How to take body measurements

What you will learn

Learn to take, correctly and repeatably, the basic body measurements used to build any made-to-measure pattern.

Before you start

You need a flexible measuring tape and, if possible, another person to help you measure (measuring yourself is less precise).

Concept

Every made-to-measure pattern starts from a set of body measurements, taken with the tape resting on the body, neither tightened nor loosened. An error of 1-2 cm in taking measurements shows up directly in the final fit.

Lesson content

Basic measurements for the upper body

• Bust/chest circumference: at the widest part, tape parallel to the floor.
• Waist circumference: at the natural waistline crease, without tightening.
• Hip circumference: at the widest part of the hip.
• Back length: from the base of the neck to the waist.
• Sleeve length: from the shoulder to the wrist, with the arm slightly bent.

The measuring tape: snug, not tight

A common mistake is measuring with the tape squeezing the fabric or the body: that gives a smaller measurement than the real one and the pattern comes out too tight. The tape should rest on the body, without sinking into the skin or the clothing.

Step by step

1. Ask someone to help you measure (or do it in front of a large mirror).
2. Wear fitted clothing or underwear to measure, never over a jacket or coat.
3. Take each measurement twice and note the average if they differ.
4. Record all the measurements in a table with the date: the body changes over time.

Practical example

If the bust circumference is 92 cm and the waist is 74 cm, those two numbers already let you calculate the darts of a basic bodice (the difference between the two circumferences is, roughly, what has to be "taken out" with darts).

Common mistakes

Measuring over thick clothing: Always measure over fitted clothing or underwear: a thick sweatshirt can add a false 3-4 cm to the circumference.

Loosening the tape "to be comfortable": The tape should sit the way a fitted garment sits, neither loose nor tight. Practice with someone who already knows how to measure to calibrate the feel.

Modeltex tip

Create your own measurement sheet for each client (or for yourself) and update it every 6 months. It will save you hours of fit corrections.

Exercise

Take your own measurements (or someone else's): bust, waist and hip circumference, and back length. Write down the 4 numbers.

Frequently asked questions

Should the measuring tape be snug?

It should rest on the body without sinking in and without hanging loose: neither tight nor slack. It is the most common source of error when starting out.

How often do measurements need to be retaken?

The body changes: for made-to-measure work, it is worth measuring again if several months have passed since the last time.

Summary

Body measurements (bust, waist, hip, back length and sleeve length, among others) are the starting point of any made-to-measure pattern. They are taken with the tape resting on the body, neither tightened nor loosened, preferably with help from another person.

Go back to the full course or ask the Modeltex Lab AI.