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 accurate measurements?

Taking precise measurements allows:

• To achieve a perfectly fitted garment.
• To ensure 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 measuring tape to avoid any distortion.
• The person should stand straight but relaxed to avoid distorting the measurements.
• Step back from the mirror 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 height?

• 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 measuring tape stays straight.

How to take the waist measurement?

 

• Place the measuring tape around the natural waist, usually the narrowest part of the torso, and keep it parallel to the floor.
• Do not tighten too much to avoid inaccurate measurements (leave room for one finger).

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 at hip level, without tightening.

Make sure the measuring tape stays parallel to the floor to avoid errors.

How do you measure the chest circumference?

Place the measuring tape at chest height, that is, passing over the two prominent points of the chest. Make sure the measuring tape is perfectly horizontal (parallel to the floor).

How to measure back length?

• 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 length?

• Place the tape measure at the front neckline (depending on the neckline depth) down 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 depending on the side they wear their clothes to avoid discomfort.

How to measure waist-to-floor length?

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

How to measure arm length?

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

The arm should 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 length: +1 cm
• Waist circumference: one finger’s width of ease when measuring
• Hip circumference: +4 to 6 cm

Ease varies depending on the garment style: 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 inaccurate result.

Conclusion

• Use a flexible tape measure positioned correctly.
• Take measurements in a natural posture, without tension.
• Add the appropriate ease for a comfortable garment.
• Double-check measurements to avoid any mistakes.