Whether you want to size your clothes according to a sizing guide or are making clothes for yourself (or someone else), picking the right size is a guarantee that the clothes will fit when worn. A flexible tape measure is the best choice for this, but if you don't have one, there are other ways to take measurements using simple household items.
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Method 1 of 3: Finding Measuring Tools
Step 1. Look for a flexible material
Look for common household items that are flexible, or bend, so you can use them to follow your curves when taking measurements.
- You can use materials such as rope, twine, a piece of cloth, or a piece of cable.
- Do not use material that is too valuable as you will mark it, cut it, or possibly damage it when using it to take measurements.
Step 2. Look for items that have a length
Use household items that have a fixed length to make it easier for you to take measurements. You can use it to measure your body directly or measure the length of other materials such as rope, depending on the item you choose.
- For example, a piece of quarto paper measuring 21.6x27.5 cm or a Rp100,000 banknote measuring 151x65 mm.
- You can also look at the size written on the back of a baking sheet, box, or other easy-to-find item.
Step 3. Make a mark to mark certain boundaries on the material that will be used as a measuring tool
If you don't know the length of the material you are using instead of the tape measure, use a ruler to mark certain boundaries on the material.
- If you are using long material, you can make a mark every 10-15 cm to measure body length, such as the inseam (length from the groin or crotch to the ankle). For shorter measuring instruments, such as a piece of paper or a note, you can use it to measure specific lengths individually, or fold them in half to measure smaller body parts.
- If you don't have a ruler, you can measure the length with a standard object such as quarto paper or notes. Or, you can estimate the length using your hands and arms. The distance between the first joint to the fingertips is about 2.5 cm, the palm size (under the four fingers) is about 10 cm, and the distance from the elbow to the fingertips is about 45 cm. However, this size varies from individual to individual.
Step 4. Place the material you selected as a measuring tool on the body part to measure it
Position the measuring instrument along or around the part of the body you want to measure to determine the length based on the marking or measurement of the material in question.
- If the material you selected is too short to measure the desired body part, place your finger on the edge of the material and start measuring again from there with the same material. Repeat this procedure until you have covered the entire area you want to measure.
- If you want to measure the length of the body area first, then calculate it, place the material on the part of the body you want to measure and hold it carefully (or you can cut it if using a rope material) right at the end point of the body length you want to measure. Then, use a ruler or hand (based on the previously mentioned length estimate) to calculate the final result.
- Don't forget to write down all the numbers you get and label the body part that corresponds to that size.
Method 2 of 3: Taking Clothing Sizes (for Women)
Step 1. Take the bust measurement
To determine your own or another woman's bust measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the back of the shoulders, under the armpits, and across the fullest part of the chest.
- Make sure you do not pull the material used as a measuring tool too tight around the chest.
- To determine the size of a bra, swimsuit, or other piece of clothing that requires a bust measurement, you'll use this measurement along with the circle size just below your chest to determine your cup size and bra circumference.
Step 2. Take your waist measurement
Use the material used as a measuring tool to measure the waist circumference of yourself or others at the smallest point, which is the natural waist circumference. Find this point by observing the part of your body that bends as you bend to the left or right, and notice that it is above the belly button and below the ribs.
- Note that there is a difference between the natural waist circumference and the waist circumference used for waistbands on pants, skirts, or shorts. If a clothing pattern requires a waist circumference, it refers to the smallest part of the torso, which is the natural waist circumference. We recommend that you take another size below your natural waist circumference that will be used when wearing clothes.
- Make sure you exhale and relax, or if you're taking someone else's measure, ask him to do the same. The abdomen should not be inflated, pulled in, or in an unnatural or tense state.
Step 3. Take the size of the hip circumference
Wrap the material used as a measuring tool on your own hip or the hips of another woman at the widest part to determine the size of the hip circumference.
- The widest point on your hips is usually about 20cm below your natural waistline, but this distance can vary from person to person. Take a few different measurements if you want to make sure you've found the widest point.
- If you are taking measurements for yourself, make sure the material used as the measuring instrument is circular evenly around the hips and buttocks. So, check your reflection in the mirror.
Step 4. Take an inseam measurement
Take the inseam size for trousers by measuring the length from the groin (groin) to the ankle while the leg is in a straight position.
- This work will be easier to do on someone else or with the help of someone else if you want to take your own measure. If no one else is available, you can also measure the inseam of trousers that are the right size for you.
- The correct inseam size for trousers may vary depending on the style of the pants and the height of the heels to be worn with the pants.
Step 5. Take any other size needed
Use the material used as a measuring tool to take the measurements of other body parts needed for size guides or clothing patterns.
- Be sure to always measure the body part from the widest or longest part. Take measurements at the widest part of the arm or thigh, for example, and measure the length of the arm with the arms folded to ensure flexibility.
- It may be helpful to tie the waist with a string or elastic so that you can use it as a benchmark to take other measurements such as front waist length, back waist length, and crotch circumference (rise).
Method 3 of 3: Taking Clothing Sizes (for Men)
Step 1. Take the size of the neck circumference
Use the material used as a measuring tool to measure your own neck or someone else's to determine the size of the circle at the base of the neck.
- The measurement should be taken about 2.5 cm below the Adam's apple.
- Slide your finger under the gauge to give a little extra room and comfort for the shirt collar.
Step 2. Take the bust measurement
Measure your own chest circumference or someone else's chest circumference by wrapping the measuring tape around the back of the shoulders, under the armpits, and over the fullest part of the chest.
- The chest should not be stretched out or pulled in while taking the measurement. Try to keep your chest in a comfortable and relaxed position so that the gauge can fit snugly against your skin as you exhale.
- Measurements for jackets or suits also include a letter behind the bust measurement. R (Regular) is usually for men with sizes 38 to 40 and L (Long) for sizes 42 to 44.
Step 3. Take the sleeve measurement
Measure the length from the shoulder joint to the wrist bone to determine the correct sleeve length for a shirt or jacket.
- For shirt measurements, fold elbows to ensure freedom of movement.
- For jackets, take measurements with the sleeves straight from the outer ends of the shoulders to the ends of the desired sleeves.
Step 4. Take your waist measurement
Take a waist measurement by holding the gauge around your own or someone else's torso, just above your belly button.
- Make sure you are in a relaxed position and exhale, do not inflate your waist or pull it in while taking the measurement. If you are taking measurements for another man, ask him to do the same.
- Be aware that you may need to take a measurement of your hip circumference, close to where the waistband is when you take measurements for trousers.
Step 5. Determine the inseam size
Take a crotch-to-ankle measurement along the inside of the foot to get your or someone else's inseam measurement.
- If you can't get help getting your inseam size on yourself, find a pair of pants that fit and measure the length.
- Men's trousers (imported from America) usually use two sizes: the first is the waist size and the second is the inseam size.
Step 6. Take any other size needed
Use a measuring tool to take measurements of other body parts needed for a sizing guide or clothing pattern.
- Make sure you take measurements at the widest part of your body.
- Sometimes you'll also need to take other measurements such as wrist circumference, shoulder width, hip width, and shirt or jacket length to create a tailor-made suit for you.
Tips
- If possible, take measurements on yourself or others without wearing clothes or wearing only underwear.
- When in doubt, increase the size you can, don't reduce it. It is easier to change clothes that are too big than one that is too narrow.
- If you decide to buy a tape measure to take your body measurements, make sure you choose a flexible type. You can usually buy it at a sewing shop or craft store. Do not buy metal tape measure which is usually used for construction or home renovation purposes.
