When shopping online, sizing is among the most significant issues customers face because they can’t physically try anything on. Even with a general idea of your actual body measurements, it’s a great idea to take full advantage of the online sizing chart if available. Using a measuring tape, take your overall measurements, then base them off the given chart. Remember that sizing can vary widely by brand and even by type of clothing.
RULE OF THUMB; If you are unsure of your overall measurement even after measuring yourself and using the retailer’s size guide, a good rule of thumb is to go a size up. If you think you are in between sizes, it would be much easier to make any necessary alterations with a slightly bigger garment than a smaller one.
So, to avoid sizing snafus and ensure you nab the right fit every time, use the following guide to take accurate body measurements when shopping online. You will need a pen, paper and a flexible measuring tape.
TAKING BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR WOMEN
Once you comprehend the store’s sizing policies, wear form-fitting clothing that will not get in the way, then have a pen and paper to record the following measurements using flexible tape;
• BUST — First determine your band size using a measuring tape to measure around your torso directly under your bust snugly, wear a bra band would sit. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches. If it’s odd, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. For example, if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. Next, place the tape measure under your armpits and around the most prominent point around your breasts (nipple level). To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust measurement. Use those measurements to refer to the size chart to select your correct size. Some sports bras brands make it even simpler by choosing a size that corresponds with your t-shirt size, such as small, medium, or large.
• NATURAL WAIST — From the top portion of your pelvic bone, above your hips, and below your rib cage.
• HIPS — Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your body just, ensuring to keep the tape snug but not tight.
• ARMS — With your bicep flexed and relaxed, tightly wrap the tape measure around your bicep both times and record the measurements.
• HEIGHT — If needed, stand straight against the wall touching your head, back, and heel, then have someone use a flexible, inelastic tape to measure the distance from the mark on the wall to the floor.
TAKING BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR MEN
Begin by choosing the fit you like the most, between classic, regular, slim, and comfortable. This will give you a rough idea of how your final fit will turn out. Then with a flexible tape, take the following body measurements and write them down as you go;
• CHEST — Wrap the tape under the armpits and around the chest, in line with your nipples.
• NECK — Place the tape a little under Adam’s apple.
• SHOULDER WIDTH — With tape perfectly straight, while following the natural curve of your back, measure from the outside edge of the left shoulder to the right.
• ARM LENGTH — Place the tape from the outside edge of the shoulder to the wrist bone.
• WRIST — Wrap the measuring tape around just below your wrist bone.
• BICEP — Place the tape around the largest point of your relaxed biceps, and record the values.
• WAISTLINE — Place the tape four fingers from your navel, then wrap the tape around your stomach in line with the belly button.
• HIPS — Wrap the tape around the widest point of your buttocks, which is slightly above the crotch line.
• THIGH — Wrap the tape measure slightly below your crotch and around your thigh.
• INSIDE LEG — With your shoes off and legs slightly wide apart, place the tape (lightly taut) at the highest center point below the crotch line, following the natural shape of the inner leg to the floor.
TAKING MEASUREMENTS FOR KIDS
While American, British, and Australian clothing sizes are generally based on age, it’s advisable to use a measuring tape and (with the above guidelines for men and women) take accurate measurements of your child’s body, then refer to a size chart to know the corresponding clothing size to the measurements you’ve taken. For example, to find form-fitting pants for your child;
• Measure the fullest part of the child’s hips.
• Take measurements of his/ her natural waist near the navel.
• For height sizing, measure the inseam. This is measured from the floor to the center of the crotch, along the inside leg. Then match your child’s measurements to the specific size charts of the clothing brand you buy from.
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