How to Take Accurate Body Measurements

Accurate body measurements are the foundation for finding well-fitting clothes, whether you're shopping online, internationally, or having garments tailored. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to correctly measure your **Bust/Chest, Underbust, Waist, Hips, Inseam, and Sleeve Length**. Once you have these, you can confidently use them with our clothing size converters and save them to your My Fit Profile.

What You'll Need:

• A flexible tape measure (preferably in both centimeters and inches)
• A full-length mirror (optional, but helpful)
• A pen and paper to record measurements
• Wear light, non-bulky clothing or your underwear for best accuracy.

General Tips for Measuring:

• Keep it Level: Ensure the tape measure is parallel to the floor around your body.
• Snug, Not Tight: The tape should be snug against your skin, but not so tight that it compresses your body. You should be able to fit one finger underneath the tape.
• Breathe Naturally: Don't suck in or push out your stomach. Relax and breathe normally.
• Measure Twice: Always take each measurement at least twice to ensure accuracy.

Step-by-Step Measurement Guide:

1. Bust / Chest Measurement

For women, this measures the fullest part of your bust. For men, it measures the fullest part of your chest. This is crucial for tops, jackets, and dresses.

1. Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust (for women, usually over the nipples), or the fullest part of your chest (for men, usually just under the armpits).
3. Ensure the tape is flat across your back and not drooping.
4. Record the measurement in CM and Inches.

2. Underbust Measurement (For Bras)

This measurement is essential for finding your correct bra band size.

1. Wrap the tape measure directly under your bust, where your bra band would typically sit.
2. Ensure the tape is level and snug, but comfortable.
3. Record the measurement in CM and Inches.

3. Waist Measurement

This measures the narrowest part of your torso, typically above your belly button and below your rib cage. This is vital for pants, skirts, and dresses.

1. Bend to one side to find your natural waistline (where your body creases).
2. Wrap the tape measure around this narrowest point.
3. Keep the tape snug and level.
4. Record the measurement in CM and Inches.

4. Hips Measurement

This measures the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Essential for pants, skirts, and dresses.

1. Stand with your feet together.
2. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
3. Ensure the tape is level all the way around.
4. Record the measurement in CM and Inches.

5. Inseam Measurement

This is the length from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. Key for pants and trousers.

1. Wear a pair of well-fitting pants that have the inseam length you desire.
2. Lay them flat and smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Measure from the crotch seam straight down to the bottom of the hem.
4. Alternatively, measure your body: Stand straight, ask a helper to measure from your crotch to your ankle bone.
5. Record the measurement in CM and Inches.

6. Sleeve Length Measurement

This measures from the center back of your neck, across your shoulder, down your arm to your wrist. Important for shirts, jackets, and coats.

1. Start at the center back of your neck (at the base).
2. With your arm slightly bent, run the tape measure over the top of your shoulder, down to your elbow, and then to your wrist bone.
3. It's best to have a helper for this measurement to ensure accuracy.
4. Record the measurement in CM and Inches.

Once you have all your accurate body measurements, you can use them with our various clothing size converters or save them to your My Fit Profile for future use!