How to take accurate measurements for a garment?

Before assembling a garment, it is essential to take accurate measurements to ensure 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 take measurements correctly, which measurements are essential, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why is it important to take accurate measurements?

Taking accurate measurements allows you to:

• To obtain a perfectly fitted garment.
• To ensure the garment is comfortable and fits the body properly.
• To avoid cutting errors that could ruin the fabric.

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

How do you properly prepare for taking measurements?

Before you begin:

• Use a flexible tape measure to prevent any distortion.
• The person should stand straight but relaxed to avoid distorting the measurements.
• Move the mirror away to prevent the person from unconsciously drawing in their stomach.
• Take measurements over well-fitting underwear or a close-fitting garment.

Good preparation ensures accurate and reliable measurements for creating the pattern.

What are the essential measurements to take?

How do you measure height?

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

Make sure the person does not lean over and that the tape measure remains perfectly straight.

How do you measure the waist circumference?

 

• Place the tape measure around the natural waist, generally the narrowest part of the torso, and keep it parallel to the floor.
• Do not pull it too tight to avoid inaccurate measurements (leave enough room for one finger).

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

How do you 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 pulling it tight.

Make sure the tape measure remains parallel to the floor to avoid errors.

How do you measure the bust circumference?

Place the tape measure at chest level, passing over the two fullest points of the bust. Make sure the tape measure is perfectly horizontal (parallel to the floor).

How do you measure the back length?

• Place the measuring tape at the prominent bone at the neck to the waistline.

This measurement is essential for adjusting the fit of a bodice or jacket.

How do you measure the front length?

• Place the measuring tape at the front neckline (depending on the depth of the neckline) to the waistline.

This measurement is essential for adjusting the fit of a bodice or jacket.

How do you measure shoulder length? 

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

How do you measure the inseam length?

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

How do you measure the waist-to-floor height?

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

How do you measure arm length?

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

The arm should be bent for an accurate result.

How do you measure the rise?

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

Essential for designing comfortable trousers without excess fabric.

How much ease should be added to the measurements?

Once the body measurements have been taken, it is essential to add an ease allowance to ensure the garment is comfortable.

Examples of recommended ease:

• Bust circumference: +4 to 8 cm
• Back waist length: +1 cm
• Waist circumference: one finger of ease when measuring
• Hip circumference: +4 to 6 cm

The ease varies depending on the garment style: close-fitting, loose or fitted.

What mistakes should be avoided when taking body measurements?

• Do not pull the measuring tape too tight, as this would distort the measurements.
• Do not include ease directly when taking the measurement; it should be added afterward.
• Do not ask the person to pull in their stomach, as this would produce an inaccurate result.

Conclusion

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