Sizing in womenswear is less consistent than in any other clothing category, across makers and across decades. The answer is the same one that works everywhere: measure it.
The measurements to give
Tops, kurtas and dresses — bust (armpit to armpit, doubled), waist flat, hip flat, shoulder to shoulder, full length from the shoulder, sleeve length. Skirts and trousers — waist flat, hip flat, length, inseam for trousers, leg opening. Blouses for ethnic sets — bust, shoulder, sleeve, length, and how much margin is left in the seams.
Say they are flat measurements, taken on the garment and not on a body.
Stretch changes what a measurement means
If a fabric stretches, say so, and give the relaxed measurement rather than the stretched one. A garment measured while pulled is a garment that will not fit.
Fabric and lining
Quote the composition label. Say whether it is lined, and whether the lining is in the same condition as the outside — linings fail first, and a torn lining in a good dress is a common and easily declared fault.
Alterations and margins
Hemmed, taken in, let out, darts added. Declare them. For ethnic wear, also say how much seam allowance is left, because that decides whether a buyer can have it altered to fit.
What to show on camera
- The garment flat, whole, in daylight if you can
- The tape on it, for at least bust and waist
- The composition and care labels
- Underarms, hems and the lining
- Any beadwork or embroidery, close — and any place it is lifting
Colour
Show it in daylight and say if the screen is lying. Colour is the most common honest disappointment in this category and the easiest to prevent.
Related
If you are selling sarees or ethnic sets, the saree guide covers weave, zari and region in more detail.
Delivery
Beading, sequins and embroidery catch on everything in a parcel. Packing womenswear.
More: how to sell on Metzee, pricing womenswear.
Questions people ask
Should I model the garment?
Only if you want to, and never as a substitute for flat measurements. A garment on a person tells a buyer about the person.
What if there is no size label?
Then the measurements are the only size information there is. Say the label is missing.
Do I say if something runs small?
You can, as an opinion, after the numbers. The numbers are the fact.