Dress Length based on size X is the Macy's size-and-fit attribute that gives a garment's length in inches and the size it was measured on: "Approx. 36-1/2" from back of neck to hem, based on a size 4". Despite the name it is used across apparel, with the measurement point adjusted to the garment type. It shows on the product page, is optional in the Macy's schema, is capped at 254 characters including spaces, and is a variant-level attribute that Macy's expects to match the size it describes.
A shopper deciding between a midi and a maxi, or between a 30" and a 32" inseam, uses this line more than any other fit copy. Give one real number, say where it was measured, and say on which size.
The format
Approx. [length]" from [start point] to [end point], based on a size [size]
The word "Approx." stays in every value, including estimated ones, and the size named is one the product is actually offered in.
| Garment | Measurement point | Sample value |
|---|---|---|
| Dresses, jumpsuits, coats, jackets | Back of neck to hem (BNTH) | Approx. 36-1/2" from back of neck to hem, based on a size 4 |
| Asymmetric hem | Back of neck to the longest point of hem | Approx. 41" from back of neck to the longest point of hem, based on a size M |
| Tops, tees, sweaters | High point of shoulder to hem | Approx. 20" from high point of shoulder to hem, based on a size M |
| Pants | Inseam | Approx. 30" inseam, based on a size 8 |
| Skirts and shorts | Length | Approx. 18" length, based on a size 6 |
Fractions are written with a hyphen, "36-1/2"", and the inch mark is a straight double quote.
The rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 254 characters maximum including spaces |
| Source | The measurement from the source data or the size chart |
| Estimates | When neither gives a length, estimate from the garment category and silhouette and keep "Approx." |
| Placeholders | Never "TK", "XX" or an empty template. Macy's own attribute description uses TK as a stand-in to be replaced |
| Kids and baby | Leave it empty; Macy's does not use this attribute for those categories |
| Level | Per size. Every colorway in the same size shares one value |
Examples
| Value | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. 36-1/2" from back of neck to hem, based on a size 4 | Good | Full format, real number, size in the run |
| Approx. 32" inseam, based on a size 32 | Good | Inseam is the right point for pants |
| Approx. 27" from high point of shoulder to hem, based on a size M | Good | Tunic-length top |
| Approx. TK" from back of neck to hem, based on a size TK | Weak | Placeholder left in |
| Midi length | Weak | No number, no size |
| 36.5 inches long | Weak | No measurement point, no size, wrong format |
| Approx. 36-1/2" from back of neck to hem, based on a size 4 (on the size 14 variant) | Weak | The size named should be the size being described |
Common mistakes
- Shipping the template. The TK placeholders in Macy's own description are meant to be replaced, and a listing that keeps them reads as unfinished on the product page.
- Measuring from the wrong point. A dress measured from the shoulder seam and a dress measured from the back of the neck differ by an inch or more; use the point Macy's names for the garment type.
- One length for the whole size run. Length grades between sizes, so the value belongs on each size.
- Naming a sample size the product does not come in. If the fit sample was a size 6 and the run starts at 8, quote the size 8 length from the size chart.
- Dropping "Approx." from an estimate.
How Osello fills this field
Osello takes the length from the product's measurements or size chart when either exists and writes it in Macy's format with the measurement point that fits the garment type: back of neck to hem for dresses, jumpsuits and outerwear, high point of shoulder to hem for tops, inseam for pants, length for skirts and shorts. When no measurement is available it estimates from the category and silhouette and keeps the "Approx." label, and it never leaves a TK placeholder. The attribute is variant-level and shared across variants of the same size, so one value is set per size and every colorway in that size inherits it. Kids and baby listings are left blank. If measurements live in Shopify metafields, map them so the number is exact rather than estimated.
Other size-and-fit attributes are in the Macy's field directory.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the attribute called Dress Length when it applies to pants?
The name comes from Macy's schema, where dresses were the first use. Macy's treats the wording as flexible: use the inseam for pants and the length for skirts and shorts, and keep the same "Approx. ... based on a size ..." structure.
Which size should the measurement be based on?
The size the value is attached to. Because the attribute is set per size, a size 4 carries the size 4 length and a size 12 carries the size 12 length. Take each from the size chart.
Can I estimate if I have no measurements?
Yes, from the garment category and silhouette, as long as the value keeps "Approx." and reads as a real length. A measured value from your size chart is always better.
Do colorways share a value?
Yes. Two colorways in the same size share one length. Only different sizes need different values.