How to Create Accurate Size Charts for Your Tech Packs

Creating accurate size charts for your fashion tech packs is crucial for ensuring that your garments fit properly across all sizes. A well-done size chart is essential for communicating fit specifications to manufacturers and helps guarantee that your final product will meet the expectations of your customers. A tech pack without a detailed and precise size chart can lead to poor fit, returns, and damage to your brand’s reputation.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create accurate size charts for your fashion tech packs, including key measurements, best practices, and tools that can help ensure precision.

1. Understand the Key Measurements for Different Garments

The first step to creating an accurate size chart is understanding the key measurements that need to be included for the type of garment you’re designing. These measurements will vary depending on the style, fit, and intended use of the garment.

Here are some common measurements to include for different types of garments:

Tops (e.g., shirts, blouses, t-shirts)

  • Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, just under the arms.
  • Waist: Measure around the natural waistline (above the belly button).
  • Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips (for longer tops or dresses).
  • Shoulder Width: Measure across the back from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
  • Sleeve Length: Measure from the center back neck to the cuff or to the elbow for 3/4 sleeves.
  • Body Length: Measure from the center back neck down to the hemline.
  • Neck Width: For shirts with collars, measure the neck opening.

Bottoms (e.g., pants, skirts, shorts)

  • Waist: Measure around the natural waistline (where the waistband of the garment sits).
  • Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips.
  • Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam to the hemline along the inside of the leg.
  • Outseam: Measure from the waistband down the side of the leg to the hem.
  • Rise: Measure from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband.
  • Thigh: Measure around the fullest part of the thigh.

Dresses and Jumpsuits

  • Chest/Bust: As with tops, measure around the fullest part of the chest.
  • Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of the waist.
  • Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips.
  • Dress Length: Measure from the shoulder seam (or neckline) to the hem.
  • Armhole: Measure the circumference of the armhole (especially for sleeveless designs).

Outerwear (e.g., jackets, coats)

  • Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest.
  • Shoulder Width: Measure across the back from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
  • Sleeve Length: Measure from the center of the back of the neck down the arm to the wrist or desired length.
  • Body Length: Measure from the center back of the neck down to the desired hemline.
  • Waist: For coats or jackets with waist cinches or belts, include this measurement as well.

2. Determine Your Size Range

You need to define the size range for the garment based on your target audience. This range will typically include multiple sizes (e.g., XS, S, M, L, XL) and may vary depending on the market, region, and style of the garment.

  • Standard Size Range: The most common size ranges used are:
    • Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L)
    • Extra Small (XS), Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), Extra Large (XL)
    • Plus Size: For plus-size garments, you may need to add size options like 1X, 2X, 3X, or use extended sizing like XXL or XXXL.
  • International Size Conversions: If you sell in multiple countries, consider adding size conversions to your chart, such as US, UK, and EU size equivalents. For example, a US 8 may correspond to a UK 10 or EU 38.

Tip: The size chart should match the brand’s sizing philosophy—whether it’s more tailored (closer fit) or relaxed (looser fit). Clearly define your size categories and ensure they reflect the market segment you’re targeting.

3. Take Accurate Measurements for All Sizes

Once you have identified the measurements for each type of garment and established your size range, you need to calculate the measurements for all the sizes in your range. This is where grading comes into play.

  • Grading: Grading is the process of scaling measurements between different sizes. It’s essential to ensure that the garment fits well across a range of sizes without distorting the proportions of the design.
    • Standard Grading: For example, in a basic t-shirt design, you might add 2 inches to the chest circumference for each size up (e.g., 34 inches for S, 36 inches for M, 38 inches for L). The waist and hips may follow similar grading rules.
  • Grade Rules: Specify how each measurement should be adjusted between sizes. For example:
    • Chest: +2 inches per size.
    • Sleeve length: +0.5 inches per size.
    • Body length: +1 inch per size.

It’s important to keep grading proportional and balanced to avoid garments that may look skewed or ill-fitting.

Tip: Use pattern grading software or a grading chart to ensure accuracy. This allows you to automate and standardize the grading process, which is particularly useful for larger collections or bulk orders.

4. Use the Right Format and Layout for Your Size Chart

Creating a clean, easy-to-read size chart is just as important as ensuring the measurements are correct. A poorly organized size chart can confuse the manufacturer, leading to mistakes in production. Use a simple and consistent layout.

  • Tabular Format: Most size charts are presented in a table format with the sizes listed as column headers (e.g., XS, S, M, L, XL) and the body measurements as row headers (e.g., chest, waist, inseam). Ensure the table is clear, with enough space for each measurement.

Example of Size Chart Layout:

SizeXSSMLXL
Chest (inches)3234363840
Waist (inches)2628303234
Hip (inches)3436384042
Length (inches)2627282930
  • Incorporate Visuals: If possible, add a diagram showing where each measurement should be taken on the garment. This visual cue can help avoid errors, especially for complex garments.
  • Specify Units: Be sure to specify whether measurements are in inches or centimeters to prevent confusion, especially when working with international manufacturers.

5. Double-Check for Accuracy and Consistency

Once you’ve created your size chart, it’s essential to double-check your measurements to ensure they are accurate and consistent. Mistakes in measurements can lead to poorly fitting garments, returns, and dissatisfied customers.

  • Measure Samples: If possible, measure a physical sample of the garment in each size to ensure that the measurements match the size chart. This will help identify any discrepancies before production begins.
  • Test Fit: If you’re able, use a fit model to test the garment and make sure the sizing matches your expectations. This will help identify any issues with the proportions or fit before the garment enters full production.

6. Consider Special Fit Needs

Some garments require more detailed sizing and fit adjustments. For example, a plus-size garment might require more attention to the proportion of the waist, hip, and bust to ensure comfort and a flattering fit.

  • Custom Fit Options: You may also offer custom fit options for certain customers or styles (e.g., tall sizes, petite sizes). This requires additional measurement categories and grading adjustments to ensure a proper fit for those unique needs.

Tools and Resources to Help Create Size Charts

  • Grading Software: Software like TUKAcad, Lectra, or Gerber AccuMark can automate the grading process and ensure accurate size charts.
  • Spreadsheet Tools: Programs like Google Sheets or Excel can help organize and format your size charts, making it easier to manage and update.
  • Tech Pack Platforms: Platforms like Techpacker or CLO 3D can also streamline the creation of size charts by integrating them directly into your tech packs, allowing for easy collaboration and updates.

Final Thoughts

Creating accurate size charts for your tech packs is essential for ensuring high-quality, well-fitting garments. By understanding the key measurements, establishing a consistent size range, using grading techniques, and providing clear instructions, you can help ensure that the final garment meets both your design vision and your customers’ expectations. A well-crafted size chart will reduce errors during production, minimize returns, and ultimately build trust with your customers, contributing to the success of your fashion brand.