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How to Measure Your Body

Complete guide to taking accurate body measurements for clothing, shoes, and bra sizes. Get the perfect fit every time with our step-by-step instructions.

What You'll Need

Soft Measuring Tape

A flexible fabric measuring tape (not metal) for accurate body measurements

Well-Fitting Undergarments

Wear properly fitted bra and underwear for accurate measurements

Mirror

Full-length mirror to check tape positioning and posture

Helper (Optional)

Someone to help ensure accurate measurements, especially for back measurements

Clothing Measurements

For Women's Clothing

Bust/Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, typically across the nipple line. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and breathe normally.

Waist

Measure around your natural waistline - the narrowest part of your torso, usually about 1-2 inches above your belly button.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, typically about 7-9 inches below your natural waistline.

Inseam

Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of your ankle. Best measured on well-fitting pants or with help.

Sleeve Length

Measure from the shoulder seam, down the arm to the wrist bone. Keep your arm slightly bent at the elbow.

Shoulder Width

Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other, across your back at the widest point.

For Men's Clothing

Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, typically just under the arms and across the shoulder blades.

Waist

Measure around your natural waistline where you normally wear your pants. Don't suck in your stomach.

Neck

Measure around the base of your neck where a shirt collar would sit. Add one finger space for comfort.

Sleeve Length

Measure from the center back of your neck, over your shoulder, down to your wrist bone.

How to Measure Your Feet for Shoes

A simple step-by-step guide to measure your foot length and width at home to find the perfect shoe size.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Gather a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or tape measure. Place the paper on a hard, flat surface.

Step 2: Trace Your Foot

Sit in a chair and place your foot firmly on the paper. Trace the outline of your foot. Keep the pen perpendicular to the paper for accuracy.

Step 3: Measure Length and Width

Use the ruler to measure the distance from the heel to the tip of your longest toe (this is the Length). Then, measure across the widest part of your foot (this is the Width).

Step 4: Find Your Size

Use your length and width measurements to find your corresponding size on a brand's shoe size chart. It's best to measure both feet and use the larger of the two measurements.

How to Measure Your Finger for Rings

Find your ring size easily at home with this simple method.

Step 1: Use a String or Paper

Wrap a piece of string or a thin strip of paper snugly around the base of the finger you want to measure. Make sure it's not too tight but can slide over your knuckle. Mark the point where the end meets.

Step 2: Measure the Circumference

Straighten the string or paper and use a ruler to measure its length from the start to the mark you made. Measure in millimeters (mm) for the most accuracy. This measurement is your finger's circumference.

Step 3: Convert to a Ring Size

Use the circumference measurement (in mm) and our Ring Size Converter or an international ring size chart to find your corresponding US, UK, or EU ring size.

Bra Measurements

Band Size Measurement

Measure around your ribcage, just under your bust. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

Tips:

  • Measure on bare skin or over a thin shirt
  • Keep tape parallel to the floor
  • Take measurement on exhale

Bust Measurement

Wearing a non-padded bra, measure around the fullest part of your bust.

Tips:

  • Use a well-fitting, non-padded bra
  • Don't pull the tape too tight
  • Measure at the same level as your nipples

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Measuring over a padded or push-up bra
  • • Pulling the tape too tight or too loose
  • • Measuring when your bra doesn't fit properly
  • • Not keeping the tape level around your body

When to Re-measure

  • • Every 6-12 months
  • • After significant weight changes (±5 lbs)
  • • During pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • • When hormonal changes occur

Foot Measurements

Foot Length

Place a piece of paper on the floor against a wall. Stand with your heel against the wall and mark your longest toe.

Steps:

  1. Stand on paper with heel against wall
  2. Mark the longest toe
  3. Measure from wall to mark
  4. Repeat for both feet

Foot Width

Measure across the widest part of your foot, typically at the ball of your foot.

Note:

Width is important for comfort but not always needed for size conversion.

Best Time to Measure

Measure your feet in the evening when they're at their largest size.

Why evening?

Feet naturally swell during the day due to activity and gravity.

Tips for Accuracy

  • • Wear the type of socks you'll use
  • • Measure both feet (use the larger)
  • • Stand with full weight on the foot
  • • Keep your foot flat on the ground

General Measurement Tips

Do's

  • Stand straight with good posture
  • Keep the measuring tape parallel to the floor
  • Measure over properly fitted undergarments
  • Take multiple measurements for accuracy

Don'ts

  • Don't hold your breath while measuring
  • Don't pull the tape too tight or leave it loose
  • Don't measure over bulky clothing
  • Don't assume your size hasn't changed