To get the correct waist and hip measurements, make sure your undergarments aren’t cinching in your waist. Only wear shapewear if you intend to wear it under your clothes. If you’re taking general measurements, choose undergarments that accurately represent your go-to, everyday undergarments. For instance, if you always wear push-up bras or wear nothing but sports bras, put one of those on instead. Don’t wear anything too thick like a sweatshirt since this will increase your measurements.
If you’re taking measurements for a bridesmaid dress and you’ve ordered a pair of 4 in (10 cm) high heels to wear for the occasion, put a similar pair of shoes with 4 in (10 cm) high heels. It can be useful to wear the right shoes even if you’re not looking to hem your clothes. Wearing heels changes your posture so it’s best to take measurements of your body as it will be in your clothes.
If you need to take a break from standing ramrod-straight, that’s ok! Just pause for a moment to relax your body or sit down before resuming. It can be really tempting to bend over and look down to see the tape measure or watch your friend as they help with your inseam measurement. Resist this urge! To help you stay focused, pick a point on the wall to stare at or pretend you’re balancing a book on your head. If you’re standing in front of a mirror, maintain eye contact with yourself.
A ruler or a metal tape measure (the type used for home improvement projects) aren’t suitable for taking body measurements since they’re not flexible. Don’t use a very old measuring tape. The material might have warped and the notches may be inaccurate. [4] X Research source
Looking in a full-length mirror will help you determine if your tape measure is parallel to the ground, or if it’s sagging on one side. Rotate your body while looking in the mirror to make sure the tape measure is completely level. [6] X Research source To fix an uneven circumference, slide your fingers beneath the tape measure to correct its position against your body.
Where the tape meets the end, or when you reach the stopping point, this will be the number you use for the measurement. If you’re not paying attention, you might start at the 60 in (150 cm) end. This might actually give you believable measurements but they’ll be incorrect.
With a secure grip on the tape measure, release the tape from around your body and lift it up to take a closer look. Check to see which line on the tape your thumbnail is sitting at, and use this as your measurement. If your thumbnail is pointing to 31. 25 in (79. 4 cm) on the measuring tape, write this down as your measurement.
Even if your first column is as simple as “Bust, Hips, Waist” it’s still helpful to write them down. It’s easy to forget these numbers, especially the ones with fractions! If you’re taking a lot of measurements, it can help to have a friend write down the numbers for you. They can also call out the next measurement from the list. If you prefer, print off a measurements diagram so you remember which numbers correspond to each part of your body.
The fullest part of the bust is often in line with the nipples. [11] X Research source Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor. Pinch the tape measure at the meeting point and record this number as your bust measurement on your reference sheet.
This is sometimes referred to as your band size when you’re getting sized for a bra.
A difference of 0 indicates an AA cup, 1 indicates an A cup, 2 indicates a B cup, 3 indicates a C cup, 4 indicates a D cup, 5 indicates a DD cup, 6 indicates a DDD or F cup, and 7 indicates a G cup. [13] X Research source For instance, if you have a 36 in (91 cm) bust, and a 34 in (86 cm) underbust, that leaves you with a difference of 2. Therefore your bra size is 34B. Add one cup size for each additional inch of difference.
This should be one full measurement; don’t break it up into pieces. The sleeve length measurement is used for certain types of formal and custom-made shirts or blouses. You can also extend your bent arm out in front like a doll for this measurement. It just needs to be positioned at 90 degrees.
Use this measurement when ordering a custom-made top or dress with sleeves. Keep the tape measure somewhat taut, but do not let it dig into your skin. Make sure you can slip 1 or 2 fingers behind the tape for comfort. If you have especially large muscles, you may want to record an unflexed and flexed version of this measurement.
This measurement is most often used for custom tops, blazers and tailored dresses. If you’re taking this measurement on your own, you can raise your arms up as you get the tape into place. But keep your elbows close to your body as you pinch the tape to determine the measurement. Follow the same process in the front for your front shoulder width.
This measurement may be used for custom-made tops, blazers, and dresses. Think of the armscye as the armhole on a t-shirt. This measurement is sometimes called armscye-to-armscye measurement, and can be taken at the front and back of your torso. Stand in front of a full-length mirror with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Extend the tape measure from the middle of the shoulder blades, at the base of one arm to the other. This will also be the distance from the center of one armhole to the other. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Have your friend take your shoulder-to-waist measurements from the front and back sides of your body. For additional detail, take your nape-to-waist measurement in a similar way. Start with the tape at the base of your neck in the back, and bring it to your natural waist. These measurements may be used for custom tops, blazers and tailored dresses.
Your ideal hemline could be slightly above or below the knee. It might also be just above the floor for a maxi dress or full-length gown. This is a measurement used for dress shopping and tailoring. To take your skirt length, follow the same procedure but start at your natural waist instead of your shoulder.
If you plan to take lots of measurements that relate to your waist, such as rise, it can be handy to tie a thin string around your natural waistline. This way you don’t have to keep finding it all over again!
Slip 2 fingers under the tape to make sure it isn’t pulled too tight. Without slouching or looking down, pinch the tape measure where it meets together. Record this number as your waist measurement.
Double-check that that tape measure is parallel, since this measurement can be easy to get wrong, before pinching the tape and looking to see what the final measurement number is. Record this number on your reference sheet. Though it’s called the hip measurement, you shouldn’t measure the circumference in line with where you can feel your hip bones at the front of your body. This part of your body is typically narrower than your buttocks.
If you’re taking measurements to hem a pair of trousers, have your friend bring the tape measure all the way down to where you want the hemline to sit. Remember to take your shoes’ heel height into account. For instance, if you’re hemming a pair of wide-leg trousers that you’ll wear with heels, put on your high heels and have your friend measure down your leg and foot until they reach 1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm) above the floor.
The inseam measurement is used for trousers and jeans. It’s especially helpful when determining which trouser length to search for.
The thigh measurement is most often used for stockings and custom-made trousers. The fullest part of your thigh may be higher up than you expect. Make sure to measure the widest part of your upper leg to get the most accurate measurements. If you’re doing this yourself, you’ll have to bend over to reach your upper leg. Bend over at your hips instead of bending your knees, since this might throw off your thigh measurement. Follow the same process at different points along your leg to determine your knee, calf, and ankle measurements.
To determine your full girth measurement, pass the tape measure over one shoulder, from the back to the front, and bring the tape to meet in the front at your natural waist. Girth measurements are typically used for custom-made trousers and leotards. The half girth measurement is sometimes called rise. But keep in mind that rise is sometimes recorded as half of this measurement, and is taken from the natural waist to the chair when you’re seated. If someone’s asked you to provide these measurements, confirm exactly what information they’re asking for to avoid confusion. [24] X Research source
