Say goodbye to sending clothes you purchased online back because they don't fit correctly!
Are you someone who hates going to the store and would rather purchase clothes online? Are you someone who purchases clothes online, but always ends up sending them back because they don't fit properly? Look no further because this blog is for you. I think your issue is that you're not picking the right sizes because you don't know your measurements.
Don’t believe the hype that you need to go to a seamstress to get your measurements taken. Even a novice can take his/her measurements accurately at home on the first try! It’s easy! All you’ll need to do is ensure that you have measuring tape specifically for the body (I’ve placed a picture of what the measuring tape looks like below along with links to purchase).
Second, you’ll need to make sure you’re wearing clothes that fit well to get the best measurements. If you are a person who likes your clothing to fit slightly looser after you’ve taken your measurements, add about 1/4 inch to each measurement.
You must remember that if you’re shopping for clothing online, it’s imperative to know your measurements. Most clothing websites will have a size chart allowing you to choose the most accurate size consistent with your measurements. Below I’ve placed examples of what measurement size charts will list for both men and women on various clothing sites.
Now - let's get to measuring ourselves!!!
Women’s size charts usually list bust, waist, and hip measurements for sizes. Whether sizing is listed numerically (e.g. - 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) or alphabetically ( XS, S, M, L, XL, etc), the sizing chart will list the exact measurements that correspond with each size. However, there are times where sizes and measurements for articles of clothing are listed based upon the specific item. See the examples below.
Dresses: Bust x Waist x Hip
Skirts: Waist x Hip
Pants/Jeans: Waist x Hips x Inseam
Shirts: Bust x Waist
Men’s size charts most times have several types of measurements based upon the article of clothing. See the examples listed below.
Pants/Jeans/Shorts: Waist x Inseam (length)
Shirts (dress): Neck x Chest x Sleeve Length
Shirts (casual): Chest
Suit Coats/Jackets/Blazers: Chest (and sometimes shoulders)
Here are the details on measuring each body part. Refer to the pictures to ensure that you are placing the tape around your body correctly.
Neck: Measure around your neck, slightly above your collar bone, and add 1/4 inch. Round up to the closest ½ inch size.
Shoulders: Stand with your shoulders relaxed. Measure the space between both shoulder points across the broadest part of your shoulders (try going this across the front instead of the back if you are taking the measurements yourself).
Chest/Bust: Take the tape and wrap it around yourself going under your armpits, but making sure to go across the full circumference of your chest.
Sleeve length: Measuring your sleeve length can be tricky to do yourself. I suggest grabbing a shirt that you already own that fits well. Lay the shirt down on a flat surface with the sleeves pointing downward (with a slight 90-degree angle bend). Take the tape and start at the back of the neck of the shirt down to your elbow. Then measure from your elbow to your wrist.
Waist: Measure the circumference of your waist. Use the tape to wrap around your waist at your natural waistline (right above your belly button).
Hips: Measure the circumference of your hips. Take the tape from one hip and wrap it completely around yourself. Be sure that the tape is also around your backside (the largest part of your backside). If you find yourself experiencing any issues with this measurement, try looking in the mirror while doing it.
Thigh: Wrap the measuring tape around the largest part of your thigh from back to front.
Inseam: The inseam refers to the distance between the uppermost inner part of your thigh to the bottom of your ankle. There are two ways you can measure the inseam.
Have someone take the measuring tape and stretch it from the crotch of your pants to the bottom of your ankle.
Take a pair of pants that you feel fit you very well. Lay the pants on a flat surface and measure them from the crotch to the end of the hem.
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