Body measurements can be taken for various reasons: sewing or buying clothes, keeping track of your weight loss, and so on. Here are which tools to use for accurate measurements.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use a tape measure
Step 1. Use the tape measure, which is the one used by tailors, made of soft fabric, plastic or flexible rubber
Avoid the metal meter which will result in an inaccurate result.
Step 2. Get in the right position:
stand straight and breathe normally as you take your measurements. Some measurements can be made by exhaling, others by inhaling (depending on the purpose). Maybe get someone to help you.
Step 3. Measure correctly
The tape measure should be straight and aligned with the correct body part. For example, in most girth measurements, it will need to be parallel to the floor. The lengths, on the other hand, can be parallel or perpendicular based on the orientation of the measured body part.
Step 4. Wear the right clothes
You can't take accurate measurements if you're wearing loose fitting clothing, so wear something snug or just underwear.
If you have commissioned a dress from the tailor, the measurements will be taken with the clothes on. The legs and shoulders will be measured mainly
Step 5. Measurements can be made by circumference, therefore around a part of the body, or by length, therefore between two points on a straight line
Below you will find more specific information.
Step 6. Write down the measures so as not to forget them and run the risk of having to take them back
Method 2 of 4: To Track Your Weight
Step 1. Measure the upper arm circumference, ie the bicep, which is its largest part
Step 2. Measure your chest at its fullest point
For most men, this area corresponds to the armpits, for most women to the nipples.
Step 3. Measure your waist
It is the narrowest point on the torso, usually located 2.5-5 cm above the navel. Also take the measurement of the belly, the widest part of the waist, corresponding to the navel area or to the one that is a little lower. This is the first part of the body on which weight accumulates.
Step 4. Measure the circumference of your hips
Measure at the widest point, which is typically a little higher than the crotch.
Step 5. Measure the circumference of the upper thigh
Measure at its widest point, which is generally 3/4 of the way from the knee.
Step 6. Measure the circumference of the calves
Take the measurement at their widest point, located approximately ¾ from the ankle.
Step 7. Weigh yourself on the electronic or manual scale
If you don't have it, do it at the pharmacy, gym or doctor.
Step 8. Measure your height without shoes and with your back to the wall
Using a pencil, make a dash at the exact point where the top of your head arrives. Turn around and measure with a tape measure.
Step 9. Calculate your body fat and BMI, which is your body mass index, if you want to lose weight
Remember that body fat calculations are frequently inaccurate or unreliable, while BMI calculations are more accurate unless you are a fit athlete; in that case, better avoid doing them.
Method 3 of 4: Sewing Clothes
Step 1. Take the measurements shown in the previous section
You will need several measurements for sewing garments. Stick to what the instructions or pattern ask for.
Step 2. Measure your shoulders
Take the distance between the shoulder seams for a shirt or jacket; the measurement can be taken from one end of one shoulder to the other or by thinking about where you want the seams to fall. This measurement is taken along the back of the back, with the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Step 3. Measure the distance between the collar and the shoulder seam
Step 4. Measure the length of the sleeves, which is the distance between the shoulder seam and where you want the sleeve to end
This measurement should be taken in a straight line along the outside or upper arm. Keep your arm parallel to the ground.
The measurement should be done in this way taking into account the fact that the sleeve will move when the arm is extended, so you will not run the risk of it being too short
Step 5. Measure the length of the jacket
Measure the distance between the center of the top shoulder seam and the hem of the jacket. You may also need to measure from the center back of the collar seam to the hem if the collar seam is particularly high.
Step 6. Measure the distance between the shoulder seam, which joins the collar, and your natural waistline
This line should be straight and should go through the fullest part of the chest.
Step 7. Measure the distance between the shoulder seam that joins the collar and the nipple
This measurement should be in line with the fullest part of the chest.
Step 8. Measure your chest circumference
Proceed by keeping the tape measure at the same height around the entire circumference and parallel to the floor.
Step 9. Measure the circumference of the bust, below the chest line, keeping the tape at the same height around the entire circumference and parallel to the ground
This will help you measure your rib cage width.
Step 10. Measure the length of the pants, which is the distance between the waist and the hem
Follow a straight line along the front of the leg.
Step 11. Measure the distance between the crotch and the trouser leg along the inside seam
This measurement is considered very personal and tailors generally respect your space without getting too close. If you feel uncomfortable, say so.
Step 12. Measure the circumference around the ankle
It is used to indicate the width of the pants or measure the circumference of a pair of pants you already have; measure the circumference of the seam around the hem.
Step 13. Measure the distance from the crotch to the center front of the waist seam
These measurements are also considered very personal, so express your discomfort if you feel that way.
Step 14. Measure the distance from the crotch to the center back of the waist seam
These measurements are also considered very personal, so express your discomfort if you feel that way.
Method 4 of 4: Bespoke Bras
Step 1. The methods are varied
Each company uses a slightly different one to calculate the bra size. If you find a measurement guide or chart of your favorite brand, use it. Alternatively, you can ask to have your measurements taken at an underwear store.
There are several types of bras. For example, you may need a larger cup for the push-up
Step 2. Measure the bust circumference below the chest line, using the method described in the previous section
Add approximately 8 cm to this measurement to understand what size the band should be. If you come up with a strange number, round it up.
Step 3. Measure the bust circumference, the widest part of which corresponds to the height of the nipples
The centimeter must be parallel to the ground. Don't push it, put it down gently. If you come up with a number with a comma, round it up.
Step 4. Subtract the circumference of the chest, to which you will need to add 12.5 cm, from that of the breast:
Breast circumference - (Chest circumference + 12.5 cm). Based on the number you get, you will know which cup you will need to choose:
- 0 cm = AA.
- 2.5cm = A.
- 5 cm = B.
- 7.5 cm = C.
- 10 cm = D.
- 12, 5 cm = E.
- This system tends to be inaccurate with regards to larger cups. In any case, also consider the system recommended by the bra manufacturer.
Advice
- If you are on a weight loss diet, take your measurements every 30 days to assess the change.
- If your measurements are drastically different from the previous ones, you may want to take them back to make sure you haven't made any mistakes.
- Remember that extra fabric will be left for the seams and hems when sewing a dress.
