Product catalog with size & color variants for fashion (Lagos, 2026)

The verdict in three sentences

A fashion catalog is not just products: it is a size x color matrix where each combination is a SKU with its own stock and images. A photo per variant lifts conversion by about 12 %, while a clear size guide cuts returns by 20-30 %. Hiding a stockout costs about 8 % of trust: stock transparency is a selling point.

Modelling the size x color matrix

A t-shirt in 4 sizes and 3 colors means 12 distinct SKUs to track. Each SKU has its own stock, barcode and ideally its photo. A fashion store typically manages 40 to 120 active SKUs. The trap: mixing the "parent" product and its variants, which makes stock unreadable.

Clearly showing a sold-out size beats hiding it: the customer understands and returns, instead of doubting the whole catalog.

Cutting returns and stockouts

Fashion returns come mostly from wrong size choices. A precise guide in centimetres, combination by combination, ends the errors. On stock, an unflagged stockout frustrates: the customer adds to cart then finds it unavailable at checkout.

Mini case study

Chioma runs an online Ankara fashion store in Lagos with 80 SKUs and 500 orders a month, average basket 25,000 FCFA equivalent. Her return rate is 18 %, i.e. 90 returns/month at about 2,000 FCFA logistics cost each = 180,000 FCFA/month. Adding a detailed size guide cuts returns by 25 %, down to 67 returns: she saves 46,000 FCFA a month in logistics. Adding a photo per color, conversion rises 12 %, about 60 more orders a month: at 25,000 FCFA, that is 1,500,000 FCFA of extra monthly revenue.

FAQ

How many SKUs for a fashion store? Usually 40 to 120 active SKUs, each size x color combination counting as one. A t-shirt in 4 sizes and 3 colors is already 12 SKUs to track.

Does a size guide really cut returns? Yes, a precise cm table per size cuts returns by 20-30 %. It is the best lever to lower your fashion logistics costs.

Do I need a photo per color? Yes: a dedicated image per variant lifts conversion by about 12 %. The customer buys what they see, not a color they must imagine.

Should I show stockouts? Yes, hiding a stockout costs about 8 % of trust. A clear "Sold out" badge reassures and prompts the customer to return once restocked.

How do I avoid overselling? By assigning stock per SKU, not to the parent product. Each variant decrements its own counter, preventing sales of an already sold-out size.

Let's talk about your project. We model your fashion catalog: variant matrix, per-SKU stock, size guide and photos per color. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.