How to Take Your Measurements?

Would you like to know your measurements, but are unsure how to take them? Do you want to know which parts of your body you need to measure in order to shop online or have a custom garment made?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I've often noticed that different clothing brands have very different sizing. It can sometimes be quite tricky to navigate! Knowing your measurements is incredibly useful, and even essential when shopping online, for instance.

That’s why today I’m offering you this comprehensive guide to help you accurately and easily take your measurements, so you can use them to choose clothes that genuinely fit you well.

To take your measurements, you'll need a flexible measuring tape and, if possible, the help of another person. For accurate measurements, I recommend you wear only your underwear. To measure your waist, lean forward and locate the spot where your stomach dips in—this is where you should measure your waist circumference, once you're upright. To measure your hips, stand straight and measure at the widest part. Finally, for your bust measurement, keep your bra on (unless you're specifically measuring for that garment) and wrap the tape around your bust at the fullest point, making sure it stays level at the back.

Want to know more? Keep reading this guide to find out:

• Why it's important to know your measurements accurately,
• What a tape measure is and a tip if you don't have one,
• When during the day to take your measurements,
• How to correctly measure your waist, hips, and bust,
• Tips for measuring your head circumference, determining your shoe size, and more.

Why is it important to know your measurements?

We’ve all heard about the so-called “ideal measurements” or the “90-60-90” trend, or even those of Marilyn Monroe! I’d like to start by debunking a common myth: don't worry, perfect measurements don’t exist. In fact, the beauty of your figure doesn’t depend on your bust or waist size, but rather on the relationship you have with your body and how you choose to showcase it through fashion.

That doesn’t mean that taking your measurements is pointless. These details can be highly useful if you want to shop online, as they help you choose the right size according to the size guide. They can also assist you in finding second-hand clothes that actually fit you, by asking the seller for the shoulder width of a shirt or its length to see if it suits you.
Lastly, if you wish to sew your own clothes or have something custom made, your measurements will be essential for the success of your project!

What should you use to take your measurements?

First things first, you need to find something to take your measurements with. If you have a flexible measuring tape, that’s perfect. It will allow you to measure every part of your body quickly and easily.

If you don’t have one and need to take some measurements, here’s a solution that will also work, even though it’s a bit less accurate and convenient: use a piece of non-elastic ribbon (or a thin belt) along with a ruler. You just need to transfer the measurement taken on the string to the ruler to get the result.

👉 To take your measurements accurately, feel free to ask for help from someone else, who can ensure that the tape measure is flat against your back and also perpendicular to your spine.

When is the best time of day to take your measurements?

The best time of the day to take measurements is usually in the morning on an empty stomach, as your belly won't be bloated. However, if you're measuring for a fitted garment, keep this in mind and add a few centimetres to account for changes in your body throughout the day. You might also consider taking a measurement in the morning and another in the evening, then averaging the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it’s important to be in your underwear: this will ensure you get accurate results that can be used as a basis for selecting well-fitting clothing.

What Should Be Measured?

When someone shares their measurements, they often provide three numbers, for instance: 93-75-100. These correspond to:

• Chest circumference: 93 cm,
• Then waist circumference: 75 cm,
• And finally hip circumference: 100 cm.

However, when choosing your clothes, it's also possible to take measurements:

• His headwear: for a hat, a specific hairstyle…

• The size of her feet: to choose the right shoes,
• Her thigh circumference: for trousers, shorts…
• Her shoulder width: for a top, a shirt, a tailored jacket, a fitted dress…
• Arm circumference: for a custom dress, a fitted top…
• Leg length: for trousers, a long dress…
• And many other precise measurements!

How to Measure Your Waist Size?

Your waist is the narrowest part of your torso: to measure it accurately, you need to find out where your waist sits. To help with this, look in a mirror: your waist is usually marked halfway between the bottom of your ribs and your hips, just above your belly button.

👉 If you lean to the side, as if you're trying to do the triangle yoga pose, the point where a crease appears is where your waist is located. Here’s a video to help you better visualise the triangle pose:

Once you’ve located where your waist is, wrap the tape measure around it, without taking a deep breath. Make sure the tape is snug against your skin, but not too tight or twisted. If you're measuring your waist for high-waisted pants that sit above your natural waist, don’t hesitate to also measure that area for accurate results. Make sure to jot down your measurements so you can remember them.

How to Measure Your Hip Circumference?

When it comes to your hips, it’s really helpful to use a mirror or ask someone for assistance. Stand up straight in front of a mirror, with your feet together, on a flat surface.

Place one end of your measuring tape on your hip, at the most prominent point. Then, wrap the tape around your body comfortably, going over your other hip and your backside at the same level as where you started. The measuring tape should remain parallel to the ground throughout.

How to Measure Your Bust Size?

You can keep your bra on to measure your bust size if you’re taking measurements for a fitted top or a plunging dress. However, make sure you wear a bra that has a similar thickness to the one you plan to wear with that outfit: padding can indeed add a few centimetres to your bust measurement.

If you're measuring this part of your body to buy lingerie, this time you'll need to wear the one you have on, as size guides are designed for measurements taken directly on the skin.

There are two measurements to take around the bust: the first number is the bust measurement. To measure it, place the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it remains parallel to the ground, including at the back. Avoid puffing out your chest and stand straight but relaxed while taking the measurement.

You will also need your bust measurement: proceed in the same way, but measure under your bust. The difference between this number and the one you got for your bust measurement will help you calculate the depth of your bra cup, for example.

👉 For the gents, simply measure your chest circumference by placing the measuring tape under your arms and keeping it parallel to the ground.

How to Take Your Other Measurements?

As I’ve mentioned in this article, there are other measures that might be helpful for you. Here are a few, along with some tips to make them easy to adopt:

🔸 Head Measurement: position your measuring tape on your forehead, a few centimetres above your ears, without pulling too tight.

🔸 Neck circumference: Measure around the base of the neck.

🔸 Shoulder Width: Ask someone to help you place the tape measure across your back, between the tips of each shoulder. Alternatively, you can measure it using a well-fitted shirt.

🔸 Inseam: Place the end of the tape measure at the highest point of your leg, inside your thigh, then extend it without pulling down to the level of the ankle bone (the bump on the ankle). You can also use a pair of trousers that fit perfectly. Remember to take a separate measurement for each leg, as they can sometimes be slightly different in size.

🔸 Foot Size: The easiest way to measure your feet is to print out a measurement guide at 100% scale (Click the link to download it for free!) and place your foot on it while standing up straight. Ask someone else to mark where your big toe ends using a pencil. Be sure to measure both feet individually, as there can be differences between them.

You now have all the tools you need to take your measurements correctly! Once you've done that, feel free to visit our online store equipped with your measurements to find outfits that will fit you perfectly, using the size charts available on each product page.

Our collection of wedding and special occasion dresses can even be tailored to your measurements! Discover it directly by clicking on the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress