1.3 LADIES MEASUREMENTS
The various positions on the body where measurements are to be taken are shown.
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the bust raising the measuring tape slightly to
a level just below the shoulder blades at the back.
Waist: Measure snugly around the waist (where you tied the cord) keeping the tape
parallel to the floor.
Neck: Measure around the neck, passing the tape just above the collar bone in front and
along the base of the neck at the back.
Shoulder: Measure from the neck joint to the arm joint along the middle of the shoulder
(A to B in Fig.1.1a).
Front waist length: Measure down from neck at highest point of shoulder to waist line
through the fullest part of the bust (A to C in Fig.1.1a).
Shoulder to bust: Measure down from highest point of shoulder to tip of bust (A to D in
Fig.1.1a).
Distance between bust points: Measure in the horizontal direction, the distance
between the two bust points (D to E in Fig.1.1a).
Back width or across back measurement: Measure across the back from armhole to
armhole about 3 inches below base of neck (P to Q in Fig.1.1b).
Back waist length: Measure from the base of neck at the center back to waist line (R to
S in Fig.1.1b).
Armhole depth: Measure from base of neck at center back to a point directly below it
an in level with the bottom of the arm where it joints the body (R to T in Fig.1.1b).

Sleeve measurements
Upper arm circumference: Measure around the fullest part of the arm.
Lower arm: Measure around the arm at desired level corresponding to lower edge of sleeve.
Elbow circumference: Measure around the arm elbow.
Wrist: Measure around the wrist.
Sleeve length: For short sleeve length, measure down from tip of shoulder at top of
arm to desired length of sleeve (B to F in Fig.1.1a). For elbow length sleeve measure from
top of arm to elbow point (B to G in Fig.1.1a). For full length, bend the elbow slightly and
measure down from top of arm to back of wrist passing the tape over the elbow point (B to H
in Fig.1.1a).

Skirt measurements
Waist: Same as for bodice.
Hip: Measure around the fullest part or the hip horizontally. (This level will be bout
7 to 9 inches below the waist for an average figure).
Waist to hip: Measure down from waist at centre back to fullest part of the hip (S to
U in Fig.1.1b).
Skirt length: Measure down the centre back from waist to desired length of skirt (S
to V in Fig.1.1b)

1.2 PREPARATION FOR MEASURING
For taking the measurements, use a good quality measuring tape which is sturdy and
will not stretch. The metal end of the tape should be used for vertical measurements and the
other end for horizontal and circumference measurements. The measurements should be
taken over a smooth fitting foundation garment and never over bulky garments. Before taking
measurements, tie a cord or string around the waist. Next, take ¼” wide tape and cast it
around your armhole. This will make it easier to measure width of shoulders, arm depth
etc. Stand erect with the arms hanging straight at the sides while measurements are being
made by some one else. Take snug measurements rather that tight or loose ones. Hold the
tape parallel to the floor for horizontal measurements, and perpendicular to the floor for
vertical measurements. As the measurements are taken, record them in a note book or laptop or tablet computer.

1.1 IMPORTANCE OF BODY MEASUREMENT

In order to construct garments that fit well, body measurements must be taken with
precision. You can draft original patterns based on these measurements which can be used as
the basis of a variety of styles. You may buy commercial patterns, but to select the pattern
of correct size and later to make pattern adjustments to fit your figure you have to know your
own measurements.