Straight to the point
If you sell kids’ clothing online, you already know: returns are a headache.
Not just for your team, but for your bottom line. Between restocking, repackaging, and lost sales, returns are expensive. They’re also frustrating for customers who wanted to make their kid’s day with a fun outfit… not spend time printing a return label and sending it back.
But here’s the good news: one of the simplest ways to reduce returns is also one of the most overlooked: your children’s size chart.
Let’s talk about why size charts matter, and how to do them right
The Reality of Returns in Kids’ Fashion
Return rates in online apparel are already high, between 20% to 30% is common in the US. But when it comes to children’s clothing, things get even trickier:
- Kids grow quickly, which makes parents cautious about sizing.
- Sizes vary widely from one brand to another.
- Gift-givers (grandparents, friends, aunts and uncles) often guess sizes without accurate info.
When customers aren’t confident about fit, they either:
- Size up “just in case” (which often leads to poor fit and returns);
- Abandon their cart altogether; or
- Buy multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit.
None of those outcomes are ideal for your business. But there’s a solution, and it starts with better sizing information.
Why Standard Sizing Isn’t Enough
Most shoppers expect at least some guidance on fit, but “standard” sizing isn’t really standard when it comes to kids’ clothes.
A size 6 in one brand might fit a tall 5-year-old in another. A slim-fit shirt in size 8 might not even get past the shoulders of an athletic 7-year-old. Age-based sizes don’t reflect differences in height, weight, or body proportions.
This puts parents in a bind. They don’t always have time to grab a tape measure, and they don’t want to order something that’s too snug or too baggy. So they guess, and if the item doesn’t fit, it comes right back.
That’s where a detailed, accurate, and easy-to-use children’s size chart can change everything.
What a Good Size Chart Actually Does
A well-designed children’s size chart is an extremely effective sales tool. Uncertainty about which size to order is a surefire way for customers to abandon their carts, and size charts can avoid that.
Here’s how a children’s size chart can help boost sales:
It helps shoppers buy the right size the first time.
When measurements and age guidelines are clear, customers don’t have to guess which size to buy.
It boosts confidence.
Parents are more likely to complete their purchase when they trust the item will fit, i.e., fewer abandoned carts for your store.
It supports gifting.
Grandparents and relatives can confidently choose a size even if they’re not with the child in person.
It reduces returns and exchanges.
Fewer sizing mistakes mean fewer returns, and more happy customers.
In short, an accurate size chart can be the difference between a returned item and a five-star review!
What to Include in a Children’s Size Chart
Not all size charts are created equal. To make yours truly useful (and conversion-friendly), it needs to be:
Easy to Find
User experience is a big deal in fashion e-commerce. Don’t bury size charts in your FAQ or some obscure page. Add a prominent link on every product page near the size selector, ideally as a popup or drawer so shoppers don’t navigate away from the product.
Simple but Detailed
Use a clean layout that’s easy to read on both desktop and mobile. Then make sure to include:
- Age range (e.g., “4–5 years”)
- Height in cm or inches
- Weight in lbs or kg
- Chest, waist, and hip measurements
- Inseam or length (for pants, dresses, etc.)
- Foot length (for shoes)
If you sell internationally, consider a conversion chart for US, UK, and EU sizes.
Visuals + Instructions
Not everyone knows how to measure a child. Include:
- A short paragraph or bullet list explaining how and where to measure
- A simple line drawing or photo showing the measuring points (waist, hips, etc.)
Optional: Downloadable/Printable PDF
This is a great value-add for shoppers who like to print or save for later—especially useful during gifting seasons.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Clothing Size Charts for Fashion E-commerce
Children’s Shoe Size Charts: A Special Case
Footwear has its own challenges. A size that fits in one sneaker brand might feel cramped in another. Plus, kids aren’t always the best at communicating discomfort.
Here’s what to include in your kids’ shoe size chart:
- Length in cm or inches (from heel to longest toe)
- Width options, if available
- Age guidelines, but clearly secondary to measurements
- Optional: printable foot measuring guide
- You might also include tips like:
- Measure feet in the afternoon (they swell!)
- Always size up if between sizes
- Leave room for growth (about a thumb’s width at the toe)
Beyond the Chart: Tech That Personalizes the Fit
Want to go one step further? Many online stores are moving beyond static charts and using tech-powered size tools that offer personalized recommendations.
For example, tools like Size & Fit let customers input simple details (like age, height, weight) and receive an instant size suggestion tailored to the specific product they’re browsing.
This kind of recommendation engine can:
- Improve conversion rates
- Reduce size-related returns
- Help shoppers feel more confident and supported
And when combined with a clear size chart? That’s a powerful one-two punch for online sales.
The ROI of Fewer Returns
Still wondering if it’s worth updating your size chart? Let’s break down the value.
Cost Savings
Fewer returns mean lower costs across the board, from reduced spending on return shipping to less time and labor spent on restocking. You’ll also see fewer damaged or unsellable items coming back, which helps protect your margins.
Better Customer Experience
When sizing is clear and accurate, customers feel more confident and supported. That leads to fewer surprises, better reviews, and increased loyalty, plus the kind of word-of-mouth that brings new shoppers to your store.
Sustainability Bonus
Cutting down on returns also cuts down on waste. Fewer shipments and less packaging mean a lower carbon footprint and a more responsible brand image – something today’s Millennial and Gen Z parents truly value.
Small Fix, Big Results
Let’s be real, returns will never go away completely. But you can dramatically reduce the avoidable ones by investing just a little time into your sizing experience.
To recap:
- Children’s size charts are functional, but more importantly they’re strategic.
- They reduce returns, boost conversions, and increase trust.
- They should be easy to find, simple to understand, and detailed enough to be useful.
- When paired with smart fashion tech, they become a key part of a customer-first shopping experience.
If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-impact way to improve your online store’s performance, start with your size chart.
Read more: Why Plus-Size Size Charts Are Essential for Fashion E-Commerce Success
Time to Improve your Size Experience
Whether you’re fine-tuning your static chart or exploring a full-featured size recommendation solution, the goal is the same: make it easy for shoppers to get it right the first time.
Need help adding smart, intuitive sizing to your children’s fashion store? Let’s talk! Feel free to schedule a demo to learn more about Size & Fit.
