Identifying the width of your body is not only a good indication of how you are gaining or losing weight but it is also an important step to take when purchasing clothes. You want what you wear to be comfortable but still correctly fitted so that you look at your best. It is a simple task to take down the many width measurements required yourself, avoiding a trip to the tailor.

Measure your bust first before working your way down. Have your arms relaxed by your sides and have the friend measure at the fullest part of your bust.

Identify where your trouser line would normally be and measure your waist at this point. Keep one finger in between your body and the tape measure if you are taking the measurements with a view to buying clothes.

Measure your hips at their fullest part. While doing so, stand straight with your heels together.

Identify the widest point on your thigh and buttocks area, by sight, before measuring the area.

Put on a shirt that has a collar that you feel suits you well. Take a measurement of the size of this collar if you are looking to get the width for buying a shirt. For any other reasons, measure around your neck at the base to determine your neck width.

Measure your over-arm width by running the tape around the highest part of your shoulder blades, the fullest part of your arms and along your chest.

Relax your arms by your side and measure your chest at the armpits, running along the highest part of your chest and shoulder blades.