If you’ve done any online shopping, you’ve probably wondered how to ensure that the garment will fit…. maybe you’ve looked at those sizing charts and guessed your measurements.
If you’re going to start sewing garments, knowing your measurements is EVERYTHING.
Fortunately, it’s super simple, and necessary even if you don’t sew.
PS – I’m pretty much a one-woman show here, so I wasn’t able to take photos of myself taking measurements… I tried with the selfie stick *laughing crying emoji*
It wasn’t going to work out.
How to take your measurements
Before you start: measure over your normal undergarments to ensure that any website or pattern you’re looking at won’t be too tight!
You’ll need your tape measure!
I use these 3 measurements the most:
- Waistline: You’ll be basing other measurements off of this line, so it’s kind of important.
This is the narrowest point on your waist! Tie a string or ribbon around your waist, so you can use as reference later. - Bust: Measure across the widest part of your chest
- Hip: The widest part of your hips… not where you usually think your hips are…
The chart below will help with all the other measurements. If you know your back length, that can really help with shirts: I have a long torso, so I know how many inches to add onto a pattern.
Outseam and Inseam length are for sewing pants. If you’re online shopping, you’ll know if pants are long enough for your body!
I’ve measured my calf for buying Hunter rainboots online. FYI – the packable rainboots have smaller calves than the original rainboot style.
Keep these numbers handy for online ordering and picking out patterns!