Complete Guide to Accurate Body Measurements and Necessary Tools

What are the essential tools for measurements?

Tools for taking body measurements:

1. Tape measure: for measuring on the body.

2. Pencil: for writing down the measurements.

3. Paper: for recording the measurements.

4. A string: to be tied around the natural waistline.
Guidelines for taking measurement:

1. Take measurement over close-fitting garments or under garment. Wear flat shoes.

2. For accurate measurements, let a friend or a classmate take your body measurements for you. Then help her with her's.

3. Measure accurately. Avoid adding to or taking from the actual body measurements.

4. Record each measurement as soon as it is made.

5. Use a tape measure that does not stretch.

6. Pull the tape so that it is snug but not too tight.

7. Stand well (or adopt a good posture) when taking body measurement.

Basic Measurements for Girls

Basic body measurements:

The important measurements needed for making simple garments are:

A. For girls:

- Bust: round the fullest part of the chest.

- Waist: round the smallest part of the trunk.

- Hip: round the largest part of the body below the waist.

- Length of back (bodice): from base of the neck (nape) to the waist.

- Skirt length: from waist to knee or hem.

- Across back: at the back from one under-arm to the other.

- Across the chest: from one underarm to the other across the chest.

Basic Measurements for Boys

B. For boys:

A few measurements are necessary for making boys' clothes. However, when making closely fitted or tailored garments, several more detailed measurements should be taken.

Measurement for shirts (these are usually made to fit by neck size).

- Neck: measure round the fullest part of the neck. Add about 13-15 mm for ease and neck band.

- Chest: measure round the fullest part of the chest round.

- Sleeve length: measure from point of shoulder to elbow and from elbow to wrist bone. The elbow should be slightly bent.