How to Take Measurements for Tailoring

In order to make well-fitting clothes, proper measurements are critical. Tailors take measurements to make custom made clothing or in order to fit a purchased item to your body such as a suit or dress. If you want to measure yourself for clothing, have someone to help you as it is difficult to get good measurements when measuring by yourself. Use a tailor’s ruler and measure to the nearest quarter inch.

Measure your chest at the widest point of the chest or across the bust.

Measure your waist at the narrowest point of the waist.

Measure your hips at the widest point on the hips.

Measure the length from the base of you neck to the base of the spine.

Measure the length from the base of the spine to the length of where the garment needs to end.

Measure the inseam from the crotch to where the garment needs to end.

Measure the Crotch depth by sitting in a chair and measuring from the seat to your waist.