Bust
Wear a non-padded bra that fits well. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the bust, usually across the nipples, and around the back at the same height, under the shoulder blades. Let your arms hang at your sides once the tape is in place; raised arms lift the bust and shorten the number.
Underbust (for bras and some fitted tops): directly under the bust, where a bra band sits. Keep this one firm.
Waist
Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually an inch or so above the navel. Bend to one side: the crease that forms is where the tape goes. For trousers and jeans you may also want a second number where the waistband actually sits, which for mid- and low-rise styles is lower and usually larger.
Hips
Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, often 18 to 23 cm (7 to 9 in) below the natural waist. Move the tape up and down a little and take the largest reading. This is the measurement that decides most trousers, skirts and fitted dresses.
Chest (men's sizing)
Around the fullest part of the chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades, arms relaxed. For jackets, some tailors measure over a dress shirt; that is the number a 40R or 50 jacket is built around.
Neck
Around the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits, just below the Adam's apple. Slide one finger between tape and neck for ease, then round up to the next half inch (or next centimeter). That is your collar size.
Sleeve
For shirts sized the US way, start at the center of the back of your neck, run the tape over the top of the shoulder, down the outside of a slightly bent arm, to the wrist bone. You will need a helper for this one. Some brands measure sleeve from the shoulder seam instead; their chart will say.
Inseam
From the crotch straight down the inside of the leg to where you want the hem, usually the top of the foot or the floor, in bare feet. The easiest way: measure the inside leg seam of trousers that are already the length you like, laid flat.
Feet
Stand on paper with your heel against a wall, mark the tip of your longest toe, and measure. Do both feet, late in the day, and use the longer one. The shoe size conversion chart lists the foot length each size is made for.
Mistakes that change your size
- Tape dipping at the back
- Adds 2 to 5 cm to bust and hip numbers. Check in a mirror or have someone look.
- Measuring over clothes
- Jeans or a sweater can add a full size. Measure over underwear or thin layers.
- Pulling the tape tight
- Gives a smaller number and clothes that pull. Snug, flat, no dent.
- Old numbers
- Bodies change. Re-measure once or twice a year, or before a big purchase.
- Body vs garment charts
- Some brand charts list the garment's measurements, which include ease. Don't compare your body to those directly; compare a similar garment you own.
Measuring a garment that fits
Often the best size guide is in your wardrobe. Lay a garment that fits you well flat and smooth. For tops, measure straight across from armpit to armpit and double it; for trousers, measure across the waistband and double it, and measure the inside leg seam. Brands that publish garment measurements (sometimes called "product measurements" or "flat measurements") can then be compared directly.
Use your numbers
Enter them in the size finder to get the nearest size in every system, with the measurement that decides it. The link it gives you keeps your numbers in the address bar only, so you can bookmark it for next time. For fitted women's clothes see the women's size chart; for suits, shirts and trousers see the men's size chart.