Measure yourself on bare skin or over clothes

Short answer: The most accurate measurement comes from bare skin or over very thin, close fitting clothes. Thick layers add centimetres and give a size that ends up too big. Choose the thinnest thing you have, and always measure the same way.

Bare skin gives the most honest number

When the tape lies directly on the skin, you measure the body and not the fabric. There are no seams, folds or linings to mislead you. If you are not comfortable undressing, you can measure in front of a mirror at home, where nobody is watching. It takes a few minutes, and the number is more reliable.

Thin and close fitting is a good alternative

You do not have to undress completely. A thin, stretchy layer that lies close to the body works well, as long as it does not fold or ripple under the tape. Use something similar to what you plan to buy, so the measurement suits daily life. Loose jumpers and hoodies should always come off.

Thick clothing adds centimetres

A jumper, a scarf or a pair of jeans can each swallow more centimetres than you think, and it is hard to subtract them afterwards. The result is a size that fits loosely and has to be returned. Take off the thick layers before you pick up the tape, even if it feels a little cool.

Always measure the same way

If you choose bare skin first, then do it every time. If you change method halfway, two numbers can look alike without meaning the same thing. Write down how you measured so you can repeat it later. That makes it easy to compare when you measure again in a year.

Is underwear a problem

Thin underwear without padding and thick seams works well for measuring the rest of the body. If you want to measure your chest or hips, remember that strong cups or seams can push the number up. Choose something soft and smooth, and check that the tape does not catch on the edges.

Use the size chart with care

Once you have your numbers, you can look them up in the chart for each item. Most people who want a place to start look at the bestsellers for women first, where the chart sits just below the pictures. The values in the chart are normally body measurements, not garment measurements, so you do not need to add anything.

If you are unsure what to pick

If you are unsure, choose according to what you are used to. If you like clothes close to the body, take the smaller of the two nearest sizes. If you want room, take the next one. Experiences from others can also help, and there are many to see among the bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo.

Where and when you measure

Try to measure in the morning before the day has left its marks, since after a meal the stomach can be a little bigger than usual. Make sure you have good light and a mirror so you can see that the tape lies level. For socks for women you usually need only your shoe size, so there is no need to measure the body.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take off all my clothes to measure?

That is not a requirement. Thin, close fitting clothing without thick seams works well. What matters is that the tape does not lie over loose or thick layers that add centimetres.

Can I measure over a thick jumper and subtract a few centimetres?

It is not recommended. It is hard to guess how much the fabric adds, and the number becomes uncertain. It is better to take the jumper off and measure on bare skin or over something thin.

Does the time of day matter when I measure?

A little, yes. The body can sit differently after a meal or late in the day. Measure at a calm moment, and at the same time of day if you measure more than once.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.