How to Take Your Measurements?

Would you like to know your measurements, but you’re unsure how to take them? Do you want to find out which parts of your body need to be measured for online shopping or for tailoring a custom garment?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often notice that different clothing brands have varying sizes. It can be really challenging to keep track of it all! Knowing your measurements is therefore very helpful, and even essential, when shopping online, for instance.

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

To take your measurements, you will need a flexible sewing tape measure and, if possible, the help of a third person. To achieve accurate measurements, I recommend wearing just your underwear. When measuring your waist, lean forward and find the point where your stomach dips in; this is where you should measure the circumference of your waist once you stand up straight. To measure your hips, stand straight and measure at the widest part. Finally, to measure your bust, keep your bra on (unless measuring specifically for that garment) and wrap the tape around your bust at the fullest point, making sure it stays level in the back.

Want to know more details? Read on in this guide to discover:

• Why it’s useful to know your measurements accurately,
• What a seamstress 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, etc.

Why is it Important to Know Your Measurements?

We’ve all heard of the so-called “ideal measurements” or the classic “90-60-90” measurements, or even those of Marilyn Monroe! I’ll start by debunking a common myth: don’t worry, perfect measurements don’t exist. In fact, the beauty of your figure does not 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 said, measuring your body dimensions is not without its benefits. These measurements can be very useful if you want to shop at an online store, as they help you determine your size according to the sizing 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 will work for you.
Finally, if you want to sew your own clothes or have a custom piece made, your measurements will be essential for the success of your 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 flexible measuring tape, that’s ideal. 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 too, even though it’s a bit less precise and practical: use a non-elastic ribbon (or a thin belt) along with a ruler. All you need to do is transfer the measurement taken with the string onto 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 or ribbon 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 for this is usually in the morning on an empty stomach, as your stomach won’t be bloated. However, if you’re taking measurements for a fitted garment, keep this in mind and add a few centimeters to account for how your body changes throughout the day. You can also take a measurement in the morning and another in the evening to get an average of the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it’s essential to wear only your underwear: this will ensure you get accurate results, which can serve as a foundation for choosing well-fitting clothing.

What Should Be Measured?

When someone provides their measurements, it often consists of three numbers, for example: 36-30-39. These measurements correspond to the following:

• Chest measurement: 36.6 inches,
• Then waist measurement: 29.5 inches,
• And finally hip measurement: 39.4 inches.

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

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

• The size of your feet: for choosing shoes,
• Thigh circumference: for pants, shorts, etc.…
• 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 pants, a long dress…
• And many other precise measurements!

How to Measure Your Waist?

Your waist is the narrowest part of your torso: to measure it accurately, you’ll need to find out 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, just above your belly button.

👉 If you lean to the side, as if you’re trying to do the yoga triangle pose, the spot where a crease forms is where your waist is located. Here’s a video to help you better visualize 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 too tight or twisted. If you’re measuring your waist for high-waisted pants that sit above your natural waist, feel free to measure that area as well for the most accurate results. Be sure to write 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 the mirror with your feet together, on a flat surface.

Place one end of your measuring tape on your hip, at the most protruding point. Then wrap the rest of the tape around your body, without pulling tight, passing over your other hip and your backside, keeping it level with where you started. The tape or 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 low-cut dress. However, make sure to wear a bra with a similar thickness to the one you plan 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, you’ll need to take off what you’re currently wearing, as size guides are designed for measurements taken directly on the skin.

There are two measurements to take at the chest: the first number in your measurements is the chest circumference. This is measured by placing the tape around the fullest part of your breasts while keeping it parallel to the ground, even at the back. Do not puff out your chest; stand up straight and relaxed during the measurement.

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

👉 For the gentlemen, simply measure your chest circumference by placing the measuring tape under your arms and ensuring it’s held 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 tips on how to implement them easily:

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

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

🔸 Shoulder Width: Ask another person to position the measuring tape behind your back, between the tip of each shoulder. Alternatively, you can measure it using a well-fitting shirt.

🔸 Inseam Length: Place the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your inner thigh, then extend it down to the level of the ankle bone (the bump on your ankle). You can also use a pair of pants that fit perfectly. Be sure to measure each leg separately, as their lengths can sometimes vary slightly.

🔸 Foot Size: For measuring your feet, the easiest method is to print a measurement document 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 the point where your big toe reaches with a pencil. Be sure to measure both feet individually, as there may be differences.

You now have all the keys you need to take your measurements correctly! Once you’ve done this, feel free to check out our online store with your measurements to find outfits that will fit you perfectly, thanks to the size charts available on each product page.

Our collection of wedding and ceremony dresses is even tailored to your measurements! Check it out directly by clicking the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress