How to take accurate clothing measurements when shopping online

Choosing the right size online requires two types of information: body measurements and the measurements of the garment itself. They are not the same. Body circumference reflects your shape, while the width of a finished garment includes design ease, stretch and the intended cut. The safest approach is to measure both yourself and a garment from your wardrobe that fits you well.

Prepare a soft measuring tape, a mirror, lightweight clothing or the underwear you would normally wear with the garment, plus paper and a pen. Stand naturally—do not hold in your stomach or pull the tape tight. It is helpful to have someone assist you when measuring the shoulders and sleeves.

Before measuring: three rules for reliable results

When taking circumference measurements, the tape should lie horizontally and touch the body without compressing it. A sagging tape adds centimetres, while pulling it too tight reduces them. Check its position from the side in a mirror.

Measure the key areas twice and record the values immediately.

Do not add arbitrary centimetres to your body measurements “just in case”. Ease should be assessed by comparing the measurements with a finished garment and considering the cut. A loose blouse and a fitted blazer should not have the same difference from your bust measurement.

How to measure your bust

Place the tape around the fullest part of your bust, under your arms and across your back. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and breathe normally. Wear the bra you are likely to wear with the garment, as it may change both the shape and circumference.

This measurement is crucial for women's blouses, shirts, dresses and blazers. If the garment has buttons, simply matching the circumference is not enough. Extra room is needed to keep the front smooth and allow you to move comfortably.

Also check the front length from the shoulder: sufficient width will not help if the garment rides up at the front.

Where exactly is the waist?

The natural waist is usually the narrowest part of the torso and the point where your body bends when you lean to the side. It does not always match the height at which you wear your trousers. Record your natural waist circumference and, if necessary, also measure where you want the waistband to sit.

For women's trousers, it is important to know whether the style is high-, mid- or low-rise. Comparing your natural waist with trousers that sit lower can lead to the wrong conclusion. Measure your body where the waistband will actually sit.

Do not hold your breath; the measurement should remain comfortable when sitting.

How to measure your hips

Stand with your feet fairly close together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Check the tape from the side to ensure it does not rise at the back. On some figures, the widest point sits lower, so do not automatically measure at a fixed distance below the waist.

The hip measurement is crucial for trousers, jeans, straight dresses and skirts. When choosing plus-size trousers, select a size that fits the most critical area, then check the waist. A tight fit at the hips cannot safely be offset by a stretchier waistband.

For a tapered style, also measure your thigh: the correct waist measurement will not prevent pulling when you walk.

Shoulders, back and sleeves

Measure shoulder width from the bone at the end of one shoulder to the corresponding point on the other, following the slight curve across the upper back. A well-fitting shirt or blazer you already own often provides a more reliable reference than measuring yourself.

For sleeve length, measure from the shoulder point to the wrist, passing over a slightly bent elbow. If the style has dropped shoulders, the length will be distributed differently, so compare it with the construction of the specific garment.

For women's blazers and plus-size blazers, also check your upper-arm circumference. Place the tape around the fullest part of your upper arm without tightening it. The blazer should also have room for the blouse you intend to wear underneath.

Length of tops and dresses

Overall length is usually measured downwards from the highest point of the shoulder near the neck. With a fuller bust, the front and back lengths may appear different on the body even if the garment is cut evenly.

Before choosing a plus-size dress, measure a comfortable garment from shoulder to hem. Then check where the new length will fall in relation to your knee or calf. The terms “mini”, “midi” and “maxi” are relative to your height.

For women's tunics, assess the hem in relation to your hips, height and the garment worn underneath.

How to measure trousers

Lay a well-fitting pair of fastened trousers on a flat surface.

Multiply the flat width by approximately two; check the measurement method. For an elasticated section, look for both the relaxed and moderately stretched measurements.

How to measure a blouse or blazer laid flat

Fasten the garment and align the seams without stretching the fabric. Measure the width under the arms, the shoulders, the overall length and the sleeves. For a blouse with dropped shoulders, the total length from the neck to the end of the sleeve may be more useful.

For plus-size blouses, also measure the hem width if the style should fall loosely over the hips. For a blazer, measure the upper-arm width as well if the sleeve is structured. Do not compare a stretchy knit with a non-stretch fabric using only one width measurement.

Ease, stretch and stretched measurements

A finished garment is usually larger than the body to allow movement. How much larger depends on the design. A fitted dress has less design ease than a straight tunic. Knitwear may sit closer to the body because of its stretch.

Do not treat the maximum stretched measurement as the normal size. If the fabric only reaches your measurement when pulled tightly, the seams, pockets and print are likely to become distorted. The practical range should leave some room.

The presence of elastane suggests that the fabric may stretch, but the percentage does not indicate the direction of stretch or how reliably the fabric recovers. Information about the specific garment is more reliable than general assumptions.

Create your personal size profile

Keep a note of the following measurements:

• bust while wearing your usual bra;
• natural waist and preferred trouser-waist position;
• hips and upper thigh;
• shoulders and upper arm;
• sleeve length;
• comfortable trouser inseam;
• preferred blouse and dress lengths;
• measurements from one well-fitting garment in each main category.

Update your profile whenever your measurements change. Accurate reference measurements reduce guesswork.

Common measuring mistakes

• The tape is angled rather than horizontal.
• The circumference is measured over thick clothing.
• The stomach is held in or the tape is pulled tight.
• Body measurements are compared directly with a flat width.
• The rise of the trousers is not taken into account.
• A fully stretched elasticated section is treated as a comfortable measurement.
• The length is chosen without considering the shoes.
• Measurements from different brands are treated as if they use the same sizing system.

If a key measurement is missing for a particular style, ask through Contact. Be specific: “What is the flat width under the arms?” is easier to check than “Is it suitable for size 48?”

Frequently asked questions

How tight should the measuring tape be?

It should touch your body without digging in or sagging. You should be able to breathe normally while taking the measurement.

Is the body circumference the same as the garment circumference?

No. A finished garment includes design ease or may rely on stretch. Compare it with a similar garment that fits you well.

How do I convert a flat width into a circumference?

For a garment laid flat, multiply the width by approximately two. However, check how the store measured the garment and whether the fabric was stretched.

Where should I measure my waist for trousers?

Measure where the waistband of that particular cut will sit. High-, mid- and low-rise styles sit at different points on the body, with different circumferences.

Do I need every measurement for each purchase?

No. Choose the measurements that matter most for the category: bust and shoulders for a blouse, waist and hips for trousers, plus length and sleeve length for a dress or blazer.

How can I measure my own shoulders?

It is best to ask someone else to help. Alternatively, measure the shoulder line of a well-fitting shirt or blazer laid on a flat surface.

Where can I find more information about my order?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. It provides additional guidance but does not replace the specific measurements needed when choosing a size.