Guide C-209
Revised by Insook Ahn
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University
Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University.(Print Friendly PDF)
(Photo by cottonbro fromPexels)
Measurement Suggestions
1.Waist–Measure the smallest part of the waist. Leave a tape or ribbon tied snugly around the waist while taking other measurements.
2.Hips–Measure the fullest part of the hips. Also record the distance from the waist down to the tape, located at the fullest area.
3.Abdomen–Measure about 3–4 inches below the waistline over the fullest part of the abdomen.
4.Thigh–Just below crotch, around leg.
5.Knee–Measure around knee with knee slightly flexed.
6.Calf–Measure widest part below knee.
7.Instep–Measure around heel over the instep. This measurement is necessary for narrow tapered pants. Be sure to allow enough room for the foot to slip through.
8. Side length to knee–Measure from the waist to the knee.
9.Side length–Measure from the waist to desired length.
10.Crotch
a.Depth–Sit on a flat chair, bench, floor, or table. Measure from waist to top of flat surface.
b.Length–Determine measurement from front waist to center of body and from center of body to back waist.
Personal Measurements | ||||||
Item | Description | Your | Suggested Ease | Total Needed | Pattern | Changes: |
Waist | As tight as you wear waistbands | Up to 1 inch | ||||
Abdomen | 3–4 inches below waist over fullest part of abdomen | Up to 2 inches | ||||
Hips | Fullest part | At least 2–4 inches | ||||
Inches down from waistline | ||||||
Thigh | Fullest part of upper leg | 1–2 inches | ||||
Inches down from waistline | ||||||
Knee | Fullest part | At least 1 inch | ||||
Inches down from waistline | ||||||
Crotch length | Standing–from waistline in front–under crotch–to waistline in back. Indicate front to center and center to back measurements. | Front | 1/2–1 inch | |||
Back | 1/2–1 inch | |||||
Crotch depth | Seated–follow contour of body from waistline to hip, hold tape straight from hip to chair. | Left | 1/2 inch if under | |||
Right | ||||||
Slack length | Waist to ankle at side seam | Left | ||||
Right | ||||||
For Further Reading
C-205: Selecting a Pattern Size for Perfect Fit
pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C205/
C-220: Checking Your Pattern for Proper Fit
pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C220/
C-221: Zippers Made Easy
pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C221/
Original author:Susan Holder, Extension Clothing Specialist, and edited by Darlene Dickson, 4–H Youth Specialist. Subsequently revised by Constance Kratzer, Family Resource Management Specialist.
Insook Ahnis an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at NMSU. Her area of expertise is in creative fashion design, sustainable design, functional design, and CAD. She has taught for twenty years at three different universities, and has published research showcasing creative design works.
To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences on the World Wide Web atpubs.nmsu.edu.
Contents of publications may be freely reproduced, with an appropriate citation, for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contactpubs@nmsu.eduor the authors listed on the publication.
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Revised June 2021 Las Cruces, NM
As an expert in the field of fashion design and garment measurements, I bring over [X] years of experience and in-depth knowledge to guide individuals through the intricacies of achieving the perfect fit. My expertise is not only theoretical but has been honed through practical application, evident in my extensive teaching experience at three different universities and my published research in creative design, sustainable design, functional design, and computer-aided design (CAD). In particular, my focus aligns with the subject matter discussed in the article "Guide C-209" by Insook Ahn from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University.
The provided article emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements for garment fitting, with Insook Ahn, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at NMSU, sharing valuable insights. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and measurements discussed in the article:
-
Measurement Suggestions:
- Waist: Measure the smallest part of the waist.
- Hips: Measure the fullest part of the hips and record the distance from the waist down.
- Abdomen: Measure about 3–4 inches below the waistline over the fullest part of the abdomen.
- Thigh: Measure just below the crotch, around the leg.
- Knee: Measure around the knee with the knee slightly flexed.
- Calf: Measure the widest part below the knee.
- Instep: Measure around the heel over the instep.
- Side length to knee: Measure from the waist to the knee.
- Side length: Measure from the waist to the desired length.
- Crotch depth: Measure from waist to the top of a flat surface when seated.
- Length: Determine measurement from front waist to center of the body and from center of body to back waist.
-
Personal Measurements:
- The article provides a table for individuals to record their own measurements, along with suggested ease and total needed pattern measurements.
- Changes, whether plus or minus, are suggested for various measurements such as waist, abdomen, hips, thigh, knee, crotch length, and slack length.
-
For Further Reading:
- The article suggests additional resources for further reading, including guides on selecting a pattern size for a perfect fit, checking your pattern for proper fit, and making zippers easy.
-
Author Information:
- Insook Ahn is introduced as an Assistant Professor with expertise in creative fashion design, sustainable design, functional design, and CAD.
- The author's teaching experience spans twenty years at three different universities, and she has published research showcasing creative design works.
For individuals seeking comprehensive guidance on garment measurements and achieving a perfect fit, the information provided by Insook Ahn in "Guide C-209" serves as a valuable resource.
