How To Measure Your Body For Clothing Fit & Online Shopping

DRESS LENGTH CHART (HOLLOW TO HEM)

This is a standard guide to understanding length and what length really means in terms of where it will most likely fall on our bodies. Do keep in mind, that your own personal height will also determine how long or short a dress may be on you.

A dresses length is measured from the hollow (top of the dress) to the hem (the end of the dress)

Here is a standard hollow to hem size chart for your reference:

Where and how to measure? This is by far the most dreaded question! As someone who works in retail and is constantly measuring garments and people, I have come to learn that most people have never actually measured their own bodies before or simply don't know how to properly measure their bust or hips. 

As we move more in the direction of an online world, this information is crucial for shopping online and even in person. Get to know your body and the right places to measure for the best fittings.

let's talk about important measuring areas! Check out my diagram below for best practices. 

MEASUREMENT GUIDE

• If You Can, visit a professional tailor 

• Measure all the way around

• To wear a bra or not or not to wear a bra while measuring?

When measuring your bust, make sure you are wearing the bra you intend to wear with the outfit of choice. This will help you get the best fit possible. 

Tip: Become best friends with your tailor

Styles, cuts, designers, and fabric types can affect the way clothing fits or sits on the body. When Purchasing clothing, online, or in-store it is definitely recommended that you bring your clothing into the nearest tailor to get your items fitted best to your body. If only everything was a one size fits all.

If the clothing item fits and is comfortable, but it might be a bit loose in the armpit area for example, just take it in to your tailor for the perfect fit! This can make a $60 dress look like a million bucks! Get your clothes tailored for a perfect fit. 

• What about in-between sizes

This can have a few different meanings. Are you in between a small and a medium? or in between sizes L and 1XL? Here is the deal, go for stretchy clothes.

Anything and everything with spandex, elastane, or malleable fibers like cotton, bamboo, rayon, and lycra are good choices. Even Polyester offers some good stretch. If you can find clothing with even a couple % of spandex and elasticity, your set. 

If your still not sure, size up. You can always visit your tailor to get your clothes fitted, or if anything, roll up your sleeves and rock your relaxed fit top. 

• How & Where To Measure 

Waist Size: Measure at your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your waist. This is located just above your belly button. Measure around your entire body. To ensure a comfortable fit, keep one finger between the measuring tape and your body.

Hips Size: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, placing the tape about midway between your bellybutton and crotch. 

 Inseam: Find a pair of pants that fit you well. Measure them from the crotch seam down the inside seam to the hem.