Knowing the measurements of the bust, hips and waist is essential for having tailored clothes. Other measures, such as the crotch, the width of the shoulders and the sleeves are used more rarely, but it is useful to know them, in case of need. Skip to the first point for instructions on how to take each measurement, so that you have it at hand the next time you shop online or order custom-made clothes.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Take your chest measurements
Step 1. Stand in front of a large mirror
Good posture is essential for taking accurate measurements.
Step 2. Wrap a tape measure around your bust
Bring it behind your back, around your shoulder blades and under your arms. It should wrap around the fullest part of your torso. The tape measure should be straight and parallel to the floor.
Step 3. Join the ends in front of you
Keep your thumb under the tape measure and avoid squeezing too much, as you risk getting the measurement wrong. Write down the number. Use pencil and paper.
Step 4. Bring the tape measure under your chest
Wrap it so it's right under your bust, where your bra band should be. Mark the number.
Step 5. Calculate your bra size
To find out your size, measure your bust and band while wearing a bra. Round the bust measurement to the nearest whole number, and subtract the band measurement from this number. For example, if you have a bust of 91cm and a waistband of 86cm, you are left with a difference of about 5cm. Add approximately one size for every 2-3 cm of difference.
The difference of one size results in an A cup, while a difference of 2 corresponds to a cup B, 3 = cup C, 4 = cup D, and so on
Method 2 of 6: Measure your waist and hips
Step 1. Stay in your underwear and stand in front of a large mirror
For correct waist measurement, make sure your panties are not too tight. You may need to take them off.
Step 2. Find your waist size
While standing straight, lean forward or to the side and notice where your body bends. This is your natural waistline. It is the narrowest part of your trunk, and is usually located between the rib cage and the navel.
Step 3. Wrap the tape measure around your waist
Keep it parallel to the floor. Don't hold your breath or pull your belly in. Maintain an upright and comfortable position to take accurate measurements. Avoid squeezing too much.
Step 4. Mark the measurements
Look at the number in the mirror or look down carefully, keeping your back straight. Mark the number on the sheet.
Step 5. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and lower back
It is usually located about twenty centimeters below your waist. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Step 6. Join the ends of the tape measure in front of you
Avoid squeezing too much.
Step 7. Mark the measurements
Look at the number in the mirror and lower your head keeping your feet together and legs straight. Mark the number on the sheet.
Method 3 of 6: Measure for the pants
Step 1. Measure the crotch
It is used for women's trousers and other types of trousers, and is especially useful for determining the best length to look for. Remember to calculate the height of the heels. Ask a friend for help if you can, or wear your best jeans to measure the crotch.
- Measure the inner thigh. Ask a friend to use a measuring tape to calculate the length of your leg from ankle to crotch. You should be standing with your leg straight at this stage.
- If you are wearing a pair of jeans, extend the measuring tape from the bottom hem to the lowest point of the crotch.
- Mark the measurements. Round the number to the nearest centimeter and mark it on a piece of paper.
Step 2. Measure your thigh
This size is most often used for tailored socks and pants.
- Stand in front of a mirror with your legs slightly apart.
- Wrap a tape measure around the strongest part of the thigh. Keep it parallel to the floor and taut, but don't pull hard enough to squeeze your leg.
- Join the ends at the front of the thigh.
- Mark the measurements. Read the number using the mirror or looking down while holding the tape measure and leg. Mark the number on a piece of paper.
Step 3. Measure the "rise"
This size is usually used for certain types of elegant trousers.
- Stand in front of a mirror with your back straight and legs and feet slightly apart.
- Keep the end of the tape measure at the rear center point of your natural waistline.
- Gently and loosely pull the tape measure between your legs and over the crotch, keeping the other end at the front center point of your waist.
- Look at the measurement in the mirror or by gently lowering your head without changing your posture.
- Mark the number on a piece of paper.
Method 4 of 6: Measure for the top
Step 1. Calculate the length of the sleeves
This size is for certain types of elegant, professional and tailored tops.
- Ask a friend for help.
- Stand with your elbow bent at 90 degrees with your hand on your hip.
- Ask your friend to hold the tape measure on the back midpoint of your neck. Have him extend the tape measure towards the shoulder, up to the elbow and wrist. It should be a one-size-fits-all. Don't break it down.
- Mark the number with a pencil and paper.
Step 2. Calculate your upper arm
Use this measurement for tailored suits.
- Stand in front of a mirror with your arm stretched outwards.
- Wrap a tape measure around the thickest part of your arm. Keep the tape as taut as possible, but loosely.
- Mark the measure. Look in the mirror or turn your head towards your arm without moving your arm or measuring tape.
Step 3. Measure shoulder width
This size is mostly used for tank tops, jackets and tailored suits.
- Stand in front of a large mirror with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Stretch the tape measure from the outermost point of one shoulder to that of the other. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.
- Look at the number in the mirror or gently tilt your head to see it, without changing your position.
- Mark the number with a pencil and paper.
Step 4. Measure the lower shoulder length
This size can be used for tank tops, jackets and tailored suits.
- Stand in front of a large mirror with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Stretch the tape measure from the center of the shoulder blades to the base of one arm. It will also be the distance from the center of one armhole to the other. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Step 5. Measure the front length
This size can be used for tank tops, jackets and tailored suits.
- Ask a friend for help.
- Stand in front of a large mirror with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Ask your friend to hold the end of the tape measure at the highest point of the shoulder at the base of the neck.
- Ask your friend to stretch the tape measure in front and down, passing from the chest, until it reaches the natural waistline.
- Mark the number with a pencil and paper.
Step 6. Calculate the back length
This size can be used for tank tops, jackets and tailored suits.
- Ask a friend for help.
- Stand in front of a large mirror with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Ask your friend to hold the end of the tape measure on the highest central point of the shoulder.
- Ask your friend to stretch the tape measure to your natural waist.
- Mark the number with a pencil and paper.
Method 5 of 6: Take measurements for dresses and skirts
Step 1. Calculate the length of the dress
It is a measure clearly linked to the purchase and creation of tailored suits.
- Ask a friend for help.
- Stand in front of a large mirror with your back straight and legs together.
- Ask your friend to hold the end of the tape measure on the highest central point of the shoulder.
- Ask your friend to stretch the tape measure along the front of your body, past the fullest part of your chest, until you reach the knees or the desired hemline.
- Mark the number on a piece of paper.
Step 2. Calculate the length of the skirt
It is a measure that is used for the purchase and creation of skirts.
- Ask a friend for help.
- Stand in front of a large mirror with your back straight and legs together.
- Ask your friend to hold the end of the tape measure at the central point of your natural waistline.
- Ask your friend to stretch the tape measure up to the knees or to the desired hem.
- Mark the number on a piece of paper.
Method 6 of 6: Calculate the height
Step 1. Stand up barefoot or in socks, with your feet in contact with the floor
Keep your feet slightly apart and your back against a wall.
Step 2. Ask a friend to measure from the heels to the top of your head
Have him hold the tape measure straight and perpendicular to the floor.
In case you are alone, keep a book or other rigid flat object on your head. With a pencil, make a mark between the lowest point of the book and the wall. Step away from the wall, and calculate the distance between the floor and the mark
Step 3. Join the number to the rest of your measurements
Advice
- If you feel comfortable, ask the clerks at an undergarment store if they are willing to calculate your bra size. Many women struggle to find out the size on their own.
- Ask a professional tailor or seamstress to take the correct measurements in case you have any doubts about your accuracy.
- Take your measurements a few days after or before your period, for greater accuracy.
- Measure yourself after a large meal, such as lunch or dinner, to get the right measurements for comfortable clothes.
