Measuring a Woman's Body Dimensions: Waist, Hips, Bust, and Additional Points of Interest
Article Title: How to Take Your Measurements: A Guide for Perfectly Tailored Clothes
Introduction
Learn the art of taking precise body measurements with our comprehensive guide. Knowing your bust, waist, hip, and inseam measurements is the key to having clothes custom-tailored to perfection.
Preparing for Your Measurements
- Slip on a light layer of clothing, like a t-shirt or leggings, and choose undergarments that reflect your everyday attire. Shapewear can be worn, but keep it to a minimum to maintain accurate waist and hip measurements.
- Put on shoes with the correct heel height for measurements related to hemlines or inseams. Doing so is especially important when altering a dress or trousers.
- Stand with good posture, feet hip-width apart, and your head lifted up. Aim for a straight, unbent back, and keep staring straight ahead or at a point in front of you.
- Use a soft, flexible measuring tape, ideally with a comfortable fabric or plastic. Stay away from rigid metal tape measures for precise body measurements.
Body Measurement Guide
- Bust: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust.
- Thigh: Measure the widest part of your thigh.
- Hip: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your buttocks.
- Waist: Measure the smallest part of your waist.
- Arm: Measure the widest part of your upper arm.
- Chest: Hold the tape between your armpits and measure straight across.
- Inseam: Hold the tape from your ankle bone to your crotch to measure the inner leg.
Taking Your Bust and Bodice Measurements
- Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust and record the number as your bust measurement.
- Underbust: Measure around the base of your bra to find your underbust measurement.
- Bra Size: Calculate your bra size by subtracting your underbust measurement from your rounded-up bust measurement.
- Sleeve Length: Measure the distance from the center of your neck, over your elbow, and down to your wrist bone.
- Upper Arm: Measure the circumference of the widest part of your upper arm.
- Shoulder Width: Measure the distance between your shoulders at the back and front. Keep your arms at your sides, raised slightly.
- Low Shoulder or Low Chest Measurement: Measure the distance between your armpits, from front and back.
- Bodice Measurement: Hold the tape measure at the top of your shoulder, where your shirt's shoulder seam would be, and extend it down to your natural waist.
- Dress Length: Measure from your shoulder to your desired hemline to determine the length of dresses or maxi gowns.
Taking Your Waist, Hip, and Leg Measurements
- Find your natural waist by bending over and noting where your body creases.
- Measure around your natural waist as a waist measurement.
- Identify your hip measurement by measuring around the widest part of your lower torso, following the guide for bust and waist measurements.
- Measure the length of your inner leg, also known as the inseam measurement.
- Measure your thigh with the tape around the fullest part of your upper leg.
- Use a well-fitting pair of trousers to determine your inseam measurement.
- For stockings and custom-made trousers, measure your calf or ankle circumference along with those in your thigh section.
Q&A with Expert Margo West
- Important Measurements for Women's Clothes: Bust, waist, and hips.
- Chest Measurement: Take measurements with or without a bra, but use the same type of bra for consistency in bra shopping.
- Last Rib to Pelvis Measurement: Feel for where your rib cage ends and your pelvis begins (at the sides) and measure the distance.
Tips
- Ask a professional tailor to take measurements if needed.
- Measure yourself after a meal for comfortably fitting clothes.
- Visit a lingerie store for help with bra measurements.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible Measuring Tape
- Notepad and Pen
- Full-length Mirror
- If you are looking to expand your home lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, consider renovating your home-and-garden to create a space that represents your personal style.
- A perfectly tailored wardrobe requires various measurements such as waist, hip, and inseam not only for your clothes but also for home-and-garden projects like DIY curtains or clothing storage solutions.
