How to Take Your Measurements?

Would you like to know your measurements, but are unsure how to take them? Do you want to find out which parts of your body you need to measure to buy clothes online or have something made to measure?

I’m here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often notice that different clothing brands have very varied sizing. It can sometimes be quite challenging to make sense of it all! Knowing your measurements is therefore very handy, if not essential, especially when buying online, for instance.

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

To take your measurements, you'll need a flexible measuring tape, and if possible, the help of someone else. To ensure accurate measurements, I recommend doing it in your underwear. To measure your waist, lean forward and find the point where your stomach dips in; this is where you should measure the circumference of your bust once you're standing upright. For your hip measurement, stand up straight and measure at the widest part visually. Lastly, to measure your bust, keep your bra on (unless you're measuring for that specific garment) and wrap the tape around your bust at the fullest point, making sure it stays level across your back.

Looking for more details? Read on in this guide to discover:

• Why it’s useful to know your measurements accurately,
• What a tailor's 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, determining your shoe size, and more.

Why Is It Important to Know Your Measurements?

We’ve all heard of the so-called “ideal measurements” or “90-60-90”, or even those of Marilyn Monroe! Let’s 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.

However, this doesn't mean that taking your measurements is pointless. These details can be invaluable if you want to shop online, as they help you determine your size according to the size guide. They can also assist you in finding second-hand clothes that truly fit, by asking the seller for the shoulder width of a shirt or its length, to see if it suits you.
Finally, if you wish to sew your own clothes or have a custom piece made, your measurements will be essential for the success of this project!

What should you use to take your measurements?

First and foremost, you need to find something to take your measurements. If you have a soft measuring tape, that’s perfect. It will allow you to measure each part of your body quickly and easily.

If you don't have one and need some measurements, here's a solution that will work as well, although it's a bit less precise and convenient: use a piece of non-elastic ribbon (or a thin belt) and a flat measuring tape. Simply transfer the measurement taken on the ribbon to the tape to get your result.

👉 To get your measurements right, 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 is the best time of day to take your measurements?

The best time of day to measure yourself is usually first thing in the morning, as your stomach 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 the changes in your body throughout the day. You could also take one measurement in the morning and another in the evening to get an average of the two.

👉 To take your measurements, you need to be in your underwear: this will help you get accurate results, which can serve as a basis for choosing well-fitted clothes.

What should be measured?

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

• Bust measurement: 93 cm,
• Waist measurement: 75 cm,
• And finally, hip measurement: 100 cm.

However, when it comes to choosing clothes, it is also possible to take measurements:

• His head measurement: for a hat, a specific hairstyle…

• The size of your feet: to choose shoes,
• Your thigh circumference: for trousers, shorts…
• Your 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 is located. To help you, stand in front of a mirror: your waist is usually located halfway between the bottom of your ribs and your hips, just above your navel.

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

Once you see where your waist is, wrap the measuring tape around it, without inhaling. Make sure the tape is snug against your skin, but not tight or twisted. If you're measuring your waist for high-waisted trousers that sit above your waist, don't hesitate to measure that part as well to get accurate results. Make sure to note down your measurements so you can remember them.

How to Measure Your Hip Size?

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 it, with your feet together, on a flat surface.

Place one end of your tape measure on your hip, at the most prominent part. Then, wrap the rest of the tape around your body, without pulling it tight, going over your other hip and buttocks, keeping it level with where you started. The tape measure should remain parallel to the ground.

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 low-cut dress. However, make sure to wear a bra with similar padding to the one you plan to wear when you put on the 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 what you have on, as the size guides are designed for measurements taken directly on the skin.

There are two measurements to take around the chest: the first number relates to the bust measurement. This is taken by placing the tape measure at the fullest part of the bust and ensuring it remains parallel to the ground, even at the back. Do not puff out your chest; stand straight and relaxed when taking the measurement.

You will also need your bust measurement: follow the same steps, but measure under your bust. The difference between this number and the measurement you took for your bust will help you determine the depth of your bra cup, for instance.

👉 Gents, simply measure your chest size by placing the tape under your arms and holding it parallel to the ground.

How to take your other measurements?

As I mentioned in this article, there are other measures that may be helpful to you. Here are a few, along with some tips to make them easier to implement:

🔸 Head measurement: position your measuring tape on your forehead, a few centimetres above your ears, but not too tight.

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

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

🔸 Inside Leg Measurement: Position the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your leg, inside your thigh, then extend it down without pulling until you reach the level of the ankle bone (the bump on your ankle). Alternatively, you can use a pair of trousers that fits well. Remember to measure each leg separately, as it’s common for one leg to be slightly longer than the other.

🔸 Foot Size: The easiest way to measure your feet is to print a measurement chart at 100% scale (Click on the link to download one for free!) and place your foot onto it while standing up straight. Ask someone else to mark the point 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 keys to take your measurements correctly! Once you've done this, feel free to visit our online shop with your measurements to find outfits that 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! Discover it directly by clicking on the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress