In fashion, “wrong size” is one of the most common reasons for returns. Every return costs shipping, handling and sometimes the customer. A clear size guide right next to the Add to cart button is one of the cheapest fixes.
What makes a size guide useful
- Visible where the decision happens: a “Size guide” link next to the size selector or the Add to cart button.
- Readable on phones: a scrollable table with the first column fixed.
- Both units: a cm / inches switch for international customers.
- How to measure: a short text and a diagram for chest, waist, hips, inseam.
- Specific per category: shoes, tops and trousers need different charts.
Setting it up in WooCommerce
- Install Sizely and create a size chart. The editor works like a spreadsheet, and you can paste a table from Excel or Google Sheets.
- Choose which columns convert between cm and inches.
- Add your “How to measure” text and image.
- Assign the chart to product categories: every product in the category gets it automatically, sub-categories included.
- Pick where the link appears on the product page.
Open the “Size guide” on the live demo to try it.
Write a few fit notes
Beyond the chart, one sentence like “runs small, take one size up” on a product page can prevent many returns. Your customer reviews often tell you which products need it.
More WooCommerce quick wins
Pair the size guide with a sticky Add to cart bar on mobile and back in stock alerts for sizes that sell out. Read the full list in our WooCommerce conversion tips.
How to measure your products correctly
A size guide is only as reliable as the measurements behind it. Measure several pieces of each size, flat on a table, and note the same points every time: chest or bust, waist, hips, length and sleeve for tops; waist, hips, inseam and leg opening for trousers. Specify whether figures are body measurements or garment measurements, as the difference is often several centimetres. Show both centimetres and inches if you sell internationally.
Add a “how to measure” section
Customers need to measure themselves the same way you measured. A small illustration and three short instructions (“measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal”) avoid many mistakes. Include advice for people between two sizes, for example “take the larger size for a relaxed fit”.
Use returns data to improve your guide
- Read the return reasons every month and look for patterns per product.
- If a product is often returned as “too small”, add a fit note such as “runs small, take one size up”.
- Ask customers who keep a product which size they bought and their usual size.
- Update the guide when you change supplier, as sizing often changes with it.
Beyond clothing
Size guides are useful for shoes, rings, bracelets, hats, gloves, bike frames, furniture and even pet accessories such as collars and harnesses. Anywhere a customer might ask “will it fit?”, a clear table removes the doubt before purchase.
Make it visible
Place the size guide link right next to the size selector, not in a tab at the bottom. On mobile, open it in a popup that does not leave the product page. Pair it with a sticky add to cart bar so customers can buy as soon as they have chosen. See an example on the Sizely demo and more ideas in our WooCommerce conversion tips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use one size chart for many products?
Yes. Assign the chart to a product category and every product in it, including sub-categories, shows the guide.
Can I import my existing size chart?
You can paste a table straight from Excel or Google Sheets into the editor.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The pop-up is accessible and the table scrolls with a fixed first column on phones.