Clothing Size Measurement Guide: How to Measure Bust, Waist & Hips
Updated: May 27, 2026
Tools You Need
- Soft flexible tape measure (sewing/dressmaker’s tape)
- Mirror or a helper (for back measurements)
- Underwear only — never measure over clothing
How to Measure: Women’s
Bust
- Stand straight, arms relaxed at sides
- Wrap tape around the fullest part of your bust, parallel to the floor
- Do not pull tight — tape should be snug but not compressing
- Round to the nearest 0.5” (0.5 cm)
Common error: Measuring over a heavily padded bra inflates the bust measurement. Measure in a thin bralette or unlined bra.
Waist
- Find the natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso (above the hip bones, roughly 1–2 inches above the belly button)
- Exhale naturally, do not suck in
- Wrap tape snugly around the natural waist
Common error: Measuring where you wear your jeans (low waist) rather than the natural waist. Low waist = hips, not waist.
Hips
- Stand with feet together
- Measure around the fullest part of hips and buttocks — usually 7–9 inches below the natural waist
- Keep tape parallel to the floor
Common error: Measuring too high (at the hip bones) instead of the fullest part 8 inches below the waist.
How to Measure: Men’s
Chest
- Wrap tape around the fullest part of the chest, usually just below the armpits
- Keep tape parallel to the floor
- Arms relaxed at sides
Waist
- Measure around the natural waist for shirt/suit sizing
- For trouser sizing: measure where you actually wear your trousers (usually lower, at the hip bone level)
Note: Shirt waist = natural waist. Trouser waist = lower — check which is being referenced on the size label. For dress shirt collar sizing and trouser inseam details, see the Men’s Clothing Size Guide.
Inseam (trousers)
- Stand barefoot
- Measure from the crotch seam to the floor, or to your preferred trouser break
- Standard breaks: no break (contemporary), slight break (classic), full break (traditional)
How to Measure: Kids
Use height as the primary measurement — it’s more consistent than age or weight across brands.
| Measurement | Technique |
|---|---|
| Height | Stand barefoot against a wall. Mark top of head. Measure from floor to mark. |
| Chest | Around fullest part of chest, just below armpits. |
| Waist | Around natural waist, relaxed (not sucked in). |
| Inseam | Crotch to floor, barefoot. |
For kids, always cross-check with the specific garment’s size chart — children’s sizing varies more by brand than adult sizing. See Why Clothing Sizes Vary by Brand for how brand-level variation affects all sizes.
Key Measurements Summary
| Measurement | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Bust/Chest | Fullest part of chest | Fullest part of chest |
| Waist | Natural waist (narrowest) | Natural waist (shirts) / trouser line (pants) |
| Hips | Fullest part, ~8” below waist | Fullest part of seat (trousers) |
| Inseam | Optional for women | Essential for trousers |
When Your Measurements Fall Between Sizes
Size up: If any measurement falls in the next size up, take the larger size. Clothing can be altered (taken in) — the opposite direction (letting out) requires seam allowance.
Fit priority by garment type:
- Tops and jackets: Bust/chest is primary. Shoulders must fit — can’t be altered easily.
- Trousers and skirts: Waist or hips (whichever is larger) is primary. Waist can be taken in; hip cannot be let out easily.
- Dresses: Largest of bust/waist/hips is primary. Buy for widest part, alter elsewhere.
Use the Clothing Size Calculator to convert your measurements to US, UK, EU, and AU sizes instantly.
See also: US vs UK vs EU Clothing Sizes and How to Find Your Clothing Size.