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What is the difference between a size chart with body measurements vs garment measurements?

The key difference between body measurements and garment measurements in size charts

Updated over 3 weeks ago

The Two Types of Measurements

When setting up size recommendations, it's crucial to understand the difference between body measurements and product (garment) measurements. Using the wrong type will result in incorrect recommendations.

Body Measurements

Body measurements are taken directly from a person's body. These are what SmartSize collects from your customers.

Examples:

  • Chest/Bust: Circumference around the fullest part of the chest

  • Waist: Circumference around the natural waistline

  • Hip: Circumference around the fullest part of the hips

  • Underbust: Circumference directly under the bust

Characteristics:

  • Measured directly on the body

  • Consistent regardless of clothing style or fit

  • What customers typically know (or can measure)

Product/Garment Measurements

Product measurements (also called garment measurements) are taken from the actual clothing item laid flat or stretched. These vary based on the intended fit of the garment.

Examples:

  • Chest width: Across the garment from armpit to armpit

  • Garment length: From shoulder to hem

  • Sleeve length: From shoulder seam to cuff

Characteristics:

  • Measured from the finished garment

  • Include ease (extra room for comfort and fit style)

  • Vary based on fit style (slim, regular, relaxed)

Which Should You Use in SmartSize?

SmartSize expects body measurements.

When customers go through the quiz, SmartSize predicts or collects their body measurements. Your size chart should specify the body measurement ranges that each size accommodates.

How to Think About It:

Ask yourself: "A customer with a body chest measurement of X cm would fit into Size M."

NOT: "Size M has a garment chest measurement of X cm."

Converting Garment Measurements to Body Measurements

If your existing size charts show garment measurements, you'll need to convert them to body measurements. Here's a general approach:

For circumference measurements (chest, waist, hip):

  1. Take the garment flat measurement

  2. Double it (to get circumference)

  3. Subtract the ease (typically 5-15 cm depending on fit style):

    • Slim fit: subtract 2-5 cm

    • Regular fit: subtract 5-10 cm

    • Relaxed/oversized: subtract 10-20 cm

Example:

If a Medium shirt has a flat chest measurement of 52 cm:

  • Circumference = 52 × 2 = 104 cm

  • For regular fit, subtract ~8 cm ease

  • Body chest range = ~96 cm

Working with Brand Size Charts

Many brands provide size charts with body measurements already - especially in their "How to Measure" or "Size Guide" sections. Look for size charts that say things like:

  • "To fit body measurements"

  • "Based on body size"

  • "Customer measurements"

These are ready to use directly in SmartSize.

Using Ranges (Min/Max)

SmartSize uses measurement ranges rather than single values. For each size, you specify:

  • Minimum: The smallest body measurement that fits this size

  • Maximum: The largest body measurement that fits this size

This allows for:

  • Overlap between sizes (some customers may fit multiple sizes)

  • Clear boundaries for recommendation logic

  • Handling the natural variation in body shapes

Best Practices

  • Verify your source: Confirm whether your size chart shows body or garment measurements before entering data

  • Test recommendations: After setting up, test with known body measurements to verify results make sense

  • Consider overlap: Size ranges can (and often should) overlap slightly for customers between sizes

  • Document your source: Keep notes on where your size data came from for future reference

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