How to measure yourself with a tape

Short answer: Measure directly on your body, without clothes or with just a thin layer. The tape should sit level and be snug enough not to slip, without pressing in. That gives you numbers you can trust when you choose a size.

Why an accurate measurement saves trouble

Most people choose their size out of habit or based on what they bought last time. But brands and styles are cut differently, and your body changes over time too. A few minutes with a tape measure gives you numbers you can compare directly with a size guide. It makes the choice calmer and reduces the chance of a return.

Three measurements cover most things

Bust, waist and hip are the three numbers used in almost every size guide. With them you can choose anything from bamboo panties to tops and trousers. The bust measurement is for shirts and tops, the waist for waistbands and the hip for anything that sits over the seat. With those three numbers you are well prepared.

Get ready before you measure

Take your clothes off, or keep only a thin layer you normally wear underneath. Stand in front of a mirror with your feet together and your arms relaxed at your sides. Have paper and a pen ready so you can write things down straight away. Try to measure at the same time of day each time, so the numbers compare.

Keep the tape level

If the tape is crooked, the measurement comes out too large and you end up in a size too big. It usually happens at the back, where you cannot see it. Check in a mirror or ask someone to watch. The same applies when you measure your foot for bamboo socks, with the tape straight along the floor.

Snug, but not too tight

The tape should rest against your skin without falling, but it must not press in. If you can just slide one finger underneath, it is right. Pull too hard and the number gets too small, so the clothes feel tight when you wear them. Hold the tape lightly between your fingers while you read the number.

Measure twice

Measure each spot twice and use the average, which evens out small errors in where the tape sits. If there is more than a centimetre between them, measure a third time. Write the numbers down so you have them next time you buy bamboo sweatpants for women or other clothes with a waistband.

Compare with the size guide

Once you have your numbers, look them up in the guide for the item you are viewing. Read the guide for that exact style, since fit can vary. If you fall between two sizes, the fabric decides. Knits with stretch give, while firm fabrics do not. The guide is a starting point, and your own measurement is what counts.

Save the numbers for next time

Store your measurements on your phone with a date. Then you have them when you shop, and you can see if anything has changed since last time. Many people find their measurements shift a little over a year, so a list is handy. It also makes it easier to help someone else choose a gift.

Frequently asked questions

Should you measure with clothes on

No, or only with a thin layer. Thick clothes give a measurement that is too large, and you may then pick a size that sits loosely.

How often should you measure yourself

Once a year, or whenever something starts to fit differently. Your body changes over time, and old numbers can lead to the wrong choice.

What if you do not have a tape measure

Use a piece of string, mark where it meets, and then measure it on a table with a ruler or a folding rule.