Size Guide

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Create a size guide for apparel, footwear, or sized products
• Reduce return rates caused by incorrect sizing
• Build size comparison charts across international standards
• Write measurement instructions customers can follow at home

DO NOT use this skill for product specifications, general product descriptions, or manufacturing size specs. This is for customer-facing size guidance.

Core Principle

EVERY SIZE GUIDE MUST ANSWER: "WHAT SIZE SHOULD I ORDER?" IN UNDER 60 SECONDS — IF CUSTOMERS GUESS, THEY RETURN.

Phase 1: Brief

Required Inputs

GATE: Confirm brief and measurement data before proceeding.

Phase 2: Design

Size Guide Components

1. Size chart — measurements mapped to each size
2. How to measure — step-by-step instructions with body measurement points
3. Fit recommendations — general guidance on fit and between-sizes advice
4. International conversions — US/UK/EU size equivalents
5. Model reference — what size the model is wearing and their measurements

Measurement Types

Apparel (body measurements):

• Chest/bust, waist, hips, inseam (pants), shoulder width

Apparel (garment measurements):

• Chest width, body length, sleeve length, hem width

Footwear:

• Foot length in cm/inches, width (if applicable)

GATE: Present the guide structure and confirm measurements are complete before writing.

Phase 3: Build

Deliverables

1. Size Chart Table

2. How to Measure Instructions

• Step-by-step for each measurement point
• What to wear while measuring (fitted clothing or underwear)
• Use a flexible measuring tape — not a ruler
• Stand relaxed, do not pull the tape tight

3. Fit Recommendations

• "This product runs true to size. Order your usual size."
• "Between sizes? Size up for a relaxed fit, size down for a fitted look."
• "Our model is 5'10", 155 lbs, wearing size M."

4. International Conversion Table (if applicable)

5. FAQ

• "What if I'm between two sizes?"
• "Do your products shrink after washing?"
• "How should I measure myself?"

Phase 4: Polish

Implementation Recommendations

• Link the size guide from every product page (not buried in the footer)
• Add a "Find Your Size" button near the size selector
• Mobile-optimized format (horizontal scroll tables or accordion sections)
• Consider a size quiz tool for interactive guidance

Return Rate Tracking

After implementing the size guide, track:

• Size-related return rate (target: 20%+ reduction)
• Size guide page views vs. return rate correlation
• Customer feedback mentioning sizing accuracy

Example 1: T-Shirt Size Guide (Unisex, S-XXL)

Body measurements in inches and cm, garment measurements for each size, "runs slightly oversized — if you prefer a fitted look, size down," model reference photo with size noted.

Example 2: Shoe Size Guide (US/UK/EU)

Foot length measurement instructions (trace foot on paper, measure longest point), conversion table for US Men's, US Women's, UK, and EU sizes, width guidance if applicable, note on break-in period.

Anti-Patterns

• Measurements without instructions — "Chest: 38 inches" is useless if the customer does not know how to measure their chest. Always include how-to.
• Body vs. garment confusion — mixing body measurements and garment measurements in the same chart without labeling creates returns. Label clearly.
• Missing between-sizes advice — most customers are between sizes. Tell them what to do.
• Hiding the size guide — a size guide nobody finds does not reduce returns. Make it prominent on every product page.
• One guide for different product types — t-shirts and pants need different measurements. Create product-specific guides.

Recovery

• No measurement data available: Order one of each size and measure them. Garment measurements are better than no measurements.
• Products vary across styles: Note sizing variation per style or provide a fit description per product (slim, regular, relaxed).
• International conversions are imprecise: Note that conversions are approximate and recommend measuring for best results.
• High return rates persist: Survey returners on their experience. The guide may be accurate but hard to find or hard to understand.