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 to measure for online shopping or for having a garment made to measure?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often find that different clothing brands have very different sizing. It can be quite tricky to navigate! Knowing your measurements is therefore very useful, if not essential, when shopping online, for instance.

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

To take your measurements, you will need a flexible measuring tape, and if possible, the assistance of someone else. To ensure accurate measurements, I recommend wearing just your underwear. To measure your waist, bend forward and identify the point where your stomach dips in; this is where you should measure the circumference of your bust once you stand up straight. For your hip measurement, stand upright and measure at the widest part visually. Finally, for your bust measurement, keep your bra on (unless you're measuring specifically for this garment) and wrap the tape around your bust at the fullest point, making sure it remains level at the back.

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

• Why it is useful 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 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 have all heard of the famous “ideal measurements” or “90-60-90”, or even those of Marilyn Monroe! I’ll start by debunking a common myth: don’t worry, perfect measurements do not exist. In fact, the beauty of your figure thankfully does not depend on your chest 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 dimensions is not without value. These details can be incredibly useful if you wish to shop online, as they help you determine which size to select from the size guide. They can also assist you in finding second-hand clothing that truly fits you, by asking the seller for the shoulder width of a shirt or its length to see if it will suit you.
Finally, if you're considering making your own clothes or having 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 take your measurements. If you have a flexible measuring tape, that’s perfect. It will allow you to measure each part of your body quickly and easily.

If you don’t have any and need a few measurements, here’s a solution that will work too, even if it's slightly less precise and practical: use a piece of non-elastic ribbon (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, who can ensure that the measuring tape is flat against your back and also perpendicular to your spine.

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

The most suitable time of day is usually first thing in the morning, as your stomach won’t be bloated. However, if you are taking your measurements for a close-fitting garment, keep this in mind and add a few centimetres to account for fluctuations in your body throughout the day. You may also consider taking one measurement in the morning and another in the evening, to calculate an average of the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it is essential to be in your underwear: this will allow you to achieve accurate results, which can serve as a foundation for selecting well-fitted clothing.

What Should We Measure?

When someone provides their measurements, it usually consists of three numbers, for example: 93-75-100. These refer to the following:

• For the bust measurement: 93 cm,
• Then for the waist measurement: 75 cm,
• And finally for the hip measurement: 100 cm.

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

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

• The size of your feet: to choose shoes,
• Your thigh circumference: for trousers, shorts…
• Your shoulder width: for tops, shirts, blazers, fitted dresses…
• Arm circumference: for a tailored dress, a fitted top…
• Leg length: for trousers, a long dress…
• And many other precise measurements!

How to Measure Your Waist Size

The 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 with this, look in a mirror: your waist is usually marked halfway between the bottom of your ribs and your hips, just above your navel.

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

Once you've located your waist, wrap the tape measure around it, without inhaling. Ensure that the tape is flat against your skin, without being too tight or twisted. If you are measuring your waist for high-waisted trousers that sit above your waist, don't hesitate to measure that area as well to achieve accurate results. Make sure to write down your measurements so you can remember them.

How to Measure Your Hip Circumference?

When it comes to your hips, it can be 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 measuring tape on your hip, at the highest point. Then, wrap the rest of the tape around your body, without pulling tight, passing over your other hip and your bottom 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 size if you are taking your measurements for a fitted top or a low-cut dress. However, make sure to wear a bra of a similar thickness to the one you plan to wear with the outfit: padding can indeed add a few centimetres to your bust measurement.

If you are measuring this part of your body to buy lingerie, this time you will need to try on what you currently have, as size guides are designed for measurements taken directly on the skin.

There are two measurements to take around the bust: the first figure is the bust measurement. This is measured by placing the tape measure at the fullest part of the breasts and ensuring it remains parallel to the floor, even at the back. Do not puff out your chest; stand up straight and relaxed while taking the measurement.

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

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

How to Take Your Other Measurements?

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

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

🔸 Neck Gaiter: 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 shirt that fits you well.

🔸 Leg Length: Position 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 bony protrusion on your ankle). You could also refer to a pair of trousers that fit perfectly. Remember to take a separate measurement for each leg, as their lengths can sometimes vary slightly.

🔸 Foot size: For measuring your feet, the simplest method is to print a measuring document at 100% scale (click the link to download one for free!) and place your foot on it while standing up straight. Ask someone to mark the point where your big toe reaches using a pencil. Be sure to measure both feet individually, as there can be differences between them as well.

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 is even customised to fit your measurements! Discover it directly by clicking on the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress