How To Measure Yourself
Watch our FREE video workshop on taking accurate measurements to learn more:
Standing Measurements
Measuring your Height alone can be challenging. Consider marking a point on the inside of a door frame and then measuring to that point after stepping away. A small piece of marking tape or a pencil mark that easily rubs away will suffice.
For the Bust measurement, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your ribcage. Remember to breathe normally during this measurement.
The Upper Bust, or High Bust, is the area under your armpits and above your bust point. While not listed on your pattern, it’s a useful measurement for fitting. Depending on the variation between your high bust and full bust, you may require a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) or a Small Bust Adjustment (SBA).
Identifying your Waist isn’t necessarily about finding the narrowest point of your torso. Place the tape measure around where you believe your waist is, then bend and move. The tape measure will naturally settle in the correct position.
Measuring from your Neck to Waist helps ensure the bodice waist point on your pattern aligns correctly. If reaching is difficult, use the door frame method to mark your body points and then measure when stepping away.
Hip measurements are taken around the fullest part of your lower half, which might be around your hips or your rear.
Seated Measurements
If you spend extended periods seated or use a wheelchair, take your measurements while seated. Our body mass shifts when we sit, potentially altering measurements. Ensuring comfort in form-fitting garments, especially when seated, is crucial.
Additional Measurements
For the Bicep measurement, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your upper arm to ensure sleeves won’t be too tight.
Measure your Neck gently, remembering to breathe in and out, to check shirt collar sizes.
Crotch length and front/back rise are essential for trouser making. Use a piece of string to measure around the full crotch, ensuring it stays in place. Measure from the front waist to the back waist, and for “low rise” trousers, measure to the desired sitting point. Rise is the distance between the crotch seam and the waist point.
Thigh measurement ensures close-fitting trouser legs won’t be overly tight.
Finally, measure from Shoulder Point to Shoulder Point to address any suspicions of wide or narrow shoulders. Compare this measurement to your pattern and adjust accordingly for a proper fit.
With these measurements in hand, you’re ready to select your pattern size!