How to measure a top length

Short answer: Top length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder straight down to the bottom hem. The figure tells you how far the piece reaches on the body, and whether it covers what you want covered.

From the highest point of the shoulder

Start at the neck, where the shoulder seam meets the collar, and measure straight down. That is the highest point of the shoulder and where most size guides measure from. If you start out at the shoulder edge, you get a different figure. Hold the tape still at the start while you run it down.

Straight down, not along the body

The tape should fall vertically, not follow the curves of the body. A tape that follows the chest gives a longer figure than the piece really is, so the top ends up shorter than expected. Let the tape hang freely and read it where you want the hem. This applies to tops and underwear alike.

Decide where the hem should sit

Before measuring, think about where the top should end. Should it cover the waistband, reach over the hip or stop at the waist? A short top can look good over high trousers, while a longer one is more comfortable when you bend. See women's bamboo tops, where the length varies between models.

Compare with a piece you know

The surest method is to measure a top whose length you like. Lay it flat on a table, smooth out the fabric and measure from the shoulder seam at the neck straight down to the hem. Compare that figure with the guide on the product page. Then you know whether the new top will be longer or shorter.

Length in the inner layer

Length matters a lot for the inner layer. A vest or top that is too short rides up when you move, and the hem shows under what you wear on top. Choose a length that reaches a little below the waistband. See bamboo underwear for women and check the length in the guide.

Think about washing

Clothes can change slightly after washing, depending on material and temperature. Follow the care label, wash at a low temperature and let the top dry flat or hanging rather than in a tumble dryer. That keeps the length best. When comparing, measure a top that has been washed a few times.

The whole outfit fits together

Top length affects how the rest of the outfit looks. A longer top lengthens the silhouette, while a shorter one shows more of the trousers and can make the legs look longer. When the top sits right, the rest is easier to match, right down to details like bamboo socks.

Write it down

Write the top length down along with chest, shoulder width and sleeve length. Then you have every figure to hand next time you shop and can quickly see whether a new model suits what you usually like. Measure again if you start to prefer a different length.

Frequently asked questions

How do you measure top length

From the highest point of the shoulder at the neck straight down to the bottom hem, with the tape hanging freely.

Why should the tape fall vertically

Because a tape that follows the curves of the body gives a longer figure than the piece really is, and the top then ends up shorter than expected.

What is the surest method

Measuring a top whose length you already like, and comparing that figure with the guide on the product page. Then you know exactly what you get.