How to Measure Yourself for Online Shopping: A Complete Guide
Learn the exact technique for taking accurate body measurements at home. The foundation of never ordering the wrong size again.
Why Accurate Measurements Are Everything
The single biggest reason for online clothing returns? Wrong size. And the single biggest cause of ordering the wrong size? Inaccurate or outdated body measurements.
Taking proper measurements takes 10 minutes. Those 10 minutes will save you hours of returns, exchanges, and frustration. Let's do it right.
What You'll Need
If you don't have a soft measuring tape, use string and measure the string against a ruler afterward.
The Essential Measurements
1. Bust/Chest Measurement
How to measure:
1. Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides
2. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust
3. Keep the tape parallel to the floor
4. Breathe normally, don't hold your breath
5. The tape should be snug but not tight (you should be able to fit one finger underneath)
Common mistakes: Measuring too high (across the chest) or too low (under the bust). The fullest point is key.
2. Natural Waist
How to measure:
1. Find your natural waist by bending to the side, it's where your body creases
2. This is typically 2-3cm above your belly button
3. Wrap the tape around this point, parallel to the floor
4. Stand naturally, don't suck in
Why it matters: Many people measure at their pants line, which is typically 5-10cm lower than natural waist. Size charts usually reference natural waist.
3. Hip Measurement
How to measure:
1. Stand with feet together
2. Find the widest part of your hips and buttocks
3. Wrap the tape around this point
4. Usually about 18-23cm below natural waist
Pro tip: Look in a side mirror to ensure the tape is level at the back.
4. Inseam
How to measure:
1. Measure a pair of well-fitting pants, OR
2. Stand straight and measure from your crotch to where you want pants to end
3. For full-length: measure to the floor (add 2.5cm for heel height if desired)
Why pants from your closet work best: Lay them flat, measure from the crotch seam to the hem along the inseam.
5. Shoulder Width
How to measure:
1. Find where your shoulder ends and arm begins on each side
2. Measure across the back from point to point
3. This is easier with a helper
Why it matters: Shoulder fit is crucial for jackets, blazers, and structured tops. An ill-fitting shoulder ruins the entire silhouette.
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Get My Sizes FreeAdditional Helpful Measurements
Arm Length
From the shoulder point, down the outside of your arm, past the elbow, to the wrist bone. Measure with arm slightly bent.
Thigh Circumference
Around the fullest part of your thigh. Important for fitted pants and skirts.
Rise (for pants)
From the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Determines high-rise vs. low-rise fit.
How Often to Re-Measure
Your body changes. Update your measurements:
Using Your Measurements
Once you have your measurements:
1. Save them somewhere accessible (notes app, profile on ThisFits)
2. Compare to size charts, not size labels
3. Note the measurement type, body measurements vs. garment measurements
4. Factor in fit preference, do you like snug or relaxed?
The Measurement Cheat Sheet
| Measurement | Where | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Bust/Chest | Fullest point | Tops, dresses, jackets |
| Natural Waist | Narrowest point | High-waisted pants, skirts, fitted dresses |
| Hips | Widest point | Pants, skirts, dresses |
| Inseam | Crotch to ankle | Pants, jeans |
| Shoulder Width | Across back | Blazers, jackets, structured tops |
Pro Tips From Stylists
The Bottom Line
Accurate measurements are the foundation of successful online shopping. Take 10 minutes to measure yourself properly, save those numbers, and stop guessing. Your measurements, not size labels, are the truth.
Ready to put your measurements to work? Try our AI fit tool to get personalized size recommendations for any product.
Stop guessing. Build your profile once.
Never check a size chart again. Your fit profile knows your exact size across every brand we cover.
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