Introducing New Size Attributes for Brands Selling Apparel on Amazon

 

Amazon recently announced new size attributes for brands selling apparel on Amazon. 

Previously, sellers could enter freeform text for apparel sizing information. Now, they’ll need to select values from a standardized list for size attributes like apparel size, body type, and height type.

Here’s everything we know about the update so far.
 

What is the Amazon apparel size attribute update? 

 
Amazon is introducing new Apparel Size Standards to standardize size attributes across brands and sellers based on industry standards. Going forward, sellers will only be able to select size values (“size_name”) from a standardized list when creating an apparel listing. 

The new apparel size attributes will be rolled out in waves across product types.

Starting August 31, 2020, Amazon introduced new size attributes as optional in listings for Dress, Sweater, Coat, Shirt, Tunic, and Kurta product types. As of September 29, 2020, new size attributes for Pants, Shorts, Overalls, Socks, Underpants, Sweatshirt, and Pajamas product types are available as optional in listings.

Amazon will complete similar roll-outs to other apparel product types through the end of 2020 and will begin enforcing these size attribute requirements in Q1 2021. 

Standardized size values will enable customers to view consistent sizes across apparel products, thereby providing an enhanced browse and search experience.
 

Why is Amazon making this change?

 
Amazon explains that standardized size values will offer a better customer experience. Shoppers can view consistent sizes across products, which creates an improved browse and search experience.

In addition, duplicate and unclear sizes in the listing dropdowns can create a confusing experience.

According to Amazon, “products with clean sizes are discoverable via size-specific browse refinements and show better sales conversion compared to products with size defects.” Standardizing sizes in product listings will ideally help sellers provide better information to their customers and boost sales. 
 

How do the new size attributes work? 

 
When sellers create or update apparel product listings, they’ll select values for these two attributes:

1. Target Gender: Select the gender for which the product is intended. Valid values: Male, Female, Unisex.
2. Age Range Description: Select the age range for which the product is intended. Valid values: Adult, Big Kid, Little Kid, Toddler, Infant.

 
Next, a specific set of values will populate based on your selection. 

After you fill out the fields for each individual apparel size attribute, the attributes will be automatically combined into a customer-friendly format once the required sizing information has been designated.

The combined attributes will be displayed on the detail page. Here are some examples from the Apparel Product Listing Experience article in Seller Central:

 

How this change affects Amazon sellers

 
Sellers will need to begin updating listings soon, with Amazon enforcing all the new apparel size attributes in Q1, 2021.

Until then, the new attributes will be optional and appear alongside the existing “size_name” attribute. During the transition period, sellers can use either the old sizing attribute or the new standardized ones on apparel listings.

After the transition period, apparel sizing information under the new attributes will override the old attributes as the only one visible and valid for creating new product listings. Once Amazon begins enforcing the new valid values, all new ASIN listings and updates on existing ASINs must conform to the new attributes.

As for new listings, Amazon explains:

“Seller contributions containing apparel size that does not follow the guidelines of the marketplace will be re-formatted to Amazon standard sizing. If a contribution is not visible due to an invalid apparel size, you will need to re-submit the contribution with a valid US apparel size to make the sizes visible.”

 
While sellers have a few months before the new sizing attributes are enforced, we recommend keeping an eye on the new product type updates and making changes to their listings as needed. That way, you’ll stay ahead of the game — and have one fewer thing to worry about in the first months of 2021.

For more information, check out the full Apparel Size Standards FAQ in Amazon Seller Central.