Size is the option almost every apparel, footwear and home textile store needs, and it should be a native Shopify variant. Each size usually has its own stock count, its own SKU at your supplier and sometimes its own price, which is exactly what variants are built for.
Setup
- Open the product in your Shopify admin and scroll to the Variants section.
- Click Add options like size or color (or Add another option if the product already has one).
- Name the option Size and enter the values in the order you want them shown: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.
- Click Done. Shopify creates one variant per size, or one per size and color combination if you also have a Color option.
- Open each variant, or use the bulk editor, to set price, SKU, weight and inventory.
- Save, then check the product page on your storefront on both desktop and phone.
A tee in six sizes and five colors makes 30 variants. That is well within Shopify's per-product limit, but it is a lot to fill in one by one, so use the bulk editor for prices and SKUs.
UI: buttons vs dropdown
How you show sizes matters as much as how you set them up. A simple rule works for most stores:
| Number of sizes | Best display | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 6 | Buttons (pills) | S, M, L, XL on a tee |
| 7 to 12 | Buttons if they fit on one or two rows, otherwise a dropdown | Kids sizes 2T to 14 |
| 12+ | Dropdown | Shoe sizes 5 to 13 with half sizes |
Buttons let shoppers see every size at once and tap one, which matters most on a phone. Dawn and most free Shopify themes let you pick "Pills" or "Dropdown" for the variant picker in the theme editor. Our breakdown of variant selector UI patterns explains when each style works.
On phones, make each size button big enough to tap without hitting its neighbor, and let the row wrap instead of scrolling sideways. The mobile variant picker guide covers tap target sizes in detail.
Sizing chart
Most size-related returns come from shoppers guessing. A clear chart next to the size buttons cuts down on that. You have two common options:
- A metafield or theme block. Store the chart on the product (or on a template product shared by a whole range) and show it in a pop-up next to the size picker. This keeps the chart one tap away.
- A dedicated page. Build one page per product type and link to it with "View size chart". Easier to maintain, one extra click for the shopper.
Put measurements in both inches and centimeters, say how the garment fits (slim, regular, relaxed), and if you sell POD apparel, use the chart from your print partner rather than a generic one. Our size chart guide goes deeper.
Pricing by size
Because each size is its own variant, each one can carry its own price. Many apparel sellers charge the same for XS through XL and add a small premium for 2XL and up, since blanks in larger sizes cost more. A typical setup looks like this:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| S to XL | $24.00 |
| 2XL | $26.00 |
| 3XL to 5XL | $28.00 |
Check your supplier's price list before you copy this. The point is to keep your margin consistent, not to pick a magic number.
Sold-out sizes
When one size sells out, show it as crossed out or greyed rather than removing it. A visible but unavailable XL tells the shopper you do carry it, which keeps them from assuming the product runs small. Pair it with a "notify me when back in stock" option if you restock regularly.
If the product is made to order or printed on demand, sizes never truly run out. In that case turn on continue selling when out of stock for every size so customers can always order.
Adding personalization on top of sizes
Keep sizes as variants and put anything the customer types or uploads into personalization fields. A custom team jersey, for example, should have Size as a variant and "Player name" and "Number" as text fields. If you made every name a variant you would run out of variants on day one.
Print It My Way adds those fields with a live preview on the product image, and the details are saved on the order as line-item properties next to the chosen size. Store owners setting up apparel can see a complete example in our custom t-shirt store walkthrough.
Common mistakes
- Sizes in the wrong order. Enter them smallest to largest. You can drag values to reorder them later if needed.
- Inconsistent labels. "XL" on one product and "X-Large" on another breaks collection filters. Pick one style for the whole store.
- Size in the product title. Don't create "Tee - Large" as a separate product. Use one product with a Size option.
- No size chart on mobile. Test that the chart link is visible without scrolling past the add-to-cart button.
Frequently asked questions
How to add size options on Shopify?
Open the product, go to the Variants section and add an option called Size. Enter the values in order (XS, S, M, L, XL) and save; Shopify creates one variant per size.
Should sizes be buttons or dropdown?
Use buttons for up to about six sizes, because shoppers can see and tap them at once. Switch to a dropdown when you have a long list, such as shoe sizes with halves.
How to add a sizing chart?
Store the chart in a metafield or theme block and show it in a pop-up near the size picker, or link to a dedicated size chart page. Include inches and centimeters and a note on fit.
How to handle sold-out sizes?
Show them crossed out or greyed instead of hiding them, so shoppers know the size exists. Add a back-in-stock alert if you restock, or turn on continue selling for made-to-order items.
Can I have different prices per size?
Yes. Each size is a variant with its own price, so you can charge more for 2XL and up. Many apparel stores add a small premium for larger sizes because the blanks cost more.
How to track per-size inventory?
Each size variant has its own stock count. Turn on Track quantity for the variant and enter the count for each location.
How to sort sizes correctly (S before XL)?
Enter values in order in the Variants panel. Shopify preserves order.
How to add half-sizes for shoes?
Enter as decimal values (7.5, 8, 8.5). Or as text (7½, 8, 8½).
Related reading
Sources & further reading
Primary sources referenced in this article. We link to official platform documentation and standards bodies rather than secondary summaries so you can verify claims directly.
- Shopify Help Center: Product variants
- Shopify.dev: Product variant limits
- Shopify Help Center: Line item properties (customization)
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