We all want to look and feel good in the clothes we wear, don't we? The secret to finding and fitting some fashion forward flair is in taking accurate measurements.
Find your tape measure!
When was the last time that you busted out the tape measure and took accurate, honest, and humbling measurements? For those of us that are attempting to cross over into other fashion realms, it is even more important that we know what numbers we are working with in order to achieve the fit and feel that we desire. We've all been there.......ill fitting clothes that are either too small or way too baggy, unflattering shapes that don't conform to what Mama gave us, and days filled with adjusting and feeling self conscious about our presentation to the world. What to do?
Achieving the perfect fit
You might want to rally support as you attempt first-time measurements; another objective set of eyes can determine if you are hitting the right points on the body and holding the tape measure snug around you. By the way, if you don't have a tailor's tape measure, it's time to get one. If you are making the investment in more fashion forward pieces, it's time to get serious. Read on to see what measurements to collect for both ladies and gentlemen.....and everyone in between.
Ladies clothing pieces
Ladies clothing pieces use six separate reference points for measurement; these ensure the most accurate fit for most pieces of clothing, lending themselves to the creation of a fine feminine form.
1. Neck and bust--Bring the end of the tape measure around to the center of your neck, just above the collar bone. Not too tight on this one; comfort is key. For the bust, you'll want to consider whether you'll be wearing a bra with the pieces you are fitting for. You are likely to get slightly different measurements when fitting without one. Bring the end of the tape measure around to the center of one breast at its fullest part, taking care to line up the tape measure across the back and center of the other breast. You are fitting for fullness in this area of the body.
2. Waist and hips--Your waist is the smallest part of your torso, it is usually located about four inches above your navel and above your hip bones. Bring the tape around to the center of your abdomen, keeping it parallel to the floor all around your body. Your hip measurement should be around the fullest part of your hip area, taking care to keep the tape parallel to the floor.
3. Front waist length--It's not a measurement that you would normally take at home, but it's necessary for proper fitting clothing. Measure from the side base of your neck, at the top shoulder line, and going down towards your waist level passing over your bust point. Keep your tape measure straight at all costs, please. To measure bust depth, use the same starting point on the shoulder as your front waist length, all the way down to the apex of your bust point.
4. Back waist length--This is most certainly a two person job, so call a friend or family member and have them measure from the nape of the neck, down your spine and to your waist. To measure your back width, measure horizontally between your armpits.
5. Shoulder length--The length of your shoulder runs from the base of your neck at your collarbone all the way to the tip of your shoulder. Imagine having to measure a hangar for width, and you'll have a good idea of how to run the tape measure across the top of your shoulder, stopping to measure just before it begins sloping downward into arm muscle.
6. Arm length--Beginning where you left off at the shoulder tip, run the tape measure down the length of the arm, stopping where you would envision a sleeve or cuff ending. Give yourself another inch of length to accommodate for bent elbows.
Of course, you'll need your inseam as well for pants; this is a standard measurement that runs all the way from the inner thigh to the ankle. The inseam measurement is much the same for men's and women's clothing; keep the tape measure taut and snug against the skin as you acquire an accurate measurement for pants, jeans, and more formal wear.
Men's clothing pieces
Men's clothing measurements are surprisingly much the same as women's measurements; follow these guidelines for accuracy and comfort, no matter what type of pieces you choose:
- Chest: Take measurement under the arms and around chest.
- Sleeves: Measure from base of the neck, across shoulder, down the arm to slightly bent elbow and up to wrist.
- Waist: Measure circumference at its narrowest part.
- Hips: Measure at the fullest point, standing with feet slightly apart.
- Hats: Measure around the largest part of the head.
- Gloves and mitts: On adult gloves and mitts, hand circumference in inches equals glove size. Measure around a flattened hand at the knuckles; do not include thumb.
- Shoes: Measure along the bottom of the foot from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
Practice makes perfect!
If you're new to the game of measurement, not to worry. It may take a few tries, but with a consistent set of measurements, a couple of good friends, and a commitment to looking and feeling good, you'll be rocking those new clothes in no time!
