"What are the measurements?" is one of the most common messages Depop sellers get, and every time a buyer has to ask, some of them move on to another listing instead. Adding measurements upfront answers the question before it's asked and cuts down on "it doesn't fit" returns. Here's how to take them properly.
What you need
- A soft tape measure (a fabric one, not a metal DIY tape)
- A flat surface like a table, floor or bed with the covers pulled tight
- Good light, if you're photographing the measurements too
Always measure garments laid flat, buttoned or zipped, with wrinkles smoothed out. Say "laid flat" in the listing so buyers know not to expect a full circumference.
Tops, t-shirts, hoodies and knitwear
- Pit to pit: Measure straight across the chest from one armpit seam to the other. This is the single most useful measurement for tops. Buyers can compare it against a top they already own.
- Length: From the highest point of the shoulder (where the collar meets the shoulder seam) straight down to the hem.
- Sleeve length: From the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. For raglan sleeves, measure from the collar instead and say so.
- Shoulder width (optional): Seam to seam across the back. Useful for shirts and blazers.
Jeans, trousers and shorts
- Waist: Button the waistband, lay it flat and measure straight across the top edge. Some sellers double it; if you do, say "waist doubled" so it's not confused with a flat measurement.
- Rise: From the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband at the front. This is what tells a buyer if they're high-waisted or low-rise.
- Inseam: From the crotch seam down the inside leg to the hem.
- Leg opening: Across the hem, laid flat. Helpful for flares, bootcut and baggy fits.
Vintage denim often fits smaller than the label says, which is exactly why a waist measurement sells jeans better than the size tag.
Dresses and skirts
- Pit to pit (for dresses with a bodice)
- Waist: At the narrowest point, laid flat
- Hips: Across the widest point, usually a little below the waist
- Length: From the top of the shoulder (dresses) or waistband (skirts) to the hem
Jackets and coats
Measure pit to pit, length, sleeve and shoulder width, all with the jacket fastened. For oversized pieces, a note like "fits oversized on a size 10" helps as much as the numbers.
How to show measurements in your listing
- Write them in the description in a consistent format, like
Pit to pit: 52cm / Length: 68cm (laid flat). Our Depop description template has slots ready for them. - Add a measurement photo. A shot of the tape across the chest or waist backs up the number and doubles as a detail photo. Keep it as one of the later images and lead with your best shot, as covered in our Depop photo tips.
- Pick one unit and stick with it. Use cm or inches consistently across your shop, or give both.
Speed it up with a batch routine
Measuring is quickest when you do the whole pile at once: lay everything out, measure, and jot the numbers in your notes app with a short code for each item before you photograph. If listing is where your time disappears, DepopAutomation.com's bulk lister turns a folder of photos into full listings, with titles, descriptions, category, brand, condition and colour filled in. You add your measurements and check each draft before it goes live. The AI listing tool uses Google's Nano Banana model to clean up photos, relisting keeps older stock fresh, and the profit tracker shows your fee-adjusted margin on every sale.
Conclusion
Measure every garment laid flat, lead with pit to pit for tops and waist, rise and inseam for bottoms, and write the numbers in a consistent format. It takes a couple of minutes per item and saves you from answering the same question and processing avoidable returns.