Taking Body Measurements by Hand
Collecting accurate measurements is key and can require an extra set of hands.
You will need:
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A flexible measuring tape (cloth or vinyl)
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A mirror or helper (recommended)
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Fitted clothing or undergarments
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A notebook or measurement form
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A natural, relaxed stance (do not suck in or puff out)
Key rules:
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Tape should be snug, not tight
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Keep tape parallel to the floor
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Stand naturally—no shoes
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Measure twice for accuracy
Upper Body Measurements
Bust / Chest
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Wrap tape around the fullest part of the bust or chest
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Tape passes over shoulder blades in back
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Keep tape level across the body
Used for: Dresses, shirts, jackets, coat
High Bust
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Measure above the bust, under the arms. Tape runs across upper chest and shoulder blades - always keeping tape horizontal to ground
Used for: Precise bodice and couture fit adjustments
Shoulder Width
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Measure straight across the top of the back, from the bony edge of one shoulder to the other
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Do not curve over the shoulders
Used for: Jackets, tailored garments, sleeves
Back Width
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Measure straight across the back, from the top of the underarm crease on one side to top of the underarm crease on the other side.
Used for: Jackets, tailored garments, sleeves
Torso Measurement
Natural Waist
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Find the narrowest point of your torso
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Usually where you naturally bend
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Tie a string if needed to mark the waist
Used for: Pants, skirts, dresses
Small Hip
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find the prominent hip bones (iliac crests), place the tape measure just below them at the fullest part of the buttocks
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keep tape parallel to the ground
Used for: Pants, skirts, dresses
Hips
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Measure around the fullest part of hips and bottom
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Usually 7–9 inches below the waist
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Keep tape level
Used for: Pants, skirts, fitted dresses
Waist to Hip
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Measure vertically from natural waist to full hip
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Stand straight; do not curve the tape
Used for: Pattern grading and proportion balance
Vertical Torso Measurements
Back Waist Length
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From the base of the neck (prominent bone) straight down to natural waist (where you have tied a string)
Used for: Bodice length and posture adjustments
Front Waist Length
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From shoulder at neck base over bust apex to natural waist
Used for: Bust shaping and dart placement
Waist to Hip Length
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From natural waist to full hip
Used for: Bust shaping and dart placement
Rise
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Best way to take it is sitting on a flat seated chair. Measure from seat of the chair to your natural waist (string around the waist). Can be taken from side or front as indicated in images.
Used for: Bust shaping and dart placement
Sleeve & Arm Measurements
Sleeve Length
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From shoulder point
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Over bent elbow
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To wrist bone
Used for: Shirts, jackets, coats
Bicep
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Measure around fullest part of upper arm
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Arm relaxed at side
Used for: Sleeve comfort and mobility
Lower Body Measurements
Inseam
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From crotch point to ankle or desired hem
Used for: Pants and trousers
Waist to knee
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From natural waist to middle of knee
Used for: Pants and trousers
Knee
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Measure circumference of widest part of knee
Used for: Pants and trousers
Calf
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Measure circumference of widest part of calf
Used for: Pants and trousers
Male Form
