Business

How to Reduce Clothing Returns by 35% with Size Charts

Returns are killing your profits. Here's how accurate size charts can dramatically reduce return rates and save you thousands.

Reduce Clothing Returns with Size Charts - Graph showing return rate decrease

The True Cost of Returns

For every 100 items you sell, how many come back? If you're in fashion e-commerce, the answer is likely 20-40. And each return costs you more than you think.

💸 The Real Cost Per Return

  • • Return shipping: $3-8
  • • Processing labor: $2-5
  • • Restocking/inspection: $2-4
  • • Potential markdown: 20-50% of item value
  • • Total: $10-20+ per return

Why Customers Return Clothes

Pie chart showing reasons for clothing returns - 52% wrong size, 23% style, 15% quality, 10% other
Wrong size is the #1 reason for returns
  • 52% - Wrong size/fit (addressable with size charts!)
  • 23% - Didn't like style/color
  • 15% - Quality didn't match expectations
  • 10% - Other reasons

How Size Charts Reduce Returns

1. Eliminate Sizing Guesswork

Customers can compare their measurements directly with garment dimensions, removing the "I'll order two sizes and return one" mentality.

2. Build Pre-Purchase Confidence

When customers are confident about sizing, they're less likely to bracket (order multiple sizes) and more likely to keep what they buy.

3. Set Accurate Expectations

A detailed size chart shows exactly what customers will receive, reducing "doesn't fit as expected" returns.

✅ Success Story

"After implementing detailed size charts on all our product pages, our return rate dropped from 28% to 18% within three months. That's thousands saved in processing costs."

— Online clothing boutique owner

5 Steps to Reduce Returns with Size Charts

  1. Create accurate size charts - Measure your actual garments, don't use generic charts
  2. Include all relevant measurements - Chest, length, shoulder, sleeve at minimum
  3. Add measuring instructions - Help customers measure themselves correctly
  4. Specify fit type - Slim, regular, or relaxed fit affects sizing
  5. Update regularly - Review charts when suppliers or styles change

FAQ

What percentage of clothing returns are due to wrong sizing?

Studies show that approximately 52% of all online clothing returns are due to incorrect sizing. This makes wrong fit the number one reason for apparel returns in e-commerce.

How much can size charts reduce returns?

Accurate and detailed size charts can reduce clothing returns by 25-35%. Some retailers have reported even higher reductions when combining size charts with fit guides and customer measurement tools.

What is the average cost of a clothing return?

The average cost of processing a clothing return is $10-20 per item, including shipping, processing, restocking, and potential markdowns.

Start Reducing Returns Today

Generate accurate size charts in seconds and save on return costs.

Try for Free