How to Measure Your Clothes

A few things before you start

• Smooth the garment without stretching it.
• Keep the tape level and follow the seam or edge named in the guide.
• Flat half-width measurements such as chest, waist and hips are generally doubled for the full garment measurement.

Tops, Cardigans and Jumpers

Measure relevant widths across the chest, waist and hem, plus shoulder width, sleeve length and garment length.

Trousers and Shorts

Measure the waistband, hips, rise, inside leg and total length with the garment lying naturally.

Skirts

Measure the waistband, hips where relevant and the length from waistband to hem.

Dresses, Suits and Outerwear

Record the widths and lengths relevant to the garment, including shoulders and sleeves for structured layers.

Lingerie, Shapewear, Sleepwear and Base Layers

Use the garment-specific fields shown in Ask Elemi and avoid stretching elastic or performance fabrics.

Shoes and Boots

Record the labelled size and, where useful, the inside length, heel height or boot measurements.

Bags, Hats and Gloves

For bags record width, height, depth and strap drop; for hats record internal circumference; for gloves record width, length and cuff.

Scarves and Wraps

Measure length and width, recording optional fringe length separately so it is not mistaken for the fabric length.