Setting Up a Clothing Store on Big Cartel

To set up a clothing store on Big Cartel, choose a plan, create your products with size options, connect a way to get paid, and then add the details that help shoppers pick a size. Big Cartel is aimed at artists and independent makers, so the setup is light.

Because it is a hosted builder, sizing tools need to be added carefully. If you want shoppers to see garments on themselves, read the guide to virtual try-on for WooCommerce, which explains the same script-based approach used on non-Shopify stores.

Is Big Cartel a good fit for a clothing brand?

It suits small, design-led brands that sell a limited range, such as a capsule of tees, hoodies or prints. Big Cartel positions itself for independent artists and makers, which matches many indie apparel labels.

It is less suited to stores that need heavy customization or large catalogs. Check the current limits before you commit.

What does Big Cartel cost?

Big Cartel's pricing page, checked November 2026, lists three plans: Gold, a free plan with limited features; Platinum, listed at $0 to start with a 7-day free trial and then $15 a month; and Diamond at $30 a month. The page says Platinum supports a custom domain and that Diamond includes everything in Platinum.

The page doesn't state product limits or transaction fees in the page text, so check the plan details on Big Cartel's site before you choose. Plans and prices can change.

How do you set up the store step by step?

1. Create your account and choose a plan. Start on a trial or free plan while you test.
2. Pick a theme and add your branding. Upload your logo and set colors that match your label.
3. Add products. Write a clear name, price, photos and a description for each item.
4. Add size options. Create an option for each size you sell and set stock per size.
5. Set up payments and shipping. Follow Big Cartel's in-dashboard steps for your country.
6. Connect a custom domain. The pricing page lists this on Platinum.
7. Place a test order. Check the full flow on your phone.

How should you photograph clothing for the store?

Show the garment flat, on a body, and in detail. Include one photo with a visible scale reference, like a model's height and the size worn. See the product page checklist for fashion stores for a longer list.

How do you handle sizing on Big Cartel?

Add a size chart as an image or a block of text in each product description. Use body measurements, not flat garment widths, and name the unit.

Add a one-line fit note, such as "relaxed fit, size down for a closer shape". Shoppers who can't try on in person lean heavily on these notes.

Can you add a size finder or try-on to Big Cartel?

The ZeDaq.ai widget is a script tag that works on custom sites, and it adds "Try it on" and "Find my size". We can't confirm that Big Cartel allows custom scripts on every plan, because the pricing page doesn't say. Check Big Cartel's current documentation on custom code before you plan around it.

If your plan allows it, the setup is:

1. Create an API key in the ZeDaq.ai dashboard and lock it to your store's domain.
2. Paste <script src="https://www.zedaq.ai/widget/zedaq.js" data-key="…" defer> into the product template.
3. Add your size chart in Dashboard → Size charts.

Developers can read the try-on API for developers for the underlying POST /api/v1/tryon endpoint.

Should you plan a move to another platform later?

Many brands start on a simple builder and move when their catalog grows. Two other options worth comparing are setting up on Ecwid and setting up on Wix. Keep your product data in a spreadsheet so migrating is easy.

What should you check before you launch?

Run through this list on your phone, since many shoppers will arrive from social media:

• Every size option shows the right stock.
• The size chart is easy to find from the product page.
• Photos load quickly and show the garment from several angles.
• Shipping costs and delivery times are visible before checkout.
• Your returns and exchange policy is linked in the footer.
• A test order completes and the confirmation email looks right.

How do you keep a small catalog organized?

A small store can still get messy. Use consistent product names, such as "Garment, color", and keep the same photo order on every product. Put new releases first and move sold-out items to the end, or mark them clearly.

If you take pre-orders or sell made-to-order pieces, say so in the product description along with the expected ship date. Clear dates prevent most "where is my order" emails.

FAQs

Is Big Cartel free?

Big Cartel lists a free Gold plan with limited features, checked November 2026. Paid plans are listed on its pricing page.

Can I sell made-to-order clothing on Big Cartel?

You can describe a made-to-order lead time in the product description and set options per size. Check Big Cartel's current features for how it handles stock and pre-orders.

How many sizes should I list per product?

List the sizes you can actually produce. Stock per size keeps shoppers from ordering something you can't ship.

Does ZeDaq.ai have a Big Cartel app?

No. ZeDaq.ai offers a Shopify app, a REST API and a script-tag widget for custom sites.