Understand body measurements, sizing, and patterns.
Required Measurements Female Bust BustWaistHip Back waist length Height (without shoes)
Required Measurements MaleChestWaistHip Neck: measurement plus ½” Sleeve length Inseam Height (without shoes)
For greatest accuracy, women should have their measurements taken while wearing undergarments
Tips Take measurements over snug fitting clothes Hold tape measure snug but not tight Have someone help you measure Use Bust/chest measurement for dresses, shirts, or blouses Use hip measurement for skirts or pants (females) Use waist measurement for pants (males)
Determine Pattern Size If I already know what size clothing I purchase, why do I need to know my pattern size?
Yes Apparel Industry clothing is not standardized and varies from company to company.
Determine Pattern Size If you fall between sizes: consider design If you fall between sizes: consider design If design is loose-select smaller size If design is loose-select smaller size If design is close fitting- select larger size If design is close fitting- select larger size
Wearing Ease Do patterns fit your body measurements exactly?
No All patterns have a certain amount of built in ease for comfort
Design Ease Extra fullness added by the designer to create a particular silhouette
Techniques to Take Body Measurements for Women Bust: at the fullest part Waist: natural waist Waist: natural waist Hips: at the fullest part Hips: at the fullest part Back Waist Length: prominent bone at the back of the neck to the waist
Techniques to Take Body Measurements for Men Chest: at the fullest part Chest: at the fullest part Waist: Smallest part of the waistline Waist: Smallest part of the waistline Inseam: From the underside of the crotch to desired hem length Inseam: From the underside of the crotch to desired hem length Hips: at the fullest part Hips: at the fullest part Neck band: Measurement around the base of the neck + ½” Neck band: Measurement around the base of the neck + ½” Arm length: from the prominent bone a the base of the neck along the back of a slightly bent elbow to the wrist bone Arm length: from the prominent bone a the base of the neck along the back of a slightly bent elbow to the wrist bone
Take Body Measurements What should you be wearing to take body measurements?
Take Body Measurements Should you take your own measurements or should you have a partner take your body measurements?
Take Body Measurements: Tool Which measuring tool should be used to take body measurements?
Take Body Measurements: Tool How should the measuring tape be held?
Take Body Measurements: Tool Snug but not tight