" before the order is placed. On TikTok Shop, where many shoppers buy impulsively from a video, a good size chart can be the difference between a happy customer and a return.
This guide explains how to build size charts, how to add them to TikTok Shop listings and how to use them to cut returns. Size chart tools and fields vary by category and market, so check the options available when you create or edit a product.
Why Size Charts Matter on TikTok Shop
- Fewer returns: wrong size is a leading reason for apparel returns.
- Higher conversion: shoppers buy with more confidence when they can check fit.
- Better reviews: fit complaints drag ratings down.
- Fewer messages: customers stop asking "What size should I get?"
- Healthier account metrics: fewer returns and complaints support shop performance.
Ways to Add a Size Chart
Depending on category and market, TikTok Shop may offer a structured size chart tool, a size chart template you fill in, or an option to upload a size chart image. Some categories make a size chart mandatory. Where a structured tool exists, use it, because structured charts display consistently and are easier to read on phones. Where only images are supported, design the image carefully for mobile screens.
Size charts can sometimes be saved as templates and reused across similar products, which saves time and keeps sizing consistent.
Body Measurements vs Garment Measurements
There are two types of size chart. A body measurement chart tells customers which size fits their body, for example "Size M fits chest 96 to 101 cm". A garment measurement chart shows the actual dimensions of the item, for example "Size M chest width 52 cm laid flat". Both are useful. Garment measurements are particularly helpful because customers can compare them with a similar item they already own.
Make it clear which type you are showing. Confusion between body and garment measurements causes many sizing mistakes.
What to Measure
Choose measurements that matter for the product type:
- Tops: chest, length, shoulder width and sleeve length.
- Bottoms: waist, hips, inseam, rise and thigh.
- Dresses: bust, waist, hips and length.
- Footwear: foot length and width, with conversions between size systems.
- Rings: inner diameter or circumference.
- Pet products: neck, chest and back length.
- Hats: head circumference.
How to Measure Accurately
Measure several units of each size from production stock, not just samples, because manufacturing tolerances vary. Lay garments flat, smooth out wrinkles and measure consistently, for example chest width one centimetre below the armhole. Record the average. Include a small diagram showing where each measurement is taken, so customers can measure their own clothes the same way.
Units and International Sizing
Show measurements in the units your market uses, and consider showing both centimetres and inches. If you sell internationally or your products come from a supplier using a different size system, provide conversions, such as UK, EU and US sizes for footwear. Never simply relabel sizes; an Asian size M often fits like a Western size S. Our guide to international expansion covers market differences.
Adding Fit Notes
Numbers alone do not tell the whole story. Add fit notes: "relaxed fit", "runs small, size up if between sizes", "stretchy fabric" or "model is 170 cm and wears size S". Fit notes are among the most useful pieces of information for shoppers, and they work best when based on real customer feedback and returns data.
Sizes as Variants
Sizes are usually set up as variants, each with its own SKU, stock and sometimes price. Name sizes consistently across your catalog and order them from smallest to largest. Our guide to SKUs and variants explains the setup.
If a product runs differently from the rest of your range, say so at the top of the fit notes rather than at the bottom, because many shoppers only read the first line.
Showing Fit in Videos
TikTok is a video platform, so use it. Creators and hosts can show the same item on different body types, state their height and size worn and demonstrate stretch and length. In LIVE sessions, keep size information ready to answer questions instantly. Our guide to fashion on TikTok Shop covers fit content.
Using Returns Data to Improve Charts
Track return reasons by product and size. If one product has many "too small" returns, update the fit note or the chart, or check whether a production batch differs. Read reviews for sizing comments and look for patterns. Our returns guide explains how to record reasons.
Designing Size Chart Images for Mobile
If you upload a size chart as an image, design it for a phone screen. Use large, clear numbers, high contrast and a simple table. Avoid tiny fonts and too many columns. Test the image on a real phone; if you have to zoom to read it, customers will not bother.
A Worked Example: A Denim Brand
A denim brand receives many "too tight" returns on a new slim fit. The team measures twenty pairs across sizes and finds the waist runs about two centimetres small compared with their other fits. They update the garment measurement chart, add a fit note ("slim fit, size up if between sizes") and ask creators to mention it in videos. Size-related returns fall noticeably over the next month, and new reviews mention that the fit guidance was accurate.
Size Charts for Non-Apparel Products
Size charts are not only for clothes. Furniture and home goods need dimensions shown clearly, ideally with a diagram. Phone cases need compatible models listed precisely. Bags benefit from capacity information, such as whether a laptop of a certain size fits. Pet harnesses need neck and chest measurements with guidance on how to measure a pet. Bedding needs mattress sizes and pocket depths. In each case the principle is the same: give shoppers the measurements they need to know the product will fit their body, space, device or pet.
Consistency Across Your Range
When a customer finds the right size in one of your products, they expect the same size to fit in the next. Work with manufacturers to keep sizing consistent across styles, and when a style genuinely fits differently, say so clearly in the fit note. Consistent sizing is one of the strongest drivers of repeat purchases in fashion, because loyal customers stop worrying about fit and buy new styles with confidence. Keep a master sizing specification that every factory receives, and check the first production units of every new style against it before launch.
Common Size Chart Mistakes
- Using a generic chart for every product regardless of fit.
- Copying supplier charts without measuring.
- Mixing body and garment measurements without labelling.
- No fit notes or model information.
- Images that are unreadable on phones.
- Ignoring returns and review feedback.
Size Chart Checklist
- Measure several production units per size.
- Label body or garment measurements clearly.
- Show the right units and conversions.
- Add fit notes and model details.
- Use the structured size chart tool where available.
- Test readability on a phone.
- Update charts using returns and reviews.
Desnora helps fashion and accessories brands build listings that cut returns. Explore our TikTok Shop services or get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a size chart on TikTok Shop?
Use the size chart tool or field available for your category when creating or editing a product, or upload a size chart image where supported.
Is a size chart required?
Some categories require one. Even when optional, it is strongly recommended for sized products.
Should I show body or garment measurements?
Both are useful. Label clearly which type you show, and consider including both.
Can I reuse a size chart for several products?
Yes, where templates are available, but only if the products truly share the same fit.
Should I show centimetres or inches?
Use your market's standard unit, and consider showing both.
How do I reduce size-related returns?
Measure accurately, add fit notes, show fit in videos and update charts using returns and reviews.
Can I copy my supplier's size chart?
Only after measuring your own production stock, as supplier charts are often inaccurate.
Why do Asian and Western sizes differ?
Size systems differ by region, so the same label can fit differently. Provide measurements and conversions.
Are sizes set up as variants?
Yes. Each size is usually a variant with its own SKU and stock.
What makes a good size chart image?
Large, high-contrast numbers in a simple table that is readable on a phone without zooming.
Do non-clothing products need size charts?
Often yes. Furniture, bags, phone cases, bedding and pet products all benefit from clear dimensions or compatibility information.
How do I keep sizing consistent across styles?
Give every factory the same master sizing specification and check the first production units of each new style before launch.
Where should fit notes go?
Put them next to the size chart and in the description, and ask creators to mention fit in videos so shoppers hear it before buying.