How to Measure

See this handy guide on how to take body and clothing measurements for the perfect fit.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Before you start, grab a tape measure (preferably a fabric one that shapes easily to your body), and a pen and paper to record your results.

GARMENT STYLES

Style A garments
Bandless elastic waist back slim pant, adjustable waist straight leg pant, long line pencil skirt, front pleat detail straight skirt, one button long line jacket, waterfall cardigan, short sleeve dress, two-way zip cardigan, empire three quarter sleeve shirt, Quinn soft top, Taylor soft top, sustainable polo, maternity crossover top and straight cut maternity pant.

Style B garments
City fit two button jacket, slim fit flat front pant, adjustable waist straight leg pant, milano vest, pineapple knit jumper, empire long sleeve shirt, end on end long sleeve shirt, sustainable polo.

BODY MEASUREMENTS

Body measurements refer to the dimensions of a person’s body, for example, the circumference of a person’s waist. As men and women naturally have different builds, there are small variations in how to best measure certain body parts.

Bust:Measurements should be taken at the fullest part of your bust. Keep the measuring tape level and straight with your arms in a relaxed, natural position. Don’t pull too tightly as we’re looking for a natural fit that allows ease and mobility when performing daily tasks.

Waist:For Style A garments, measure around your natural waistline. This is the narrowest part of your waist between your ribcage and hips, where the bend is at your side. A quick way to locate your natural waistline is to stand in front of a mirror and bend to the side. The crease that appears is the location of your natural waist.

For Style B garments, measure around the area where your pants sit on your waist while relaxing your upper body. Ensure the tape measure is snug but not pulled too tightly.

Hips:Measure around the widest part of your hips. Stand naturally with your legs placed together. Keep the measuring tape straight and aligned.

Neck:Neck measurements are taken around the base of your neck, where your neck and shoulders meet, or the collar level. It’s important to make sure that your head and chin are in a natural position and to leave about two finger spaces for a comfortable fit.

Chest:Chest measurements are taken around the area of your pecs. Stand naturally and measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape under the arms and around the shoulder blades.

GARMENT MEASUREMENTS

Garment measurements refer to the dimensions of a flat item of clothing and is an alternative to body measurements. Ensuring that your garment is laid flat is vital to guaranteeing precise measurements. Avoid warped or extremely wrinkled garments as these can alter your results.

Shoulder:First, lay the garment flat and face down. Measure across the shoulder seam from one outer edge to the other using a flexible measuring tape. Ensure the tape follows the natural curve of the shoulder without being too tight or loose.

Bust/Chest:When measuring the bust of a garment, lay it flat and face up and measure across the fullest part of the chest. This point is typically located 1-2 inches under the arms.

Waist : For Style A garments, measure around the narrowest part of the waist, between the ribcage and hips. For a precise fit, measure across the top of the pants at the waistband.

For Style B garments, measure where the pants naturally sit on the waist. For a precise fit, measure across the top of the pants at the waistband.

Hip:To measure the hip of a garment, lay it flat and measure across the fullest part of the hips, usually around the widest point of the buttocks. Make sure the measuring tape is straight and parallel to the bottom hem of the garment.

In Leg:The in leg or inseam of a garment is a key measurement to determine the length of trousers. To measure this garment accurately, lay it flat and measure from the crotch seam down the inner leg to the bottom hem. Record this measurement to determine the length of the garment’s leg.

FINDING YOUR SIZE

Now that you have taken and recorded your measurements, it’s important to understand how to read a size chart to find your perfect size. Keep in mind that sizes can differ between different suppliers and even from style to style, so always refer to the specific size chart of the garment you wish to purchase.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND SIZE CHARTS

Size charts will appear in either full or half measurements.

Full measurementsrefer to the complete circumference or length of a body part or garment. For example, a full bust measurement is the entire circumference of the chest or bust area.

Half measurementsare typically half of the full measurement. For instance, a half-bust measurement will be half of the full bust circumference, usually measured from one side of the garment or body to the other.

In between sizes?

If you're between sizes,refer to the size chart and consider the garment’s fit and style. Also consider your personal preference for how you want the garment to fit.

For example: If your 1/2 chest measurement is 52cm, and the size 8 corresponds to 51cm, while size 10 corresponds to 53cm, the best fit for you is likely to be size 10. This will ensure the garment accommodates your chest comfortably without feeling too tight. However, it’s also essential to consider the fit style of the garment; for example, if it’s a stretchy material or has a relaxed fit, you might find that size 8 still fits well despite being slightly smaller than your measurement. If possible, try on both sizes or check customer service for sizing guidance specific to the garment, to help make the best choice.

If you're still unsure or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team at 1300 844 398 or email us at customerservice@totalimagegroup.com.au We're here to help!

How to Measure

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