We’ve all made those unfortunate purchases. The jeans with too short of a rise, the t-shirt that’s too long to tuck, or the sweater that’s too cropped. By knowing how to take body measurements for clothing and carrying a small measuring tape, you can drastically improve your shopping success rate!
Today we’ll review the most important numbers to record so you’ll be better prepared for your next in-person or online shopping spree.
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Know Your Numbers
Knowing your numbers and how to take body measurements for clothing can save you a lot of time when shopping and prevent you from picking up items with a poor fit. Take the time to record your measurements in the different categories below.
Screenshot your completed worksheet or use a notes app like OneNote or Evernote. You’ll want access to all these figures on your phone so you can readily use them when shopping in person or online.
Basic Information
First, note your basic information, including height, weight, bust, waist, and hip measurements. You might also want to identify brands that fit you best and your size in several categories (top, trousers, dress).
TrueFit (an AI fit platform) runs on many retailers’ websites and uses the information above to help guide you to your best fit.
Tips for Getting Correct Measurements:
Use a flexible, inelastic tape measure.
Only wear undergarments when taking your measurements.
Be sure to keep the tape measure level or have someone assist you.
Bust: Measure at the fullest part.
Waist: Measure at the narrowest part, typically above your bellybutton.
Hips: Measure at the fullest part.
Bra Sizing
Whether you get a professional bra fitting or record measurements yourself, this step is important. An ill-fitting bra can make you look much heavier and no one wants that!
If your measurements have you in between sizes, investigate companies like ThirdLove that offer bras in half-cup increments. Re-take your measurements every couple of years or if you gain or lose weight.
Measure Your Bra Size:
Measure your ribcage just underneath your breasts.
Round to the nearest whole number.
If number is odd, add 5", if even add 4". This is your band size.
Measure your bust at it's fullest part.
Round to the nearest whole number.
Subtract your band size from your bust size to determine cup size.
0 inch difference - AA cup
1 inch difference - A
2 inch difference - B
3 inch difference - C
4 inch difference - D
5 inch difference - DD
6 inch difference - DDD/F
7 inch difference - G
Example:
Band measurement is 36", bust measurement is 40". Bra size is 36D.
Jeans/Trouser Sizing
Jeans/trousers are an area where many women struggle with the appropriate fit. Along with your typical size, write down your best-fitting rise and inseam. To measure rise, I recommend measuring both the front and back rise of a pair of great-fitting jeans or trousers you currently own.
Regarding inseams, you might want to note several measurements, one for cropped cuts, one for full-length, and another for wearing with heeled boots or shoes.
Using Your Numbers
While shopping online, use the fit information many retailers provide to see if a style you’re interested in might work for you. If you can’t find the information you need on a website, a quick call to customer service can provide it.
If you’re shopping in-store, measure items before going to the dressing room. While some things are easy to alter, the rise of a pair of trousers or jeans is not. Ensuring the rise fits will save you a lot of time and hassle!
Extra Credit
The measurements above are the most critical and a great starting point, but you can continue from there. Other measurements you might want to keep track of include:
- Skirt Lengths (most flattering mini, midi, and maxi lengths). Again, measuring a current piece that you LOVE is often the best way to get this measurement.
- Sleeve Length. If you are self-conscious about your upper arms, write down how much of a sleeve you need to camouflage.
- Shirt/Sweater Length. Know your ideal number, and you’ll no longer end up with tops that are either too cropped or too long to tuck in.
- Heel Height. Personally, I can no longer comfortably wear much above a 2″ or 50 mm heel in pumps, boots, or sandals.
- Add your own!
Buy only what you love and what fits you well! For more on creating your perfect wardrobe, check out this post on adding personality to your wardrobe basics.
Until next time…keep cultivating a simple, stylish, and satisfying life!
Great information, Betsy. Thank you. Xx
Glad you enjoyed it, Christina!