How to take accurate measurements for a garment?

Before assembling a garment, it is essential to take precise measurements to guarantee a perfect fit. Whether for a custom pattern or to adapt an existing model, well-taken measurements ensure a comfortable and flattering garment.

In this article, discover how to correctly take measurements, which measurements are essential, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why is it important to take your measurements correctly?

Taking precise measurements allows:

• To obtain a perfectly fitted garment.
• To ensure the comfort and proper fit of the garment on the body.
• To avoid cutting errors that could ruin the fabric.

Whether you are making a garment for yourself, a client, or an industrial prototype, accurate measurement taking is a crucial step.

How to properly prepare for taking measurements?

Before starting:

• Use a flexible tape measure to avoid any distortion.
• The person should stand straight but relaxed to avoid distorting the measurements.
• Move the mirror away to prevent the person from unconsciously sucking in their stomach.
• Take measurements over fitted underwear or tight clothing.

Good preparation ensures precise and reliable measurements for pattern making.

What are the essential measurements to take?

How to measure stature?

• Have the person stand barefoot, back straight.
• Measure the total height, from the top of the head to the floor.

Make sure the person does not lean forward and that the tape measure stays straight.

How to take the waist measurement?

 

• Place the tape measure around the natural waist, usually the narrowest hollow of the torso, and keep it parallel to the floor.
• Do not tighten too much to avoid inaccurate measurements (leave one finger's width of ease).

Ask the person to breathe normally to get a realistic measurement.

How to measure the hip circumference?

• For women: measure the widest part of the hips starting from the back.
• For men: place the tape measure at hip level, without tightening.

Ensure the tape measure remains parallel to the floor to avoid errors.

How to measure chest circumference?

Place the tape measure at chest height, that is, passing over the two chest prominences. Make sure the tape measure is perfectly horizontal (parallel to the floor).

How to measure back height?

• Place the tape measure from the prominent neck bone down to the waistline.

This measurement is essential to adjust the fit of a bodice or jacket.

How to measure front height?

• Place the tape measure at the front neckline (depending on the neckline height) up to the waistline.

This measurement is essential to adjust the fit of a bodice or jacket.

How to measure shoulder length? 

• Position the tape measure in the hollow of the neck (shoulder-neck point) to the end of the shoulder. This measurement will depend on whether you have a fitted or looser armhole.

How to measure inseam length?

• Place the tape measure inside the leg, from the crotch to the floor.
• For men, adjust the measurement according to the side they wear their clothes on to avoid any discomfort.

How to take the waist-to-floor height measurement?

• Measure the distance between the waist and the floor, following the outside of the leg.

How to measure arm length?

• Unroll the tape measure along the outside of the arm, passing over the elbow.
• Measure from the tip of the shoulder to the wrist.

The arm must be bent for an accurate result.

How to measure the crotch height?

• Have the person sit on a chair and measure the gap between the waist and the seat..

Essential for designing comfortable pants without excess fabric.

What ease should be added to the measurements?

Once measurements are taken, it is crucial to add a margin of ease to ensure garment comfort.

Examples of recommended ease:

• Chest circumference: +4 to 8 cm
• Back height: +1 cm
• Waist circumference: one finger of ease during measurement
• Hip circumference: +4 to 6 cm

Ease varies according to the style of the garment: close-fitting, loose, or tailored.

What mistakes should be avoided when taking measurements?

• Do not pull the tape measure too tight, as this would distort the measurements.
• Do not include ease directly in the measurement; it should be added afterward.
• Do not ask the person to suck in their stomach, as this would give an incorrect result.

Conclusion

• Use a flexible tape measure properly positioned.
• Take measurements in a natural posture, without tension.
• Add the appropriate ease for a comfortable garment.
• Check the measurements twice to avoid any mistakes.