How to Take Body Measurements for Perfect Fit

One of the keys to great fit is taking accurate body measurements.

You only need a tape measure! While having someone else take your measurements is preferable, you can do it yourself. Simply stand in front of a mirror to ensure that the tape is in the proper position.

You should ideally be measured while wearing only your undergarments. However, a leotard or other form-fitting clothing will suffice. Do not take your measurements while wearing jeans, sweatpants, or other bulky clothing. It ACTUALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

If you have trouble measuring yourself, a self-adhesive and removeable (and re-positionable) tape measure will help. With it, you can hold it in place easily while you write down your measurement.  It’s like having another set of hands!

Because the body is made of soft tissue, it can be a bit difficult to know exactly how tight to pull the tape around the body. The tape should be a bit snug, but not tight – it should not “dig in” or make an indentation in the body.  It should not be loose, either!  Just wrap the tape around the area of the body being measured and hold it in place.  You should be able to put a finger behind the tape, but no more than that.

Measurement Procedures

When taking your measurements, always use a cloth measuring tape*. For the most accurate results, have someone else measure you.  Also, make sure the tape measure is held snugly and firmly (not tightly) against your body and is always parallel to the floor for circumference measurements.

Remember to wear proper undergarments. If you wear a special support bra for riding, your measurements should be taken with that bra on.

We highly recommend measuring a properly fitted garment and comparing those measurements to the ones you take. Follow the steps below:

Shoulder Width:

Measure across the back from the corner of one shoulder to the corner of the other shoulder. For this measurement, I recommend measuring a jacket you already have that fits properly. Laying the jacket flat, measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Bust:

Measure around the fullest part of the bust. This measurement is taken above the band of your bra, and may not be the same as your bra size.

Waist:

Measure the smallest part of the waist. The natural waist is below the rib cage and usually above the bellybutton. Do not take this measurement around the waistband of your clothing.

Hip:

The hip measurement is taken at the widest part of the hips (around your bottom!). Do not take this measurement around the waistband of your clothing, or where your hands fall when you “put your hands on your hips.”

Sleeve:

With one arm down at a slight angle, start from the corner of the shoulder and measure down to where you’d like your sleeve to end. You can also use a shirt that already fits you well. Just lay it flat and measure from the corner shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.

Center Front Length:

This measurement is taken from the base of the neck down to where you would like the jacket hem to end.

*If you don’t have a cloth measuring tape, you can use a piece of non-stretchy string or fabric. Simply mark where your measurements fall on the string and then measure that length with a metal measuring tape, ruler or other item of known measurement (a standard piece of paper, dollar bill, etc.).

Measuring the body in Detail

sketch showing where and how to take body measurements for fitting clothing

Shoulder Width:

Measure across the back from the corner of one shoulder to the corner of the other shoulder. For this measurement, I recommend measuring a jacket you already have that fits properly. Laying the jacket flat, measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

A – Bust – Measure the bust at the fullest part. Measure all around the body (total circumference).

B – Waist – Measure the waist where the body bends.  It helps to bend side to side to identify exactly where to measure.  You can put an elastic band around the waist to mark the correct placement.

C – Hip – Measure the hips at the fullest part, usually around the seat.

D – High Hip – Measure around the fullest part, about 3 – 4″ below the waist. This is helpful when fitting a slim skirt or pants (to get an accurate idea of the shape of the hip, or the belly).

E – Front Waist Length – Start at the shoulder (right next to the base of the neck), and measure to the waist, placing the tape over the fullest part of the bust.

F – Back Waist Length – Measure from the base of the neck (in the center, not the side), to the center of the waistline.

G – Arm Length – Measure from the top of the arm (find the bone at the shoulder/top of the arm) to the wrist (find the bone at the side of the wrist), WITH THE ELBOW BENT.  It’s important to keep the elbow bent to allow for movement when you make a sleeve.

Sketch illustrating how to measure the lower body to fit pants.

For pants, you’ll need to take a few extra measurements on the lower body. Refer to the sketch, above, for the measurement points.

H – Thigh – Measure the thigh just below the crotch, at about the fullest point.  Measure all around the thigh, keeping the tape horizontal and level with the floor (this part is tricky, because the tape always wants to dip).

I – Ankle – Measure the ankle all around, at the narrowest point (where the ankle flexes). 

J – Inseam – Measure the inseam along the inner thigh and calf, from just below the crotch to the ankle.  This is impossible to do on yourself!  If you do not have a helper, you can dangle the tape measure with the “1” at the floor, and measure up to the crotch point.  Later, with your foot flat on the floor, measure the distance from the ankle to the floor and subtract that measurement from the inseam.  

K – Outseam – Measure along the outer thigh and calf, from the waist to the ankle.  Again, this is impossible to do yourself.  As above, dangle the tape, with the “1” at the floor, and measure up to your waist.  Stand up straight! You don’t have to look at the number on the tape until you remove it from your body.  If you look down while taking the inseam or outseam measurement, you’ll have an inaccurate number!  And again, deduct the distance from the ankle to the floor. 

For a skirt length, measure the outseam from the waist to the knee.  

L – Crotch Depth – Sit on a firm chair and measure from the waist to the top of the chair seat. It may be easier to use a ruler for this measurement.