Methodology

Fit verdicts on whatsizetobuy are editorial hypotheses, not lab caliper measurements. Confidence badges (Draft / Partial / Verified) show how many independent signals agree — not a marketing score.

Confidence badges

Every model and clothing-line page shows a badge that links here. We will not mark rows Verified just to look trustworthy.

• Draft (low) — seed or single-source; starting hypothesis only. Do not treat as final buy advice.
• Partial (medium) — multiple agreeing signals, still room for foot-shape edge cases. Common on clothes lines and some shoes.
• Verified (high) — reserved for rows checked against 2–3 independent sources (brand/retailer chart notes, consistent review patterns, reputable fit write-ups). Never bulk-set across a catalog dump.

Source hierarchy (how we weigh evidence)

1. Official brand size charts and width systems (when they state last/fit notes).
2. Major retailer fit guidance tied to the same model or SKU family.
3. Recurring, specific review patterns (length vs width called out clearly) — never a single anonymous comment.
4. Reader corrections that include sources (see contact).

When sources conflict, we keep a more cautious badge (often Partial) instead of forcing a fake Verified consensus.

Verdict labels

• Runs small / big — length often needs a half (or more) size change vs a typical US street size for that category.
• True to size — most wearers can stick with their usual size in that brand/system.
• Runs narrow / wide — length may be fine; width or volume is the main issue. The fit bar stays centered on TTS for length and calls out width separately.

Fit bar

Model pages include a five-step length scale (runs small ← true to size → runs big) driven by runs_small_by and fit_verdict. It is a scannable summary of the same offset the converter uses — not a lab measurement.

“If you wear A, take B”

High-intent pairs get a crawlable one-liner from chart matching plus fit offsets (example size US 10). Width notes can override a “same size” length bridge. Always confirm with try-on or returns.

Converters & charts

Shoe brand→brand matching uses foot-length (cm) on reference charts. Model tools add a fit offset (runs_small_by). Clothing tools use letter/waist ladders plus line offsets. Charts are approximate until verified against official brand guides.

What we will not do

• Bulk-flip hundreds of rows to Verified without per-model checks.
• Change a verdict because of one affiliate click goal.
• Hide Draft/Partial badges behind vague “trusted” language.

Updates & corrections

Catalog rows are revisited when brands relaunch lasts, when retailer guidance changes, or when readers send sourced conflicts. Thin “trust theater” hurts shoppers — we would rather show Partial than pretend certainty.

Send corrections with URLs and sources: contact. Related: family sizing guides · about.