How to Measure Yourself
Accurate measurements are the foundation of well-fitting clothes. This guide covers everything you need to know to measure yourself for clothing and footwear.
Before You Start
- Use a soft measuring tape. If you don't have one, use a non-stretchy string and measure it with a ruler afterward.
- Wear fitted clothing. Measure in underwear or thin, form-fitting clothes. Baggy clothing adds bulk and skews measurements.
- Keep the tape level. The measuring tape should be parallel to the floor around your body, not tilted.
- Stand naturally. Don't suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. Stand relaxed with normal posture.
- Tape should be snug, not tight. You should be able to fit one finger between the tape and your body.
Clothing Measurements
Chest / Bust
Used for: T-shirts, polos, button-downs, jackets, hoodies
- Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest (usually across the nipples)
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor all the way around
- Breathe normally—don't hold your breath
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters
Pro tip: If you're between sizes, size up for a relaxed fit or stay true for a fitted look.
Waist
Used for: Pants, shorts, belts, skirts
- Find your natural waistline—bend to the side and note where your body creases
- This is typically above your belly button and below your ribs
- Wrap the tape around at this point, keeping it level
- Don't suck in your stomach—stand naturally
- The tape should be snug but comfortable
Note: Many pants are designed to sit at the hips, not the natural waist. Check where the waistband is meant to sit.
Hips
Used for: Pants, shorts, underwear
- Stand with your feet together
- Find the widest part of your hips and buttocks
- Wrap the tape around at this point, keeping it level
- A good way to check: sit down and stand up, then take the measurement
Inseam
Used for: Pants, shorts (leg length)
- Remove your shoes and stand straight with feet slightly apart
- Measure from where your thigh meets your groin (the crotch seam area)
- Measure straight down the inside of your leg to the floor
- For pants: measure to where you want them to fall (ankle bone for most styles)
Alternative method: Measure a pair of pants that fit well. Lay them flat and measure from the crotch seam to the bottom hem.
Neck
Used for: Dress shirts, collared shirts
- Wrap the tape around the base of your neck where a collar would sit
- Keep the tape level and slightly loose—you should be able to fit two fingers between the tape and your neck
- Round up to the nearest half-inch for comfort
Sleeve Length
Used for: Long-sleeve shirts, jackets
- Stand with your arm relaxed but slightly bent at the elbow
- Have someone measure from the center back of your neck
- Go across your shoulder, down your arm, to your wrist bone
- The slight bend ensures shirts don't ride up when you move
Shoulder Width
Used for: Jackets, blazers, structured shirts
- Measure across your back from shoulder point to shoulder point
- The shoulder point is where your shoulder meets your arm (the bony protrusion)
- Keep the tape straight across—don't follow the curve of your back
Shoe Measurements
When to Measure Your Feet
- • Measure in the afternoon or evening. Feet swell throughout the day from walking and standing.
- • Wear the socks you'll use. If you're buying running shoes, wear athletic socks while measuring.
- • Measure both feet. Most people have one foot larger than the other—fit to the larger foot.
- • Re-measure every few years. Feet change size due to age, weight, and other factors.
Foot Length
- Place a piece of paper on the floor against a wall
- Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall
- Put your full weight on the foot—don't hover
- Mark the tip of your longest toe (for many people, this is the second toe)
- Measure from the wall edge to your toe mark in inches or centimeters
- Repeat for your other foot and use the larger measurement
Foot Width
- While standing on the paper, mark the widest points on both sides of your foot
- This is typically across the ball of your foot (the widest part)
- Measure the distance between these two marks
- Use this measurement to determine your width size (Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide)
How Shoes Should Fit
- Toe space: Leave a thumb's width (about ½ inch) between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
- Heel lock: Your heel should stay in place when you walk—no slipping out.
- Midfoot: Should feel snug but not tight. No pinching on the sides.
- Toe box: Toes should be able to wiggle freely without touching the sides.
- For athletic shoes: Go up a half size. Feet swell during exercise.
Important: A shoe should feel comfortable right out of the box. Don't rely on "breaking in" to fix a poor fit.
Quick Reference: US Shoe Sizes
| Foot Length (in) | Men's US | Women's US |
|---|---|---|
| 9.25" | 6 | 7.5 |
| 9.5" | 7 | 8.5 |
| 9.75" | 8 | 9.5 |
| 10" | 9 | 10.5 |
| 10.25" | 10 | 11.5 |
| 10.5" | 11 | 12.5 |
| 10.75" | 12 | 13.5 |
| 11" | 13 | — |
Note: Sizing varies between brands. Always check the specific brand's size chart before ordering.
Keep Your Measurements Handy
Once you've measured yourself, save these numbers somewhere accessible—your phone notes app is perfect. Having your measurements ready makes online shopping much easier.