How to Take Your Measurements?

Would you like to know your measurements, but you're not sure how to take them? Are you keen to find out which parts of your body you need to measure for online shopping or to create a custom-made outfit?

I'll help you out.

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 useful, if not essential, especially when shopping online, for instance.

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

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 this in your underwear. To measure your waist, lean forward and find the spot where your stomach dips in; this is where you'll measure the circumference of your waist when standing upright. To measure your hips, stand straight and measure at the widest part visually. Lastly, to measure your bust, keep your bra on (unless you're specifically measuring for it) and wrap the tape around your bust at its fullest point, ensuring it stays level at the back.

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

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

Why is it important to know your measurements?

We've all heard of the so-called "ideal measurements" or "90-60-90", and even those of Marilyn Monroe! Let’s start by debunking a common misconception: 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 highlight it through fashion.

This doesn’t mean that taking your measurements is pointless. These details can be incredibly useful if you want to shop online, as they help you determine your size using 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 see if it suits you.
Lastly, if you plan to sow your own clothes or get a custom piece made, having your measurements will be essential for the success of that project!

What should you use to take your measurements?

First and foremost, you'll need to find something to take your measurements. 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 work, even though it’s a bit less precise and practical: use a piece of non-elastic tape (or a thin belt) and a flat ruler. Simply transfer the measurement taken on the string to the ruler to get your result.

👉 To get 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 is the Best Time of Day to Take Your Measurements?

The best time of day for this is usually first thing in the morning, as your stomach won’t be bloated. However, if you're taking measurements for a fitted garment, consider this factor and add a few centimetres to account for changes in your body throughout the day. You can also take one measurement in the morning and another in the evening to get an average of the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it's important to be in your underwear: this will ensure you get reliable results, which can serve as a foundation for choosing well-fitted clothing.

What should be measured?

When someone shares their measurements, it usually refers to 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 choosing your clothes, it’s also possible to measure:

• For their head: for a hat, a specific hairstyle…

• The size of your feet: to choose the right shoes,
• Your thigh measurement: for pants, shorts…
• Your shoulder width: for a top, a shirt, a tailored jacket, a fitted dress…
• Arm measurement: for a tailored dress, a fitted top…
• Inseam length: for pants, 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'll need to find out where your waist is located. To help you, look in a mirror: your waist is generally 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 fold appears is where your waist is located. Here’s a video to help you better visualise the triangle pose:

Once you've found your waist measurement, wrap the tape measure 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 waist, don't hesitate to measure that part as well for accurate results. Be sure to note 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 upright 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 point. Then wrap the rest of the measure around your body, without pulling tight, passing over your other hip and bottom at the same level as 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, especially if you’re taking measurements for a fitted top or a low-cut dress. However, make sure to wear a bra that’s similar in thickness to the one you plan to wear with that outfit: padding can 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 try on what you currently have on, as size guides are designed for measurements taken directly on the skin.

There are two measurements to take at the chest level: the first number in the measurements corresponds to the bust measurement. This is measured by placing the tape around the fullest part of the bust and ensuring that it remains parallel to the floor, even at the back. Don’t hold your breath and stand straight but relaxed while taking the measurement.

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

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

How to Take Your Other Measurements?

As I mentioned in this article, there are other measures that could be useful to you. Here are a few, along with tips on how to implement them easily:

🔸 Head Measurement: position your measuring tape across your forehead, a few centimetres above your ears, without it being too tight.

🔸 Neck gaiter: Measure around the base of your neck.

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

🔸 Inside Leg Length: Position the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your inner thigh, then stretch it down to the level of the malleolus (the bony bump on your ankle). Alternatively, you can use a pair of trousers that fit you perfectly. Remember to take a separate measurement for each leg, as sometimes their lengths can vary slightly.

🔸 Foot Size: The easiest way to find your foot size is to print a measurement document at 100% scale (Click the link to download one for free!) and then 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 keys to take your measurements accurately! Once you've done this, feel free to check out 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 formal dresses can even be tailored to your measurements! Check it out now by clicking on the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress