If you want to buy a shirt or dress that fits, you need to know your chest size. To find your bust size, all you need is a cloth tape measure and a pencil to write down the number. Wrap the tape measure around your body and measure the widest part of your chest. Read on to learn more about how to find chest sizes for men and women.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Measuring Chest Size for Women
Step 1. Find the fabric meter
This type of fabric tape measure is easy to loop around your body, and measures curves accurately. If you don't have one, you can wrap a piece of string around your body and then measure it with a ruler.
Step 2. Find a friend to help you measure
Accurately measuring your chest size alone is a little tricky, so if possible, see if you can find a friend to help you out. Otherwise, you'll need to be extra careful to make sure the tape measure doesn't slide down the back.
Step 3. Take off your shirt, but keep your bra on
The extra fabric will only add a few centimeters to your measurements. Since you will be wearing the bra under the shirt you are measuring, the extra fabric in the bra should be included in your measurements.
Step 4. Wrap the tape measure around your chest
Position it so that the meter is parallel to the floor, and falls right under your armpits. Wrap it around your back so that the ends meet at the front, around the widest part of your chest.
- Do not puff out your chest or exhale; just stand normally.
- Make sure the fabric meter is not twisted.
Step 5. Look in the mirror to find your size
The place where the end of the tape measure meets the other side is where you'll find a number that says your bust size.
Part 2 of 2: Measuring Chest Size for Men
Step 1. Find the fabric meter
This type of fabric meter is made of soft material which makes it easy to wrap around your body. If you don't have one, you can use a piece of yarn to wrap it around your chest, and measure the yarn with a ruler to get your measurements.
Step 2. Consider asking someone to help you measure
You'll get the most accurate measurement if someone holds the meter for you, as they can make sure it's aligned properly around your back. However, you can still get a fairly accurate measurement if you want to do it yourself.
If you have to take measurements alone, take them in front of a mirror, so you can see if the tape measure around you is parallel to the floor
Step 3. Take off your shirt
Clothes add extra width to the measurement, so it's better to wear nothing on your chest.
Step 4. Wrap the tape around your chest
Slide the tape measure so that it goes around your chest and falls right under your armpits. Place it securely around the widest part of your chest, which is often above or just above the nipple line. If you are taking your own measurements, make sure the meter is not facing upside down so you can read it in the mirror.
- Hold the ends of the meter with both hands in front of you, so you can see the measurement.
- Look in the mirror and make sure the fabric meter is not twisted.
- Make sure the tape measure is circled at the same height. Must be parallel to the floor.
Step 5. Stand normally
Don't puff out your chest or stretch your muscles. This will add a few centimeters to the measurement and make it less accurate.
Step 6. Record your measurements
Look in the mirror where the end of the tape measure meets the rest of the tape measure in front of your chest. This number is your bust size.
- Don't look down at the meter to read your measurements, as this could cause the meter to shift. Just look in the mirror.
- Add 2 inches (5 cm) to the size of any garment if you want it to be a little looser, like a shirt. Always take these measurements with you when buying clothes.
Things You Will Need
- Meter cloth
- Mirror
- Servant
