How to Measure Apparel, Shoes & Bags Correctly

Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments.  However, 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 Width:

Measure across the back from the corner of one shoulder to the corner of the other shoulder. For this measurement, I recommend measuring a jacket you already have that fits properly. Laying the jacket flat, measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.

Bust:

Measure around the fullest part of the bust. This measurement is taken above the band of your bra and may not be the same as your bra size.

Waist:

Measure the smallest part of the waist. The natural waist is below the rib cage and usually above the bellybutton. Do not take this measurement around the waistband of your clothing.

Hip:

The hip measurement is taken at the widest part of the hips (around your bottom!). Do not take this measurement around the waistband of your clothing, or where your hands fall when you "put your hands on your hips."

Sleeve:

With one arm down at a slight angle, start from the corner of the shoulder and measure down to where you'd like your sleeve to end. You can also use a shirt that already fits you well. Just lay it flat and measure from the corner shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.

Center Front Length:

This measurement is taken from the base of the neck down to where you would like the jacket hem to end.

MEASUREMENT GUIDE FOR APPAREL, SHOES & BAGS