How measurements and units work
Measurement fields are configured per category and rendered consistently on every listing. Getting them right is the cheapest available reduction in return rate for anyone selling apparel, where the size on the label is frequently not the size of the garment.
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Why measurements beat sizes
A vintage size 10 is not a modern size 10, a European 42 is not a US 42, and two brands making the same nominal size will differ by several centimetres in the chest. Buyers of secondhand clothing know this, which is why measurements are the first thing an experienced buyer looks for and the first thing they message you about when they are missing.
Returns in apparel resale are overwhelmingly a fit problem, and fit problems are overwhelmingly a measurement problem. This is the highest-leverage listing detail there is.
Configuring measurement fields
Measurement fields are defined per category so you are not asked for an inseam on a lamp. Set them once, and intake prompts for exactly the measurements that category needs. You also choose the display format — inline within the description, a block, or a bullet list — so listings across your catalogue look like they came from one shop.
| Category | Measurements worth capturing |
|---|---|
| Tops and outerwear | Pit to pit, length, shoulder, sleeve |
| Trousers and jeans | Waist, rise, inseam, leg opening |
| Dresses | Bust, waist, hip, length |
| Shoes | Insole length, width, heel height |
| Furniture | Width, depth, height, seat height |
| Art and frames | Framed and unframed dimensions |
Units
Set your unit preference — inches or centimetres, pounds or kilograms — at the account level so it is consistent everywhere. If you sell internationally, giving both is worth the small extra effort, because a buyer who has to convert is a buyer who might not bother.
Consistency is the point
The value is not any single measurement — it is that every listing in your shop presents the same measurements in the same order in the same format. That builds the impression of a professional operation, and it makes your listings scannable to repeat buyers who learn where to look.
Frequently asked questions
Do measurements affect marketplace search?
Indirectly and strongly. Listings with complete measurements convert better and get returned less, and both of those feed the engagement signals marketplaces use to rank. Some platforms also match structured size attributes directly to buyer filters.
Can the AI read measurements from photos?
It can infer approximate proportions, but you should measure. A tape measure takes fifteen seconds and produces a number you can stand behind if a buyer disputes fit.
Should I list both the tag size and measurements?
Yes. Tag size helps buyers filter and find the listing; measurements help them decide. Where the two disagree — common in vintage — say so explicitly.
How do I handle stretch fabrics?
Measure relaxed and note that the garment stretches. Measuring stretched produces a number that is technically true and functionally misleading, which is the kind of thing that generates returns.
Step-by-step product docs
This guide explains how it works. These show you exactly where to click.
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