How to take your measurements?

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

I will help you.

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

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

To take your measurements, you'll need a soft measuring tape, and if possible, the help of another person. For accurate measurements, I recommend wearing your underwear. To measure your waist, bend forward and find the point where your stomach dips in: this is where you should measure the circumference of your bust once you straighten up. To measure your hips, stand up straight and measure at the widest part. Finally, to measure your bust, wear your bra (unless you're measuring specifically for that item) and wrap the tape around your bust at its fullest point, making sure it stays level at 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'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, figuring out your shoe size, etc.

Why is it important to know your measurements?

We've all heard about the so-called “ideal measurements” or the famous “90-60-90” or even those of Marilyn Monroe! Let me 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 showcase it through fashion.

That said, measuring your dimensions is not without its benefits. These measurements can be incredibly useful if you want to shop at an online store, as they help you select the right size on the size guide. They can also assist you in finding second-hand clothing that actually fits, by asking the seller for the shoulder width of a shirt or its length, to ensure it suits you.
Lastly, if you're looking to sew your own clothes or have a tailored piece made, your measurements will be crucial for the success of that project!

What do you need to 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 every 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 a bit less precise and practical: use a piece of non-elastic tape (or a thin belt) and a straight ruler. Simply transfer the measurement taken with the string onto the ruler to get your result.

👉 To take your measurements accurately, don't hesitate to ask someone for help to 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 take your measurements is generally in the morning before eating, as your stomach won't be bloated. However, if you're measuring for a fitted garment, take this into account and add a few centimetres to allow for changes in your body throughout the day. You might also consider taking a measurement in the morning and one in the evening to get an average of the two.

👉 To take your measurements, it is essential to be in your underwear: this will allow you to obtain reliable results, which can serve as a basis for selecting well-fitting clothing.

What should be measured?

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

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

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

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

• The size of your feet: for choosing shoes,
• Your thigh circumference: for trousers, shorts…
• Your shoulder width: for a top, a shirt, a blazer, a fitted dress…
• Arm circumference: for a tailored dress, a fitted top…
• Length of legs: 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 identify where your waist is located. To assist you, look in a mirror: your waist is typically marked halfway between the bottom of your ribs and your hips, above your navel.

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

Once you can see where your waist is located, 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 a pair of high-waisted pants that sit above your waist, don't hesitate to measure that area as well to get accurate results. Be sure to note your measurements so you can remember them.

How to Measure Your Hip Size?

When it comes to your hips, it's very helpful to use a mirror or ask someone for assistance. Stand straight in front of it, with your feet together, on a flat surface.

Position one end of your tape measure on your hip, at the most prominent part. Then, wrap it around your body gently, going over your other hip and your backside, ensuring it's at the same level as where you started. The tape or 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're taking measurements for a fitted top or a low-cut dress. However, make sure you're wearing a bra that has a similar thickness to the one you'll be wearing with this outfit: padding can indeed add a few centimetres to your bust measurement.

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

There are two measurements to take around the bust: the first number in your measurements is the bust circumference. This is measured by placing the tape measure across the fullest part of your breasts and 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 bust measurement: do this in the same way, but by measuring under your bust. The difference between this number and the one you obtained for your bust size will help you calculate the depth of your bra cup, for example.

👉 Gentlemen, simply measure your chest size by wrapping the tape measure under your arms and ensuring it remains parallel to the ground.

How to take your additional measurements?

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

🔸 Head Measurement: position your measuring tape across your forehead, a few centimetres above your ears, ensuring it’s not too tight.

🔸 Neck measurement: 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: place the end of the measuring tape at the highest point of your inner thigh, then stretch it down to the level of your ankle bone (the bump on your ankle). Alternatively, you can use a pair of trousers that fit you perfectly. Make sure to measure each leg separately, as they can sometimes be slightly different in size.

🔸 Shoe Size: For measuring your feet, the easiest way is to print a foot measuring document at 100% scale (Click on the link to download one for free!) and place your foot on it while standing up straight. Ask someone else to mark where your big toe reaches with 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 correctly! Once that's done, feel free to visit 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 customised to fit your measurements! Check it out by clicking on the banner below:

Bohemian wedding dress