Measurement guide
Accurate measurements lead to better size recommendations and fewer returns. These step-by-step instructions cover all the common body points used in apparel sizing, from bust and waist to inseam and neck. The guide works equally well for home sewists drafting from a sewing pattern, for tailors taking a client's measurements, and for online shoppers who want to stop returning clothes that do not fit.
This guide covers the manual tape-measure approach. If you prefer, Body Scan in the app lets you measure with your phone camera instead, with no tape required. For the manual path, you need a flexible measuring tape. A second person helps for measurements like sleeve length and shoulder width, but most can be taken alone. Record values in whatever unit you prefer; Dress Measurement stores both cm and inches.
These measurements apply regardless of gender and are used across most clothing categories.
Find your natural waist by bending to one side; the crease that forms is where you measure. Wrap the tape around that point, keeping it parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Stand straight and breathe out gently before reading the number.
Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and seat, usually 20 to 23 cm below your natural waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and relaxed. This is a full-hip measurement, not a high-hip.
Measure across the back from the edge of one shoulder to the other, following the natural line of your shoulders. Ask someone to help so the tape lies flat across the shoulder seam points. Stand relaxed with your arms at your sides.
With your elbow slightly bent, start at the center back of your neck, go across your shoulder, and continue down the outside of your arm to your wrist bone. Keep the tape close to the body along the arm. This full sleeve length is used for shirts, jackets, and outerwear.
Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart. Measure from the crotch seam down the inside of your leg to the bottom of your ankle bone. A second person helps significantly here. This measurement determines trouser and jean length.
Measure from your natural waist down the outside of your leg to the floor while standing straight. This is the full trouser length measured from the outside. Compare it with the inseam to understand your rise and leg proportion.
Wrap the tape around the base of your neck, just above the collar bone, leaving one finger of ease. Keep the tape level and do not pull it tight. This measurement is used for dress shirts, blouses, and necklines.
Place the tape around your head at the widest point, about 2 cm above your ears and across the mid-forehead. The tape should be snug but not tight. This measurement is needed for hats and headwear sizing.
Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm, halfway between your shoulder and elbow, with your arm relaxed at your side. Keep the tape snug but not compressing. This is used to check arm-hole and sleeve fit on fitted garments.
Measure around the fullest part of your thigh, near the top of the leg just below the seat. Stand with your weight evenly distributed. This measurement matters for fitted trousers, jeans, shorts, and leggings.
Measure around the widest part of your calf, typically midway between the knee and ankle. Stand upright with your weight on both feet. This is used for boot sizing and close-fitting trouser legs.
Measure from the prominent bone at the base of your neck (the seventh cervical vertebra) straight down to your natural waist. Keep the tape in contact with your spine. This measurement governs jacket and top length.
These measurements are most commonly used in women's sizing charts.
For women
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level across your back. Stand relaxed with your arms at your sides and breathe normally. Do not pull the tape tight or let it sag. Record the measurement where the tape meets.
These measurements are most commonly used in men's sizing charts.
For men
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and your posture upright. Do not puff out your chest or hunch your shoulders. Read the tape at a relaxed exhale.
A well-fitted measurement tape is the most important tool. Cloth or fiberglass tapes work; metal tapes do not flex well around curves and should be avoided. Measure over light underwear or a thin base layer, not over bulky clothing.