Quick answer: To measure yourself for clothes, use a soft measuring tape over light clothing. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, around your natural waist (the narrowest point, just above the belly button) and around the widest part of your hips. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight, and write the numbers down in inches.
What you need
- A soft tailor's tape (a phone charging cable and a ruler work in a pinch)
- A mirror, or someone to help
- Light, close-fitting clothing or a well-fitting bra
- Two minutes and a pen
How do you measure your bust?
Stand straight with your arms relaxed. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, usually across the nipples, and around your back. Keep it level all the way round. Breathe normally and read the number where the tape meets. This is the measurement to compare with a size guide's "bust".
How do you find and measure your natural waist?
Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2 to 3 centimetres above your belly button. Bend sideways: the crease that forms is your waist. Wrap the tape around it, keep one finger under the tape for comfort, and read the number.
How do you measure your hips?
Stand with your feet together. Measure around the widest part of your hips and seat, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Hip measurements matter most for trousers, culottes and fitted skirts.
How do you measure garment length?
For a top or dress, measure from the highest point of the shoulder, where the shoulder seam would sit, straight down to where you want the hem to fall. The easiest way is to lay a garment you love flat and measure it from the shoulder seam to the hem. Compare that with the "length" on our product pages.
| Measurement | Where to measure | Matters most for |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | Fullest part of the chest | Tops, knits, dresses, shirts |
| Waist | Narrowest part of the torso | Skirts, trousers, dresses |
| Hips | Widest part of hips and seat | Trousers, culottes, fitted skirts |
| Length | Shoulder point to hem | Tops, dresses, capes |
| Sleeve | Shoulder seam to wrist | Sweaters, shirts |
Common measuring mistakes
- Pulling the tape tight. It should rest flat against your body without digging in.
- Letting the tape slope. A tape that dips at the back adds an inch or more.
- Measuring over a thick sweater. Wear light clothing so the numbers reflect you, not your layers.
- Rounding down. If you are between two numbers, use the larger one.
How to use your measurements on Guys n' Gals
Every product page has a Size guide button that lists that piece's own length, bust, waist and sleeve in inches, measured flat on the actual garment. If your bust is 37 inches and a top says "fits up to 38 inches", it will fit comfortably. If you are close to the limit, choose a style with more stretch, such as a rib knit. Not sure? Message us and we will measure the piece again for you.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure in inches or centimetres?
Use inches for Guys n' Gals size guides. One inch is 2.54 centimetres if you need to convert.
Should I measure over clothes?
Measure over light, close-fitting clothing or a well-fitting bra. Thick layers add to the numbers and can make you choose a size that is too big.
What if my bust and waist suggest different sizes?
For tops and dresses, go by the bust. For skirts and trousers, go by the waist and hips. Free-size knits often fit both comfortably because they stretch.
How often should I re-measure?
Every six months, or before a big purchase. Bodies change with seasons, fitness and life events.
Measured and ready? Start with our guide to free size, then browse new arrivals.
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