To make a T-shirt size chart for Etsy, take the garment measurements provided by the manufacturer of the T-shirt model you sell (chest width, length and sleeve length), put them in a table in inches and centimeters, add the table as an image at the end of your listing photos and write the same information as short text in the product description. State clearly whether the fit is unisex or women's and that the measurements are of the T-shirt laid flat, not body measurements. A well-made size chart reduces wrong-size orders, "which size should I get" messages and size-related low reviews.
Why does a size chart matter so much?
In online shopping, buyers can't try the T-shirt on; their only references are the photos and the measurements you provide. In the print-on-demand model this matters even more:
- The product is made to order. A wrong size often means a new production run and new shipping; that cost eats directly into your margin.
- Sizing problems are among the main causes of low reviews. A review that starts with "too tight" or "shorter than I expected" affects the next buyers even if the product quality is good. For review management, see our guide on how to get Etsy reviews.
- It reduces your message load. If the chart isn't clear, buyers write to you, and you have to reply quickly to every message.
Which measurements should a size chart include?
These columns are enough for a T-shirt size chart:
- Size: The sizes you offer (e.g. S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Only list sizes that are actually for sale.
- Chest width: The distance from one underarm seam to the other with the T-shirt laid flat. Some manufacturers give this as "half chest"; state which one your table uses.
- Length: The distance from the highest point of the shoulder seam, closest to the collar, down to the hem.
- Sleeve length (optional): From the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. For short-sleeve T-shirts most buyers look at chest and length, but add it if you have the data.
Units: Since a large share of Etsy buyers come from the US, always give measurements in inches and add centimeters next to them (1 inch = 2.54 cm). Round consistently; don't write one row as whole numbers and another with decimals in the same table.
Where should you get the measurements?
The most common size chart mistake is writing measurements from guesswork or copying another seller's chart. The same "M" can differ by a few centimeters between different models from different brands. The right sources are:
- Your production partner's product page: If you work with print on demand, use the manufacturer's size chart for the T-shirt model (blank) you produce. Match the model name and code to the product in your listing.
- Your own measurement: If you have a sample of the same model, measure each size and compare it with the manufacturer's chart.
- Tolerance note: In mass production, measurements can vary by a few millimeters or slightly more. Adding a note such as "Measurements are approximate" under the chart sets the buyer's expectations correctly.
Don't use one chart for different products such as T-shirts and sweatshirts; every product type has a different fit. For sweatshirts and hoodies, see our guide to selling sweatshirts and hoodies.
Measuring step by step with a sample
- Lay the T-shirt flat on a table and smooth out the wrinkles by hand; don't stretch it.
- Measure the chest width by holding the tape straight from one underarm seam to the other.
- Measure the length in a straight line from the highest point of the shoulder seam to the hem.
- Measure the sleeve length from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve.
- Take every measurement twice, note the result and convert it to inches.
Unisex, women's fit and oversized: how to describe the fit
Just as important as the measurements is explaining how the T-shirt fits on the body:
- Unisex fit: Usually a straight cut close to the men's fit. Women see a more relaxed fit in this cut. Adding guidance such as "For a more fitted look, size down" to the description is common practice, but make sure this advice is consistent with the measurements in your chart.
- Women's fit: Usually a more shaped, narrower and shorter cut. Give its measurements separately from the unisex chart; the same letter size doesn't match the same measurements in the two fits.
- Oversized look: With the loose-fit trend, buyers deliberately choose a larger size. A note like "For an oversized look, size up one or two sizes" helps buyers make the right decision.
If you use a real model photo, state the model's height and the size they're wearing. That single line makes it easier for buyers to compare themselves with the model.
How do you add a size chart to an Etsy listing?
The safest approach is to give sizing information in three places in the listing:
- As an image in the photos: Prepare the chart as a simple image with large text that is readable on a phone and add it at the end of your listing photos. The first photo should be the product itself. Etsy requires at least one unedited photo for most items; for print-on-demand items, stock mockups authorized by their owner can be used. For details, see our guide on creating product mockups.
- As text in the description: The image may look small on a phone, and text is also accessible to buyers who can't see the image. Write the fit information and measurements as a short block in the description. For description structure, see our guide on how to write an Etsy product description.
- With the right options in variations: Add sizes as variations. On Etsy, measurement-type variations use a sizing scale, and you can set different prices, quantities or SKUs per size. If larger sizes cost more, you can reflect this in the price. For setup steps, see our guide on adding Etsy variations.
Since most buyers are abroad, write the size block in your description in English. An example structure:
SIZE & FIT: Unisex fit, true to size. For a fitted look, size down; for an oversized look, size up 1–2 sizes. Measurements are of the garment laid flat and may vary slightly. See the size chart in the photos.
Common mistakes
- Confusing body measurements with garment measurements: Write in the heading which one your chart shows. Giving garment measurements and calling them "chest circumference" misleads buyers.
- Giving only centimeters: US buyers expect inches; buyers who have to convert either make mistakes or give up.
- Giving the chart only as an image: The image can be missed; include a short summary in the description too.
- Skipping care information: Cotton products may shrink somewhat in the wash. Write the washing instructions according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
- Leaving the return and exchange rule unclear: State clearly whether you accept size exchanges for made-to-order products. For settings, see our Etsy return policy guide.
- Replying late to size questions: Prepare a quick reply template for the "which size should I get" question. Template setup is covered in our Etsy message response rate guide.
Send size and color variations ready-made with Printmeet
On Printmeet you can apply your design to T-shirts and other products, create mockups automatically and send the product to Etsy with size and color variations. Information images that belong to the product, such as a size chart, are placed at the end of the listing photos; the mockups stay in front. Orders are produced and shipped by our production partners in the US. For the overall flow of selling T-shirts, see our guide on selling T-shirts on Etsy, and for all the steps, the how it works page.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you add a size chart on Etsy?
Etsy listings don't have a separate size chart field; sellers add the chart as an image at the end of the listing photos and write the same measurements as text in the product description. Sizes themselves are set up as variations.
Should a size chart be in inches or centimeters?
Both. Since a large share of buyers come from the US, inches are essential; adding centimeters next to them helps buyers in other countries. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters.
Which size should women choose in a unisex T-shirt?
There's no fixed rule. The unisex fit sits more loosely on women, so suggest that buyers compare the garment measurements with the flat measurements of their favorite T-shirt. Those who want a more fitted look usually size down.
Can you set different prices per size on Etsy?
Yes. In the variation settings, turn on the option to vary the price by variation and enter a separate price for each size. With the same option, quantity and SKU can also be set per size.