How to Take Your Body Measurements for Sewing

Good measurements are the first step to clothes that fit. It only takes 10 minutes and a tape measure, and the same method works for women, men and kids. Take your measurements once, write them down, and you’re ready to choose your size in any pattern.

The golden rules: stand straight and relaxed, keep the tape level all the way round, snug but not tight, and breathe normally.

The main measurements

These are the measurements used in almost every sizing chart. The numbers match the drawing below.

1. Bust (women) or chest (men and kids)

Measure around the fullest part of the bust or chest, with the tape passing under the arms and across the shoulder blades. For women, wear the bra you plan to wear with the garment, since it changes this measurement.

2. Waist

Measure around your natural waist: the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Bend to the side if you’re not sure: the crease that forms is your natural waist. Don’t hold your breath or pull your tummy in.

3. Hips (or seat)

Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your bottom. This is often lower than people think, around 18–23 cm (7–9 in) below the waist for adults. Check in a mirror that the tape stays level at the back.

4. Height

Stand barefoot with your back against a wall, heels touching the wall. Put a flat object like a book on your head, mark the wall under it, then measure from the floor to the mark. Height tells you whether a pattern’s lengths will suit you.

Extra measurements for some garments

Some patterns list a few more measurements. You only need these when the pattern asks for them:

Measurement	How to measure	Useful for
High bust	Around the chest, high under the arms and above the bust	Choosing a size in women’s tops when the cup size is larger
Inseam	From the crotch down the inside of the leg to the floor, barefoot	Pants and shorts length
Neck	Around the base of the neck, with one finger under the tape	Shirt collars
Arm length	From the shoulder point, over a slightly bent elbow, to the wrist bone	Sleeve length
Back waist length	From the bone at the base of the neck down the spine to the waist	Tops and dresses with a waist seam

Measuring women, men and kids

	Key measurements	Good to know
Women	Bust, waist, hips, height	Measure the bust over the bra you will wear. Hips are usually the widest point.
Men	Chest, waist, hips (seat), height	The natural waist can sit higher than where pants are worn. Measure where the pattern tells you to.
Kids	Height, chest, waist, hips	Kids grow fast: measure again before every new project. Height is often the main guide for kids’ sizes.

Tip for measuring kids: make it quick and fun. Measure over thin clothes, keep them standing still with feet together, and check each number twice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Pulling the tape too tight. You should be able to slide one finger under it.
• Letting the tape drop at the back. Use a mirror or ask for help to keep it level.
• Measuring over thick clothes. Jeans and sweaters can add several centimetres.
• Using old measurements. Bodies change. Measure again if it has been a few months.
• Measuring yourself sitting or slouching. Stand straight and relaxed.

Questions

Should I measure in cm or inches?

Either works, as long as you use the same unit as the sizing chart. Most of our charts show cm, and many patterns show both.

My measurements are in different sizes. What now?

That’s very common. The pattern tells you which measurement matters most for that garment. See our guide on choosing your size for how to handle it.

Can I measure myself alone?

Yes, with a mirror. Bust, waist and hips are easy to do alone. For height and back measurements, a helper makes it much more accurate.

Measured? Now choose your size.