Key takeaways
- US and UK buyers search with different words: sneakers or trainers, sweater or jumper.
- Clothing and shoe sizes differ by country. Always add the tag size and real measurements.
- Use inches for US buyers, centimetres for UK buyers, and both for Canada.
- Marketplaces differ by country, so check availability first.
Why the same item needs different words
Search matches words. A UK shopper typing “trainers” will not match a title that only says “sneakers”. If you sell in more than one country, match the words your buyers use.
A quick view of how listing language shifts by country.
Words buyers search
| US | UK |
|---|---|
| sneakers | trainers |
| sweater | jumper |
| pants | trousers |
| sweatpants | joggers |
| purse | handbag |
| color | colour |
| thrift store | charity shop |
Canadian English mixes the two. Pick one style for your store, such as US spelling with metric measurements, and stay consistent.
Sizes: do not trust the label alone
| Item | Rough guide |
|---|---|
| Women’s clothing | US 8 is often UK 12 (UK is about 4 higher) |
| Women’s shoes | US 7 is often UK 5 (UK is about 2 lower) |
| Men’s shoes | US 10 is often UK 9 (UK is about 1 lower) |
Brands vary a lot, so these are only starting points. Always include the size on the tag and real measurements.
Units, money and shipping words
- Measurements: inches for US buyers, centimetres for UK buyers, both for Canada.
- Weight: ounces and pounds in the US, grams and kilograms in the UK.
- Money: use the currency your marketplace shows for that country.
- Shipping words: “postage” is common in the UK and “shipping” in the US.
Marketplace availability
| Marketplace | Where it operates |
|---|---|
| eBay | US, UK and Canada |
| Poshmark | US and Canada, not the UK |
| Mercari | US |
| Depop | Large UK and US audience |
Selling across borders adds rules on shipping, duties and taxes. Check each marketplace’s international selling guidance before you ship abroad.
Add a short line to your descriptions such as “UK 12 / US 8, measures 40 cm / 16 in across”. It answers the size question for everyone.
Cross-border checklist
- Title uses the words your main buyers search
- Size has tag size plus measurements
- Both units shown where buyers differ
- Spelling consistent across the store
- Marketplace is actually available in your buyer’s country
Quick answers (FAQ)
Should I use US or UK spelling?
Use the spelling of the country where most of your buyers live, and stay consistent across your store.
Do US and UK clothing sizes match?
No. They differ, and brands vary. Include the tag size and measurements.
Is Poshmark available in the UK?
No. Poshmark operates in the US and Canada.
Which units should I use in Canada?
Showing both inches and centimetres is the safest option.
Can Glammlist write listings in UK or Canadian English?
Yes, tell us your preferred spelling and units when you request a quote.