How to Create a Size Chart for a Clothing Brand: Worksheet

How to create a size chart for a clothing brand: start from your approved production measurement spec, measure finished garments, choose 4–6 key points such as chest and length, publish garment measurements in cm and inches, and note tolerances of about ±1–2 cm. Update the chart whenever the pattern or fabric changes.

A good size chart is one of the cheapest ways to reduce returns and improve reviews. A bad one, copied from a template or another brand, causes wrong orders and frustrated customers. This worksheet shows how to create a customer-facing size chart from your own production data. It is different from the measurement specification your factory uses, although it is built from it.

What is the difference between a size chart and a measurement spec?

• Measurement specification (spec sheet): the technical document for production, with many points of measure, grading rules and tolerances. Our OEM t-shirt measurement chart explains its structure.
• Customer size chart: a simplified, easy-to-read table on your product page that helps a shopper choose a size.

The size chart should be a faithful subset of the spec, measured on finished garments.

Step 1: Gather your source data

• [ ] The approved measurement specification for the style, including grading.
• [ ] Pre-production or bulk garments in every size.
• [ ] The fabric and finish details, since washed or garment-dyed items can shrink.
• [ ] Notes on the intended fit: regular, relaxed, oversized, boxy or slim.

If you do not have a spec yet, start with our tech pack template for t-shirt manufacturers.

Step 2: Choose the measurement points customers need

Keep it simple. For most products:

Define each point clearly. "Chest width" should say whether it is measured 2.5 cm below the armhole, flat, across the front.

Step 3: Measure finished garments, not patterns

• [ ] Lay each garment flat on a table, smooth but not stretched.
• [ ] Measure several pieces per size and use the typical value.
• [ ] Compare results with the spec. If they differ beyond tolerance, ask the factory why before publishing.
• [ ] For washed products, measure after the wash, because the customer receives the washed garment.

Step 4: Decide between garment and body measurements

• Garment measurements tell customers the actual size of the item. Most streetwear and basics brands use them for tops and hoodies.
• Body measurements tell customers which size suits their body. They are common in fitted womenswear and performance wear.

Many brands show garment measurements plus a short note on fit, for example: "Oversized fit. Size down for a regular fit." Some add a model reference: "Model is 183 cm and wears L."

Step 5: Format the chart for clarity

• [ ] Show centimeters and inches, or let customers toggle.
• [ ] Round sensibly, for example to the nearest 0.5 cm or 0.25 inch.
• [ ] Put sizes as columns or rows consistently across all products.
• [ ] Include a small "how to measure" diagram.
• [ ] Add a tolerance note, for example: "Measurements may vary by 1–2 cm."
• [ ] Make it easy to find on mobile, close to the size selector.

Step 6: Check grading makes sense

Grading is the step change between sizes. Look at your chart and ask:

• Do chest and length increase steadily between sizes?
• Are larger sizes graded proportionally, or do they jump?
• Does the sleeve length change with body size?

Irregular steps often signal a measurement error or a grading issue in the pattern. Our heavyweight t-shirt size grading guide explains common grading rules.

Step 7: Communicate fit and shrinkage honestly

• [ ] State the fit type for each product.
• [ ] Mention expected shrinkage for 100% cotton and how to care for the garment to minimize it.
• [ ] If the item is pre-washed or garment dyed, say so; customers worry less about shrinkage.

For background on how washing affects measurements, see our washed t-shirt shrinkage and size tolerance guide.

Turning this into an order? Weavnora develops private label tees and hoodies for brands in North America and Europe. Check the private label clothing page, then send your requirements for a quote and sampling timeline.

Step 8: Maintain the chart over time

• [ ] Re-measure samples from each new bulk run.
• [ ] Update the chart when you change factory, fabric, wash or pattern.
• [ ] Track returns and reviews mentioning fit; they show which points confuse customers.
• [ ] Keep one master file per style with version dates.

Illustrative worksheet layout

The values below are placeholders to show the layout, not recommended measurements:

Fill in A to D and the steps from your approved spec and finished garment checks.

What are common size chart mistakes?

• Copying another brand's chart, even though your fit is different.
• Using pattern measurements instead of finished garment measurements.
• Mixing up half-chest (flat) and full chest circumference without saying which.
• Using one chart for every product, when fits differ.
• Forgetting to update the chart after a production change.

How should size charts handle unisex and women's fits?

Many streetwear and basics brands sell unisex tops. If you do:

• Label the chart clearly as unisex and explain how it compares with typical men's and women's sizing, for example "Unisex sizing. Women may prefer one size down."
• Show garment measurements so every shopper can compare with a favorite item.
• If you also sell a women's cut, give it a separate chart, because shoulder, chest and length proportions differ.
• Use model references for both a male and a female model where possible.

Garment measurements vs body measurements: comparing size chart options

Brands usually choose between publishing finished garment measurements and recommended body measurements. Each option has trade-offs for customers and returns.

Many streetwear brands show both: a garment chart per style, plus a short note on the intended fit. Whichever you choose, keep it consistent across the range.

How to create a size chart for a clothing brand: typical specs and key numbers

These are typical industry estimate ranges for planning, not quotes; confirm actual figures with your supplier for your fabric, quantity and destination.

Key takeaways

• Build your size chart from approved specs and finished garment checks, not templates.
• Show four to six clear points per product with a simple measuring diagram.
• Choose garment or body measurements deliberately and explain the fit.
• Check grading steps for consistency and state realistic tolerances.
• Update the chart when production details change, and use return data to improve it.

Get production specs you can trust

Weavnora provides graded measurement specifications and pre-production measurements for every style, so your size chart matches what customers receive. See our clothing manufacturer for startups services or contact us to start sampling.

Want this priced for your brand? Share quantities, colours and target delivery in the RFQ form and we will come back with a quotation for private label tees and hoodies. See also our private label clothing page.