Taking your clothing measurements is an important part of ordering the right size when shopping online. And knowing your measurements can make the difference between looking good and looking great in your new outfit.
But how do you ensure your measurements are accurate? We’ll walk you through taking your measurements and how to better understand manufacturer sizing when shopping online.
Why are measurements important?
Measurements in clothing have become even more important in recent years, thanks to our growing love of online shopping. Whether you buy from a big box retailer or a local boutique, shopping online can save you time and money – but you run the risk of purchasing something that’s not the right fit.
Most people have a rough idea of what size they are (an 8, 10, 12, 14 for example, or a small, medium, or large). But keep in mind that major labels purposefully use ‘vanity sizes’ to make customers feel better about themselves and more loyal to their brand. After all, buying a size 8 in one brand feels a lot better than buying a 12 in another. But let’s be real, there isn’t a universally accepted size chart, and that’s why measurements should be your guide.
To get accurate measurements, you are going to need a soft tape measure and a notepad, and a pen. Let’s get started!
How to measure your bust
- You will want to start by removing your top and bra. Wearing minimal clothing, or nothing at all will give you a more accurate measurement.
- Wrap the measuring tape loosely around the fullest part of your chest, at nipple level. Round to the nearest whole number. This will become your bust measurement.
How to measure your waist
- Start by removing your clothing or raising your shirt to just below your chest. The tape measure will need to be against your bare stomach for a more accurate measurement.
- Your waist will be the narrowest part of your torso. Typically, right above your navel.
- Stand up straight, exhale slowly, and bring the measuring tape from your navel around your body to connect at the front. The tape should be parallel to the floor and fit snugly around your torso without digging in.
- This is your waist measurement.
How to measure your hips
- Stand in front of a full-length mirror in just your underwear. Place your feet together, toes facing forward.
- Find the widest part of your hips. This is typically parallel to the place in which the base of your zipper lies.
- The tape should be snug but not dig in. If you can fit more than one finger under the tape, it’s too loose.
- Record the number at the meeting point of the tape. This is your hip measurement.
How to measure your inseam
- Stand with your back against the wall and while standing tall, have another person measure from the top inseam point to the heel. If you regularly wear heels, or you plan to with this outfit, it’s helpful to either wear heels when measuring or add half an inch to 1 inch to the recorded measurement.
- If you don’t have someone with you, try measuring the inseam of an existing pair of pants, ideally a pair you love the fit of. Fold the article of clothing in half (the long way) and measure in inches from the crotch seam or bottom of the zipper to the bottom of the leg.
Understanding size charts
Keep in mind that size charts tend to vary from store to store and that even with your measurements in hand, you may be surprised by the wide array of sizes. As a general guide, you should:
- Focus on the measurements in the size chart compared to your actual body measurements. Don’t focus on the number size listed in the descriptions; these are only used as general guidelines.
- If you are between two sizes, choose the larger size. Most boutiques will offer size recommendations in the product descriptions or a chat feature with personal service. This is where boutique shopping can be extremely helpful.
- Avoid automated size generators that claim to be able to tell you your accurate size. They can’t.