Bracketing — the rising trend of ordering multiple sizes to try and returning the rest — is reshaping online shopping. Learn what it means and how to deal with it.
Bracketing — the rising trend of ordering multiple sizes to try and returning the rest — is reshaping online shopping. Learn what it means and how to deal with it.
Backsy Admin
We’ve all been there — not sure whether to go with Medium or Large, or maybe blue or green looks better in real life. So, what do we do? We order both. Try them on. Return the ones we don’t like.
That’s bracketing.
And it’s trending — big time. Especially among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers.
But what seems like a harmless shopping trick for consumers is fast becoming a massive headache for online merchants.
Bracketing is when shoppers order multiple variations of the same item — like different sizes or colors — with the intention of keeping just one and returning the rest.
It’s kind of like creating a mini dressing room at home.
This behavior isn’t exactly new, but it’s skyrocketed in recent years, especially post-pandemic. Why?
Because shopping online became the norm, but uncertainty around fit, feel, and fabric stayed the same.
Shoppers today want convenience and flexibility. And since most stores offer free or easy returns, bracketing feels like a low-risk choice.
Here’s the thing: Bracketing boosts sales — but it also inflates return rates.
Many merchants have started to notice return patterns that go like this:
One customer. Three dresses in different sizes. Two returned.
While it doesn’t sound terrible in isolation, multiply that by hundreds (or thousands) of orders a month, and suddenly your fulfillment, inventory, and logistics teams are overwhelmed.
And here’s the twist: It’s not that customers are unhappy. They’re just shopping differently.
You’re not alone.
At Backsy, we’ve heard from many store owners asking:
“Why are returns increasing, even though my reviews are good?”
This might be the reason.
Bracketing is rarely malicious — in fact, it shows customers are interested in your product.
But without the right systems, this trend can silently erode your profits.
So let us ask you:
Has your store seen more size-related returns lately?
Do customers order multiple variants and return most of them?
Drop a comment or DM us. Let’s talk about it
Not sure if bracketing is happening in your store? Here are a few red flags:
Orders with the same item in 2-4 sizes or colors
Return reasons like “Didn’t fit” or “Color not as expected”
High return rate from specific zip codes or customer segments
Customer notes saying: “Just trying both, will return one”
If these feel familiar, congratulations — you’re part of the trend
At Backsy, we believe awareness is the first step.
Now that you know bracketing is happening, here’s what you can do:
Include clear sizing charts, material feel, model info (height, size worn), and color accuracy notes.
Use real customer photos or videos if possible.
Our smart return forms let you analyze why customers return items — including sizing mismatches or preference-based returns.
Once you spot patterns, you can adapt faster.
Instead of losing a sale, offer an exchange when someone clicks “Doesn’t fit.”
Backsy’s latest feature makes this seamless, helping you retain more revenue.
Some stores (especially in fashion) now limit how many variants can be returned or set restocking fees. Be transparent and polite — customers often understand.
Returns aren’t failures — they’re data. Use them to tweak designs, improve sizing, or update marketing language.
Bracketing is here to stay.
Rather than fight it, modern merchants must adapt.
With the right tools (like Backsy), you can handle bracketing returns more efficiently, save time, and turn returns into a competitive advantage.
You don’t need to hate returns — you just need to manage them smarter.
“Has your store seen a spike in ‘Try & Return’ patterns lately?”
Tell us in the comments — we’d love to hear your experience!
Want to explore how Backsy helps merchants reduce refund losses and handle bracketing gracefully?
Check us out at 👉 Backsy.io
Streamline returns & exchanges with powerful automation, flexible conditions, and a seamless customer experience — built for Shopify brands.
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