Why Size Charts Matter When Buying Clothes Online

Introduction: One Small Chart, One Big Decision

Buying clothes online should feel exciting—not uncertain. Yet for many shoppers, especially when choosing mens wear or womens wear, that moment before clicking Buy Now comes with hesitation: Will this actually fit me?

At Boer & Fitch, we’ve seen firsthand how a simple size chart can make or break trust in an online purchase. As manufacturers with own manufacturing, building garments from scratch—from sourcing premium fabrics to final stitching—we know that fit isn’t guesswork. It’s a promise. And that promise starts with an accurate, honest size chart.

In this blog, we’ll unpack why size charts matter when buying clothes online, how they protect both shoppers and brands, and why they’re central to how Boer & Fitch delivers premium quality at an affordable price, built with trust and assurance.


The Reality of Online Clothing: Why “M” Isn’t Universal

The Size Illusion in Mens & Womens Wear

An “M” in one brand can feel snug, while another brand’s “M” feels oversized. According to apparel industry studies published by Textile Exchange and Fashion United, there is no universal sizing standard, especially across regions and body types.

This challenge is even more prominent in:

  • Mens wear, where chest, shoulder, and length vary widely
  • Womens wear, where bust, waist, and hip proportions differ drastically

That’s why relying on size labels alone leads to:

  • Higher return rates
  • Dissatisfied customers
  • Loss of brand credibility

A detailed size chart bridges this gap by replacing assumptions with measurements.


Size Charts as a Trust Signal, Not Just a Table

Why Transparent Brands Invest in Measurement Accuracy

For brands like Boer & Fitch, size charts aren’t an afterthought—they’re part of manufacturing discipline. Because we control our process from sourcing to stitching, we measure real garments, not theoretical sizes.

A reliable size chart:

  • Reflects actual garment measurements, not body ideals
  • Reduces confusion for first-time buyers
  • Shows that the brand values customer confidence

Research from Shopify Commerce Reports highlights that clear size guidance can reduce apparel returns by up to 30%, making it a win for both customers and manufacturers.


Mens vs Womens Wear: Why Separate Size Logic Matters

One Chart Doesn’t Fit All

A common mistake in online fashion is oversimplification. Mens and womens wear require different sizing logic:

Mens Wear Size Charts Focus On:

  • Chest width
  • Shoulder breadth
  • T-shirt or shirt length

Womens Wear Size Charts Focus On:

  • Bust, waist, and hip balance
  • Fit preference (relaxed vs slim)
  • Fabric stretch and drape

At Boer & Fitch, our charts reflect how each garment is designed to be worn, not just how it looks on a model.


Manufacturers’ Perspective: Why Size Accuracy Starts at the Factory

From Scratch Means Responsibility

As manufacturers, not resellers, Boer & Fitch builds apparel from scratch. That means:

  • Fabric sourcing decisions affect shrinkage
  • Stitch density affects drape and fit
  • Wash processes affect final measurements

Because we handle own manufacturing, our size charts are aligned with real production data—not estimates. This approach allows us to offer premium quality garments while maintaining an affordable price, without compromising on honesty.

This transparency builds long-term trust—something fast fashion often overlooks.


The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Size Charts

Skipping the size chart may feel convenient, but it often leads to:

  • Ill-fitting clothes sitting unused
  • Wasted money and environmental impact
  • Frustration that breaks brand loyalty

According to sustainability reports from McKinsey & Company, returns contribute significantly to fashion waste. Choosing the right size the first time is not just smart—it’s responsible.


How to Use a Size Chart the Right Way

A Simple Buyer Checklist

Before purchasing:

  • Measure your body using a tape (don’t guess)
  • Compare with garment measurements, not old labels
  • Check fit notes (slim, regular, relaxed)
  • Consider fabric type (cotton vs blends)

At boerandfitch.com, we also provide measurement guides alongside product pages to make this process easy and stress-free.


Conclusion: Fit Is the Foundation of Confidence

Size charts are more than numbers—they’re a brand’s word to the customer. For Boer & Fitch, they represent our commitment to mens and womens wear that fits real people, made through own manufacturing, with care taken from sourcing to final product.

When you understand your size, you shop with confidence. When brands respect that, they build trust—and trust is the most premium quality of all.


Shop with Confidence

Ready to experience apparel built with trust and assurance?
👉 Explore our mens wear and womens wear collections at Boer & Fitch
📏 Use our detailed size charts to find your perfect fit
💬 Share your shopping experience or questions—we’re here to help