Size Variants: Use Common Abbreviations or Full Text?

Store Design

Topic summary

A store owner is seeking guidance on how to format clothing size variants for an international audience. The main concern is whether to use common abbreviations (e.g., “XL”, “2XL”) or spell out sizes in full text (e.g., “Extra-Large”).

Key considerations:

  • Abbreviations like “XL” or “2X-Large” may not be universally understood outside the US
  • The site is translated into Japanese and German, raising questions about proper localization
  • Full text versions might translate more accurately across languages

Suggested approach:

  • Combine both formats: “XL (Extra-Large)” and “2XL (Double Extra-Large)”
  • Prioritize full text if translation accuracy is critical

The discussion remains open for additional perspectives on best practices for international size variant formatting.

Summarized with AI on October 29. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Wondering, when I’m entering clothing size variants, does it make a difference if I use, for example, “XL” vs. “X-Large” or even “Extra-Large?” As I’m not sure terms such as “XL” or “2XL” or “2X-Large” would mean the same to shoppers outside the US.

Since I translate my site (ScottsSweaters.org) into Japanese and German, I’m also wondering if I should be spelling-out the sizes so they translate appropriately, such as using “Extra-Large” rather than “XL” or “X-Large.”

Anyone have experience with these concerns?

Scott

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2

Hi,

Hope this will help

-Use Both XL (Extra-Large) and 2XL (Double Extra-Large)
-Use Full Text(if translations are important)

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