Taking accurate body measurements is one of the keys to great fit. Whether you choose to make your pattern block from a commercial fitting pattern or draft it from measurements, having accurate measurements is critical to the success of your block. (And a well-fitting block is critical to the success of everything you make!)
All you need is a tape measure! While it’s easiest to have someone else take your measurements, it can be done by yourself. Just stand in front of a mirror so that you can see that you have the tape in the right position.
Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments. However, a leotard or close-fitting clothing will be fine. Do NOT measure yourself wearing jeans, sweats, or other bulky clothing. It DOES make a difference!
Because the body is made of soft tissue, it can be a bit difficult to know exactly how tight to pull the tape around the body. The tape should be a bit snug, but not tight – it should not “dig in” or make an indentation in the body. It should not be loose, either! Just wrap the tape around the area of the body being measured and hold it in place. You should be able to put a finger behind the tape, but no more than that.
Shoulder
Measure from the end of the right shoulder to the end of the left shoulder.
We define the “End of the Shoulder” as where the horizontal plane of the shoulder intersects the vertical plane of the arm (see illustration).
Sleeve
Sleeve
Measure from the end of the shoulder to the “Pinch” of the hand.
The “Pinch” of the hand is found where the base of the thumb and the base of the index finger intersect (approximately 1 inch above the index finger knuckle).
Chest
Measure around the chest and body at its fullest part (typically right under the armpits and shoulder blades, right across the nipples).
Hold the tape against the body tight enough so that it does not slip down, but not so tight that it restricts breathing. It should be “snug”.
Make sure the tape is horizontal and the person’s arms are by their side; then take a normal breath and measure.
Waist / Stomach
Measure around the fullest part of the waist/stomach or right below your bottom ribs, whichever is greater.
Hips/Seat
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
Trouser Waist
Measure around your waist at the level where you would normally wear your pant’s belt.
With the tape measure snug around your waist, relax, and take the measurement.
Don’t be alarmed if this measurement seems larger than expected; off-the-rack pants are normally labeled as being smaller than what they really are.
Trouser Length
Measure from the top of your pant’s waistband to the floor along the outside of your leg.
Make sure the tape is tight, that you are standing straight, and then measure.
Thigh
Measure around your thigh at its widest point. You need measure only one side.
