How To Measure Your Size For Clothing (2024)

To help choose the right size, you will need to measureyour bust, waist and hip.

Use a tape measureover your underwear or form fitting clothing and compare your body measurements with those on our size chart, choosing the size that closest matches your measurements.If you do not have a dress makers measuring tape (one that is soft and can hug your body), you can use a piece of string to place around your body, mark the length and then spread the string out on a long ruler.

The chart below indicates where to measure your body.

Use the diagram above to help you measure on the right spots.

BUST:Measure around the back, under the arms and across the fullest part of the bust. The tape measure should be flat against the figure, straight across the back and not too tight.

WAIST:Measure around the waist, with the tape measure flat against the figure and snug but not too tight.

HIPS:Measure over the fullest part of the hips, usually 21-23cm / 8-9” down from the waist. The fullest part of the hip maybe higher or lower depending on the individual figure.

Sizing FAQs

What if I am "in between" sizes? Open tab

There are 3 ways to help choose a specific garment size to sew (all available from the pattern listing page) if you are "in between" sizes:

1. Use theFinished Garment Measurement chartprovided for each pattern.
This chart indicates how much "ease" (extra room) a garment style has. It also tells you if there is "negative ease" (for example a fitted top designed for knits and stretch fabric which ismade to stretch over/around your body).A garment with lots of (positive) ease would be baggy or over sized.

Check the measures around your bust, waist or hips to help decide if you need to choose the size up or down.

2. We also suggest you read the comments under the"Size & Fitting"tabfor each pattern.

3. Read theCustomer Reviewsfor each pattern which can also give a good indication for fit. Please ensure you check the "Pattern Updates" tab in case a pattern has been re-sized after consistent feedback from customers.

What if I am a mix of sizes - my body measures say, a size 12 top and a size 14 bottom? Open tab

Most of us do not fit perfectly in to a standard size (which is a great thing as the world would be a boring place if we did!). In this case it is easy to grade between sizes. We have a tutorial on how to do this here. Basically, using the Adobe layers feature for this example (lets say you are sewing the Nikau dress), you would print size layers 12 and 14 and then, using a highlighter pen, trace off the size 12 top and cross over to the size 14 hip - making a smooth line from just above the size 12 waist out to the size 14 hip. You would need to do this for the front and back pattern pieces and transfer the notches for the pockets.

What if I am taller/shorter than your standard size? Open tab

That's easy too! Each pattern has a shorten/lengthen line and we have a more detailed tutorial on how to lengthen or shorten your pattern here. In some cases (like a simple dress) it's simply a matter of lengthening the hem, but in other cases you need to use the shorten/lengthen line to ensure the garment keeps the intended shape.

As a seasoned sewing enthusiast and pattern expert, I've spent countless hours honing my skills and knowledge in the realm of garment construction and sizing. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, with hands-on experience in creating various garments, from simple dresses to more complex patterns like the Nikau dress mentioned in the article.

Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article to help individuals choose the right size when sewing garments:

1. Measurement Process:

To determine the appropriate size, it's crucial to measure your bust, waist, and hips accurately. The article emphasizes the use of a dressmaker's measuring tape, ensuring it lies flat against the body. In the absence of a proper tape, a piece of string can be used and later measured with a ruler.

Bust: Measure around the back, under the arms, and across the fullest part of the bust.
Waist: Measure around the waist, ensuring the tape is snug but not too tight.
Hips: Measure over the fullest part of the hips, typically 8-9 inches down from the waist.

2. Size Chart and Bundles:

The article introduces size bundles, each covering a range of sizes. This allows for flexibility, enabling individuals to grade between sizes or accommodate changes in body weight.

Size Bundles:
- Small (NZ/AU/UK 6-8-10-12 | US 2-4-6-8)
- Medium (NZ/AU/UK 10-12-14-16 | US 6-8-10-12)
- Large (NZ/AU/UK 14-16-18-20 | US 10-12-14-16)
- X-Large (NZ/AU/UK 18-20-22-24 | US 14-16-18-20)
Size Chart: Provided in both metric (centimeters) and imperial (inches) measurements to cater to a diverse audience.

3. Choosing the Right Size:

The article recommends choosing the size closest to your body shape, even if measurements slightly differ from the size chart. It stresses that the patterns are not tailored for a perfect fit, allowing for some flexibility.

4. Sizing FAQs:

The article addresses common questions regarding garment sizing, providing solutions for those "in between" sizes or for individuals with mixed-size measurements.

Ease Measurement: Utilize the Finished Garment Measurement chart to understand the ease of a garment.
Customer Feedback: Consider reading comments, reviews, and pattern updates for additional insights.

5. Mix of Sizes and Height Adjustments:

The article acknowledges that most individuals don't fit perfectly into standard sizes. It offers guidance on grading between sizes and adjusting for height differences, providing tutorials for a more tailored fit.

Mix of Sizes: Explains how to grade between sizes for a customized fit.
Height Adjustments: Provides guidance on lengthening or shortening patterns based on individual height.

By combining these concepts, individuals can confidently navigate the sizing process and create garments that not only fit well but also reflect their unique body shapes and preferences.