To measure yourself for clothes at home, you need a soft tape measure, a mirror and a notepad. Measure over light clothing or underwear, keep the tape snug but not tight, and write down chest or bust, waist, hips, inseam and a few other numbers. Those figures let you compare against any brand’s size chart.
What you need
- A flexible tape measure, the cloth or plastic kind, not a metal builder’s tape
- A mirror so you can check the tape stays level
- A pen and paper or a notes app
- Light, close-fitting clothes or underwear
- A friend, if possible, for back and sleeve measurements
Ground rules for accurate numbers
Stand naturally, with your feet together and your arms relaxed. Breathe normally and do not pull in your stomach. The tape should lie flat and parallel to the floor, snug enough that it does not slip but loose enough that you could slide a finger beneath it. Measure twice and use the average if the numbers differ. Bodies change through the day and over time, so measure again every few months or before a big purchase.
Use either centimetres or inches consistently, and note which, since many size charts show both.
The key measurements, step by step
Chest or bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level at the back. If you wear a bra, measure over the type you would normally wear with the garment.
Waist
Find your natural waist, which is usually the narrowest part of the torso, roughly above the belly button and below the ribs. A trick is to bend sideways and note where the crease forms. Wrap the tape there.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, with feet together. Check in the mirror that the tape is level all the way around.
Inseam
For trousers, the inseam runs from the crotch to the ankle bone or wherever you like the hem to fall. The easiest method is to measure a pair of trousers that already fit well, laid flat, from the crotch seam to the hem.
Shoulder and sleeve
For shoulder width, measure from one shoulder point (where the arm meets the shoulder) across the back to the other. For sleeve length, ask a friend to measure from the shoulder point, down your slightly bent arm, to your wrist bone.
Neck
Measure around the base of the neck where a shirt collar would sit, leaving a finger of space for comfort.
| Measurement | Where to place the tape | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Chest or bust | Fullest part of the chest | Tops, jackets, dresses |
| Waist | Narrowest part of the torso | Trousers, skirts, dresses |
| Hips | Fullest part of hips and seat | Trousers, skirts, dresses |
| Inseam | Crotch to ankle | Trousers, jeans |
| Shoulder and sleeve | Shoulder point to wrist | Shirts, jackets, coats |
| Neck | Base of the neck | Collared shirts |
Measuring a garment you already own
Often the most useful number is a garment that fits well. Lay it flat and measure across the chest from armpit to armpit, the length from shoulder to hem and the waist across. Double the across measurements if a chart uses full circumferences. Compare that to the garment’s measurements listed on a shop page, since many retailers publish them.
How to use a size chart
Sizes differ between brands, countries and even between ranges of the same label, so a number on a tag is not a promise. Compare your measurements with the specific brand’s chart, not a general one. If you fall between two sizes, think about the fabric and fit. Stretchy fabrics often forgive the smaller size, while woven shirts and tailored jackets may be better in the larger size, as a tailor can take them in more easily than let them out.
Also read the fit description. Slim, relaxed and oversized cuts change how much room you need. Check reviews for notes like runs small or generous.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring over bulky clothes, which adds inches
- Pulling the tape too tight, or letting it sag at the back
- Measuring with your stomach held in
- Using an old tape that has stretched
- Trusting an old size from years ago
Measurements and your wardrobe
Good fit makes a bigger difference than price. A well-fitting basic often looks better than a loose expensive piece, which is why fit is a theme in our guides on building a capsule wardrobe and a work wardrobe. Fit also matters when buying second-hand, where you often cannot return things, so measuring first helps with thrift shopping.
Your five-minute measurement card
Take your measurements once, today, and save them as a note on your phone with the date. Add one measured garment that fits you best, as a benchmark. Next time you shop online, you will have it ready. Find more practical help in our fashion guides.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure over clothes or without?
Measure over light, close-fitting clothes or underwear. Bulky layers add inches and can give misleading numbers.
What if I fall between two sizes?
Check the fabric and fit. Stretch fabrics often work in the smaller size, while woven tailored pieces are usually safer in the larger size because they can be altered.
How often should I re-measure?
Every few months, or before a significant purchase such as a suit or coat. Bodies change, and so do brands' sizes.
Can I use a string if I do not have a tape measure?
Yes. Wrap the string around the body part, mark the point where it meets, then lay it flat against a ruler to read the length.
Are size charts the same across brands?
No. Sizes vary between brands and countries, so always use the chart for the specific item you are buying.
