How to Take Your Measurements?

Would you like to know your measurements, but you're unsure how to take them? Are you wondering which parts of your body you need to measure to shop online or to have a custom garment made?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often notice that different clothing brands have very different sizing. It can sometimes be quite challenging to find the right fit! Knowing your measurements is therefore very helpful, even essential when shopping online, for instance.

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

To take your measurements, you'll need a flexible tape measure, and if possible, the help of a third person. For accurate measurements, I recommend wearing only your underwear. To measure your waist, bend forward and locate the point where your stomach dips in—this is where you should measure the circumference of your torso once you're standing upright. To measure your hips, stand straight and measure at the widest part visually. Finally, to measure your bust, keep your bra on (unless you're measuring for that specific garment) and wrap the tape measure around your chest at the fullest part, ensuring it remains level across your back.

Would you like more details? Continue reading this guide to find out:

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

Why Knowing Your Measurements is Important?

We’ve all heard of the famous “ideal measurements” or “90-60-90,” and of course, the measurements of Marilyn Monroe! I’ll start by breaking down a common misconception: 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 highlight it through fashion.

That said, measuring your body dimensions is not without value. These measurements can be very helpful if you plan to shop online, as they help you determine which size suits you according to the size guide. They can also assist you in finding second-hand clothing that truly fits, by asking the seller for the shoulder width of a shirt or its length, to check if it will fit you.
Finally, if you are looking to sew your own clothes or have a custom piece made, your measurements will be essential for the success of that project!

What should you use to take your measurements?

First and foremost, you need to find something to help you take your measurements. If you have a soft, 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 some measurements, here's a solution that will work too, even if it’s a bit less precise and practical: use a piece of non-elastic tape (or a thin belt) and a flat ruler. You just need to transfer the measurement taken on the string to the ruler to get the result.

👉 To take your measurements accurately, don't hesitate to ask for help from someone else. They can ensure that the measuring tape is flat against your back and perpendicular to your spine.

When Should You Take Your Measurements During the Day?

The best time of day to measure is usually in the morning on an empty stomach, as your stomach will not be bloated. However, if you are taking your measurements for fitted clothing, consider adding a few centimetres to account for changes in your body throughout the day. You can also take a measurement in the morning and another in the evening to average the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it is essential to wear underwear: this will help you obtain reliable results that can serve as a foundation for selecting well-fitting clothing.

What Should We Measure?

When someone shares their measurements, it often consists of three numbers, for example: 93-75-100. These numbers correspond to the following:

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

However, when selecting your clothing, it's also possible to take measurements:

• Headgear: for a hat, a specific hairstyle…

• The size of your feet: for choosing shoes,
• Your thigh measurement: for pants, shorts…
• Your shoulder width: for a top, shirt, blazer, fitted dress…
• Arm circumference: for a tailored dress, fitted top…
• Inseam length: for pants, a maxi 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 where your waist is located. To help you, look in a mirror: your waist is typically marked halfway between the bottom of your ribs and your hips, above your belly button.

👉 If you lean to the side, as if you were trying to do the triangle yoga pose, the spot where a crease appears is where your waist is located. Here’s a video to better visualize the triangle pose:

Once you see where your waist is located, wrap the measuring tape around it, without inhaling. Make sure the tape is snug against your skin, without being too tight or twisted. If you are measuring your waist for high-waisted pants that sit above your waist, feel free to measure that area as well to ensure accurate results. Be sure to write 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 for assistance from someone else. Stand up straight in front of it, with your feet together, on a flat surface.

Place one end of your measuring tape on your hip, at the most prominent part. Then, wrap the rest of the tape around your body, without tightening, over your other hip and around your backside at the same level as where you started. The measuring tape should remain parallel to the ground.

How to Measure Your Bust Size?

You can keep your bra on to measure your bust, especially if you're taking your measurements for a fitted top or a low-cut dress. However, make sure to wear a bra with a similar thickness to the one you intend to wear with that outfit: padding can indeed add a few centimeters to your bust measurement.

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

There are two measurements to take around the chest: the first number refers to the chest circumference. This measurement is taken by looping the measuring tape around the fullest part of the bust, ensuring it remains parallel to the ground, even at the back. Avoid puffing out your chest and stand straight and relaxed while taking the measurement.

You will also need your underbust measurement: follow the same process, but measure under your breasts. The difference between this number and the one you obtained for your bust measurement will allow you to calculate your bra cup depth, for example.

👉 For the gentlemen, simply measure your chest circumference by placing the tape measure under your armpits and holding it parallel to the ground.

How to Take Your Other Measurements?

As I mentioned earlier in this article, there are other measures that may be helpful to you. Here are a few, along with some tips for implementing them easily:

🔸 Head circumference: position your measuring tape across 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 place a measuring tape across your back, between the tips of your shoulders. You can also measure it using a shirt that fits you well.

🔸 Inseam Measurement: Position the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your inner thigh, then extend it downwards to the level of your ankle bone (the bump on your ankle). Alternatively, you can use a pair of pants that fit you perfectly. Be sure to measure each leg separately, as it’s common for their lengths to vary slightly.

🔸 Foot Size: For measuring your feet, the easiest method is to print a measurement guide at 100% scale (Click the link to download one for free!) and place your foot on it while standing up straight. Have someone else mark the point where your big toe ends using a pencil. Make 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 accurately! Once you've done that, feel free to visit our online store 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 ceremony dresses can even be tailored to your measurements! Explore it right away by clicking on the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress