How to take your own measurements for vintage or online shopping

If you're a vintage lover like us or someone who purchases clothing online often you have surely faced the issue of sizing head on.

Today we have put together a comprehensive guide to getting the best out of your measurements.

What you need to start

To start you will need a flexible measuring tape such as a dressmakers tape or a cloth one. A piece of paper with all the measurements you require written down and a pen. Write down your measurements after each measurement is taken.

How to ensure accurate measurements

The most accurate way to start measuring is against your skin. I personally take my measurements before every purchase as women can have slight fluctuations. Do not pull the measuring tape too tight. It is recommended to add a half an inch for breathing space or put your thumb between your skin and measuring tape. Make sure the measuring tape is wrapped around you evenly for each measurement by measuring in front of a mirror. Remember there is no point in cheating on your measurements as it will only lead to an ill fitting item. You are better off getting something slightly more generous that can be altered than getting something too small.

Bust / Chest - to measure your bust wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest. The tape should go directly over your nipples, under your armpits and back around to the starting point to give you a full circumference of your chest. Always consider the bra you would wear with the garment as many bras these days have fillers. If the garment you are measuring for is something like a strapless evening gown or wedding dress that last detail is extremely important.

Waist - your natural waist falls below your rib cage and above your belly button. Place the start of your tape above your belly button and bring it all the way round. Make sure you are relaxed and not breathing in or holding in your stomach as this will produce an innacurate measurement.

Hip - to measure your hips start by placing the start of the tape on one hip and bring it all the way around the fullest part of your buttocks and bring it back around.

In most cases the measurements above will be enough but you may need further measurements if you're having something tailor made or purchasing a particular garment. Other measurements are as follows.

Inseam - the inseam is the measurement from the uppermost inner part of your thigh to the bottom of your ankle. To measure your inseam place the start of your tape at your crotch and bring it down to below your ankle. The inseam is one measurement you can do on another garment as this measurement will not really change once you're a full grown adult. To get the inseam measurement from another pair of pants choose a pair that fits you perfectly and sits against your crotch (a loose pair of pants will give you an innacurate measurement). Measure from crotch to hem.

Thigh - to get an accurate measurement place the tape on the fullest part of your thigh and bring it all the way around.

Upper arm - place your tape around the widest part of your upper arm and bring it all the way around.

Sleeve length - sleeve length is another measurement that can be taken directly from a garment that fits perfectly. Start your measurement from the back middle of the collar, measure along the shoulder to the seam of you sleeve. Write down that measurement and measure from the sleeve seam to the hem. Add the two measurements together for sleeve length.

If you are measuring against your body bend your elbow and place your hand on your hip. Place your tape start at the middle back of your neck as before and bring it all the way down to your wrist. This measurement usually needs the help of another person.

When purchasing a full length evening gown when determining the length of the dress consider the actual shoe height you'll be wearing as this can make a significant difference to how the dress looks on. In the case of having an item custom made there are other measurements that are required as presented in the image below.

If taking your measurements yourself is overwhelming you can always go directly to a tailor, a seamstress, bridal store or a clothing alterations shop. They may have a small fee but you will get the most accurate outcome.

Enjoy!
R&M @ GoS
xox