Ensuring a perfect fit starts with taking accurate body measurements. Whether you’re shopping online or customizing your wardrobe, knowing how to measure yourself properly can save you from ill-fitting clothes and returns. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to measure the key areas of your body to find your correct clothing size.

Table of content

1. What you’ll need
2. How Do You Correctly Measure Yourself?
3. Upper body measurements
4. Lower body measurements
5. Final tips for accurate measurements:

What you’ll need:

• A soft measuring tape (tailor’s tape)
• A mirror or someone to assist
• Pen and paper to note your measurements
• Form-fitting clothes or underwear for accuracy

How do you correctly measure yourself?

Taking your own body measurements might seem tricky, but with the right technique, it’s simpler than you think. In this guide, you will learn the patterns of following body measurements to ensure you always shop for the correct size. After all, we all know that fitted clothing can boost confidence and make anyone feel great!

Let’s dive into the steps using the right techniques and a tape measure.

Upper body measurements

Body length (torso)

How to measure:

• Stand straight and relax your shoulders.
• Place the measuring tape at the highest point of your shoulder (where your neck meets your shoulder).
• Measure straight down to the desired hemline (waist, hip, or longer).
• Keep the tape vertical and snug, but not too tight.

Chest/Bust measurement

How to measure:

• Stand with your arms relaxed.
• Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest (bust), usually around the nipple level.
• Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and not twisted.
• For accuracy, take this measurement while wearing a well-fitting bra for women.

Sleeve length

How to measure:

• Start with your elbow slightly bent.
• Place the measuring tape at the point where the shoulder seam of the garment meets the arm seam.
• Run the measuring tape down to the wrist, where the arm ends and the hand begins.
• Follow the natural curve of your arm.

Shoulder width

How to measure:

• Measure from one shoulder edge to the other, across the back.
• Make sure the measuring tape stays straight and level.

Lower body measurements

Inseam (leg length)

How to measure:

• Stand straight with your feet slightly apart.
• Measure from the top of your inner thigh (where your thigh meets your pelvis) down to your ankle.
• If you’re wearing shoes, measure to where you want the hem of your pants to fall.

Waist measurement

How to measure:

• Locate your natural waistline by bending to one side—this crease is your waist.
• Another option is to orient slightly above the belly button.
• Stand straight and wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline. This will be your waist circumference.
• Ensure the tape is snug but not tight, and it should be parallel to the ground.

Hip measurement

How to measure:

• Stand with your feet together.
• Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
• Make sure the tape is level and snug but not tight.
• This measurement helps determine the fit of pants, skirts, and dresses.

Thigh circumference

How to measure:

• Measure around the fullest part of your thigh, just below your crotch.
• Keep the tape parallel to the ground and snug.

Final tips for accurate measurements:

• Always use a flexible measuring tape and measure in inches or centimeters, depending on the size chart you’re using.
• Measure around the fullest parts of your body for accurate sizing.
• If you’re between sizes, it’s better to size up for comfort.
• Different body types may require more specific measurements, so be sure to consult a brand’s size charts for the best fit.
• Knowing your body shape allows you to select styles that suits your figure.
• If you’re considering weight loss or changes in your body mass index, regularly update your measurements to reflect your new size.

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